Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/03/12/2015-04228/nasa-federal-acquisition-regulation-supplement
Timestamp: 2017-10-23 15:36:09
Document Index: 662128286

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 1809', 'art 1809', 'art 1817', 'art 1817', 'art 1817', 'art 1819', 'art 1823', 'art 1828', 'art 1841', 'art—1846', 'art 1800', 'art 1827', 'art 27', 'arts 1809', 'art 1809', 'art 1817', 'art 1817', 'art 32', 'art 1823', 'art 1823', 'art 1823', 'art 1827', 'art 1245', 'art 1', 'art1245', 'art 1245', 'art 1', 'art 1245', 'art 1', 'art 1828', 'art 1828', 'art 1831', 'art 1832', 'art 1837', 'art 1841', 'art 1842', 'art 1846', 'art 1852', 'art 2', 'art 1245', 'art 1', 'art 1245', 'art 1', 'art 2']

A Rule by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on 03/12/2015
12935-12953 (19 pages)
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1809, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1823, 1827, 1828, 1831, 1832, 1834, 1837, 1841, 1842, 1846, 1849, 1851, and 1852
Subpart 1809.6 [Removed]
Subpart 1817.71 [Removed]
Subpart 1817.73 [Redesignated as Subpart 1817.70]
Subpart 1819.10, 1819.70 and 1819.71 [Removed and Reserved]
Subpart 1823.10 [Removed]
Subpart 1828.1 [Removed]
Subpart 1841-5 [Removed and Reserved]
Subpart—1846.1 General
PRE-PROPOSAL/PRE-BID CONFERENCE (MONTH/YEAR)
SPECIAL 8(a) CONTRACT CONDITIONS (MONTH/YEAR)
NOTIFICATION OF COMPETITION LIMITED TO ELIGIBLE 8(A) CONCERNS (MONTH/YEAR)
INDIVIDUAL SUBCONTRACTING REPORTS (MONTH/YEAR)
AUTHORIZATION FOR RADIO FREQUENCY USE (MONTH/YEAR)
NEW TECHNOLOGY (MONTH/YEAR)
REQUESTS FOR WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS (MONTH/YEAR)
DESIGNATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE AND PATENT REPRESENTATIVE (MONTH/YEAR)
PATENT RIGHTS CLAUSES (MONTH/YEAR)
INVENTION REPORTING AND RIGHTS—FOREIGN (MONTH/YEAR)
COMMERCIAL COMPUTER SOFTWARE LICENSE (MONTH/YEAR)
DETERMINATION OF COMPENSATION REASONABLENESS (MONTH/YEAR)
NASA Modification of FAR 52.232-12 (Month/Year)
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2015-04228 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2015-04228
Cynthia Boots, NASA, Office of Procurement, email: cynthia.d.boots@nasa.gov, or 202-358-1248.
The NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) is codified at 48 CFR part 1800. Periodically, NASA performs a comprehensive review and analysis of the regulation, makes updates and corrections, and reissues the NASA FAR Supplement. The last reissue was in 2004. The goal of the review and analysis is to reduce regulatory burden where justified and appropriate and make the NFS content and processes more efficient and effective, faster and simpler, in support of NASA's mission. Consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 13563, Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review, NASA is currently reviewing and revising the NFS with an emphasis on streamlining it and reducing associated burdens. Due to the volume of the NFS, these revisions are being made in increments.
NASA published two proposed rules as the first two incremental steps to update and revise the NASA FAR Supplement: 78 FR 23199-23203, April 18, 2013, and 79 FR 57015-57032, September 24, 2014. Together, these two rules proposed regulatory changes to 19 Parts of the NFS. The two rules also advised the public that no regulatory changes were being made to an additional 13 NFS Parts.
This final rule finalizes these two proposed rules.
NASA reviewed the public comments in the development of the final rule. A discussion of the comments and the changes made to the rule as a result of those comments are provided as follows:
The definitions of “counterfeit goods” and “legally authorized source” at 1846.101 are deleted. NASA, in conjunction with the FAR Council, is working to develop and implement a definition of counterfeit part in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, which would also address the concept of “legally authorized sources”. Consequently, the NFS will not have an independent definition of either “counterfeit goods” or “legally authorized source”. Rather, use of the term counterfeit part in the NFS will be consistent with the FAR definition.
Comment: In response to proposed rule #1, NASA received comments from three respondents. The three respondents suggested that the proposed definitions of “counterfeit goods” and “legally authorized source” were problematic in that they introduce inconsistencies with standard industry Start Printed Page 12936usage of the terms and potential FAR definitions.
Response: The definitions of both terms have been deleted. NASA concurs that a Federal definition in the FAR is appropriate, and has been part of team working to implement FAR definitions. (Reference FAR Case 2013-002)
Comment: In response to proposed rule #2, NASA received comments from one respondent requesting that NASA delete 1852.227-14(c)(1)(iv) because it adds unnecessary notice and marking requirements.
Response: NASA revised Part 1827 to conform to recent FAR changes to Part 27, and 14 CFR 1245.100-117, but did not make significant changes to current coverage regarding NASA requirements related to data rights. The FAR clause at FAR 52.227-14(c)(1), Copyright, does not address the NASA-specific rights afforded NASA under the Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20135(b). Consequently, the notice and marking requirements at 1852.227-14 (c)(1)(iv) are appropriate and remain in the final rule.
Comment: In response to proposed rule # 2, NASA received comments from one respondent suggesting that 1852.227-88 lacked a prescription and rationale.
Response: Clause 1852.227-88 will be included in solicitations and contracts on a case-by-case basis dependent upon the Government-owned software provided under the contract. NASA will utilize the clause judiciously in order to reduce contract costs. Offerors will be reimbursed for any associated costs when the clause is utilized.
In proposed rule # 2, NASA notes an error in the publication and makes a technical correction in this final rule. At 1816.402.274(g)(3), the proposed rule should have stated a flat rate of 10% in lieu of a recommended rate of “up to 15%” for use when evaluating contractor performance related to compliance with subcontracting plans. Instead, the proposed rule retained the current, extraneous language “up to” before the 10% which is inappropriate. The final rule removes “up to”.
NASA certifies 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 it mainly clarifies or updates existing regulations. In several instances, this rule deletes existing requirements which eases the regulatory burden on all entities.
The proposed rule #1 included an application for clearance of a new information collection requirement that requires the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The collection is at 1852.215-77(c), Pre-proposal/pre-bid conference, wherein attendees at pre-proposal or pre-bid conferences will be required to submit personal identity information. NASA did not receive any comments on the information collection request.
Approval of the information collection request from the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35) is expected concurrent with the final rule.
Accordingly, 48 CFR parts 1809, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1819, 1823, 1827, 1828, 1831, 1832, 1834, 1837, 1841, 1842, 1846, 1849, 1951, and 1852 are amended as follows:
1809.206-70 and 1809.206-71
3. Subpart 1809.6, consisting of section 1809.670, is removed.
(b) NASA has waived the requirement for the submission of certified cost or pricing data when contracting for Small Start Printed Page 12937Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program Phase II contracts. However, contracting officers shall ensure that the appropriate level of data other than certified cost or pricing data is submitted to determine price reasonableness and cost realism.
8. In section 1816.307-70, remove the last sentence in paragraph (c).
9. In section 1816.402-270, paragraphs (a) through (d) are revised to read as follows:
10. In section 1816.405-270:
b. In paragraph (b), remove the first sentence; and
c. Redesignate paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) as paragraphs (a), (b), and (c).
11. In section 1816.405-272, in paragraph (b), remove the word “should” in the last sentence and add in its place “shall”.
12. In section 1816.405-273, in paragraph (a), remove the word “often” in the first sentence.
13. In section 1816.405-274, in paragraph (e)(3), add the word “fee” between the words “award” and “shall” in the second sentence and revise paragraph (g) to read as follows:
14. In section 1816.405-275;
b. In paragraph (b), the parenthetical reference at the end of the first sentence is revised to read “(see FAR 16401(e)(3)(iv))”.
15. In section 1816.406-70, in paragraph (f), the last sentence is revised to read as follows:
16-18. The authority citation for part 1817 continues to read as follows:
19. Subpart 1817.71 is removed.
22. In section 1819.201, the last sentence in paragraph in (a)(i) and paragraph (a)(ii) are revised to read as follows:
27. In section 1819.7201, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as follows:
Mentor-protégé advance payments
If advance payments are contemplated, the mentor must first have the advance payments approved the contracting officer in accordance Start Printed Page 12939with FAR Subpart 32.4, Advance Payments for Non-commercial items.
1819.7206 through 1819.7211
32. In section 1819.7301, add “, as amended.” at the end of the first sentence.
33. Amend section 1819.7302 by adding two sentences at the end of paragraphs (c), (d), and (e); and revising paragraph (f) to read as follows:
(c) * * * Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may be approved. Any deviations from this requirement shall be approved in writing by the contracting officer after coordination with the Agency SBIR Program Manager/Coordinator.
(d) * * * Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may be approved. Any deviations from this requirement shall be approved in writing by the contracting officer after coordination with the Agency SBIR Program Manager/Coordinator.
(e) * * * Occasionally, deviations from this requirement may be approved. Any deviations from this requirement shall be approved in writing by the contracting officer after coordination with the Agency SBIR Program Manager/Coordinator.
34. The authority citation for part 1823 continues to read as follows:
34. Subpart 1823.10 is removed.
35. In Subpart 1823.71, the subpart heading and section 1823.7101 are revised to read as follows:
36. Part 1827 is revised to read as follows:
Start Printed Page 12940
(3) Contractor petitions for waiver of title. The Administrator may waive all or any part of the rights of the United States with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or which may be made in the performance of NASA contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization if the Administrator determines that the interests of the United States will be served. The procedures and instructions for contractors to submit petitions for waiver of rights in subject inventions are provided in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR part 1245, subpart 1, http://www.gpo.gov/​fdsys/​pkg/​CFR-2012-title14-vol5/​pdf/​CFR-2012-title14-vol5-part1245.pdf. Waiver may be requested in advance of contract award for any subject invention or class of subject inventions or during contract performance for individually identified subject inventions reported under the contract. For individual identified subject inventions, the petition shall identify each invention with particularity (e.g., by NASA's assigned number to the Disclosure of Invention and New Technology report or by title and inventorship). For advance waivers, the petition shall identify the invention or class of inventions that the Contractor believes will be made under the contract and for which waiver is being requested. To meet the statutory standard of “any invention or class of inventions,” the petition must be directed to a single invention or to inventions directed to a particular process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or to a narrowly-drawn, focused area of technology. When a waiver of title is granted, the contractor's right to title, the rights reserved by the Government, and other conditions and obligations of the waiver, such as requirements for reporting and filing patent applications on waived inventions, are provided in the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR part 1245, subpart 1, and the Instrument of Waiver executed under those Regulations.
(i) Minimum rights to contractor. (1) For NASA contracts with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization, where title to any subject inventions vests in NASA, the contractor is normally granted, in accordance with the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR 1245.108, a revocable, nonexclusive, royalty-free license in each patent application filed in any country and in any resulting patent. The license extends to any of the contractor's domestic subsidiaries and affiliates within the corporate structure, and includes the right to grant sublicenses of the same scope to the extent the contractor was legally obligated to do so at the time the Start Printed Page 12941contract was awarded. The license and right are transferable only with the approval of the Administrator, except when transferred to the successor of that part of the contractor's business to which the invention pertains.
(3) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.227-72, Designation of New Technology Representative and Patent Representative, in all solicitations and contracts containing either of the clauses at FAR 52.227-11, Patent Rights—Ownership by the Contractor, or 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization (see paragraph (d)(1) of this section). It may also be inserted, upon consultation with the center patent or intellectual property counsel, in solicitations and contracts using another patent rights clause. The center New Technology and Patent Representatives are identified at http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/​portals/​pl/​new_​tech_​pocs.html.
(d) Retention of rights by inventor. The NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR part 1245, subpart 1, apply for any invention made in the performance of work under any contract with other than a small business firm or a nonprofit organization.Start Printed Page 12942
(2)(i) If the basis for permitting the assertion under 1827.404-4(b)(2) is subsection (i), then the permission shall be granted by a contract modification prepared by the contracting officer in consultation with the Center patent or intellectual property counsel that contains appropriate assurances that the Start Printed Page 12943computer software will be incorporated into an existing or proposed new commercial computer software product line within a specified reasonable time, with contingencies enabling the Government to obtain the right to distribute the software for commercial use, including the right to obtain assignment of copyright where applicable, in order to prevent the computer software from being suppressed or abandoned by the contractor.
(h) Normally the clause at 52.227-20, Rights in Data—SBIR Program, is the only data rights clause used in SBIR contracts. However, if during the performance of an SBIR contract (Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III) the need arises for NASA to obtain delivery of limited rights data or restricted computer software as defined in the clause at FAR 52.227-20, and the contractor agrees to such delivery, the limited rights data or restricted computer software may be acquired by modification of the contract (for example, by adding the clause at FAR 52.227-14 with any appropriate Alternates and making it applicable only to the limited rights data or restricted computer software to be delivered), using the rights and related restrictions as set forth in FAR 27.404-2 as a guide.Start Printed Page 12944
37. The authority citation for part 1828 continues to read as follows:
38. Remove subpart 1828.1.
39. In section 1828.311-1, the introductory text is revised to read as follows:
40. The authority citation for part 1831 continues to read as follows:
41. Section 1831.205-671 is amended by removing the phrase “in excess of $500,000” and replacing it with “expected to exceed the threshold for requiring certified cost and pricing data as set forth in FAR 15.403-4.”
42. The authority citation for part 1832 continues to read as follows:
43. In section 1832.705-270, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
1832.1110
44. In section 1832.1110, remove and reserve paragraph (a).
45. The authority citation continues to read as follows:
46. Amend section 1834.201 as follows:
a. In paragraph (a) introductory text, remove the word “acquisitions” in the first sentence and add in its place the word “contracts”.
b. In paragraph (a)(3), add the phrase “Earned Value Management” before the acronym EVM and add parentheses around EVM.
c. In the first sentence of paragraph (b), remove the phrase “earned value management” and add in its place “EVM”, and remove the phrase “a schedule management system” and add in its place “an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS)”.
d. In paragraph (d), add the phrase “and the applicable NASA Center EVM Focal Point ( http://evm.nasa.gov/​council.html)” between “office” and “in determining”.
e. In paragraph (e) remove “American National Standards Institute/Electronics Industries Alliance Standard” and the parentheses around the acronym ANSI/EIA.
47. Amend 1834.203-70 by removing “1834.201(a)(3)” and adding in its place “1834.201(c)” following 1834.201 in the first sentence.
48. The authority citation for part 1837 continues to read as follows:
49. Sections 1837.203-70, 1837.203-71, and 1837.203-72 are removed.
50. The authority citation for this section continues to read as follows:
51. Remove and reserve Subpart 1841.5.
52. The authority citation for part 1842 continues to read as follows:
1842.271
53. Section 1842.271 is removed.
54. The authority citation continues to read as follows:
55. Add Subpart 1846.1 to read as follows:
56. Section 1846.670-1 is revised to read as follows:
57. Section 1846.670-2 is revised to read as follows:
58. Section 1846.670-3 is revised to read as follows:
59. Section 1846.670-5 is revised to read as follows:
60. In section 1846.672-1, paragraphs (a)(1), (b), (c), (h), (j), (k), (r)(1) introductory text, (r)(1)(i), (r)(3), and (r)(4)(ii) and (xi) are revised to read as follows:
(c) Block 1—PROCUREMENT INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION (CONTRACT NUMBER). Enter the ten-character, alpha-numeric procurement identifier of the contract.
(h) Block 6—INVOICE. The contractor may enter the invoice number and actual or estimated date on all copies of the MIRR. When the date is estimated, enter an “E” after the date. Do not correct MIRRs to reflect the actual date of invoice submission.
(r) Block 16—STOCK/PART NO./DESCRIPTION. (1) Enter, as applicable, for each item, using single spacing between each line item, the following:
(i) The National Stock Number (NSN) or noncatalog number and, if applicable, prefix or suffix. When a number is not provided or it is necessary to supplement the number, include other identification such as the manufacturer's name or Federal Supply Code (as published in Cataloging Handbook H4-1), and part numbers. Additional part numbers may be shown in parentheses. Also enter the descriptive noun of the item nomenclature and, if provided, the Government-assigned management/material control code. In the case of equal-kind supply items, the first entry shall be the description without regard to kind (e.g., “Resistor”). Below this description, enter the contract item number in Block 15 and stock/part number followed by the size or type in Block 16.
Gross Shipping Wt._(State weight in pounds only).
(xi) When test/evaluation results are a condition of acceptance and are not available before shipment, the following note shall be entered if the shipment is approved by the contracting officer: “Note: Acceptance and payment are contingent upon receipt of approved test/evaluation results.” The contracting officer will advise (A) the consignee of the results (approval/disapproval) and (B) the contractor to withhold invoicing pending attachment to its invoice of the approved test/evaluation results.
1846-672-5
61a. Section 1846.672-5 is removed.
61b. Sections 1846-672-6 and 1846-672-7 are redesignated as 1846-672-5 and 1846-672-6.
62. Section 1846.674 is revised to read as follows:
63. The authority citation continues to read as follows:
64. Remove section 1851.102-70.
65. The authority citation for part 1852 continues to read as follows:
66. Remove and reserve section 1852.209-72.
67. Section 1852.215.77 is amended by adding paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
(c) Offerors, individuals, or interested parties who plan to attend the pre-proposal/pre-bid conference must provide the Contracting Officer in writing, at a minimum, full name of the attendee(s), identification of nationality (U.S. or specify other nation citizenship), Lawful Permanent Resident Numbers in the case of foreign nationals, affiliation and full office address/phone Start Printed Page 12946number. Center-specific security requirements for this pre-proposal/pre-bid conference will be given to a company representative prior to the conference or will be identified in this solicitation as follows: (fill-in). Examples of specific identification information which may be required include state driver's license and social security number. Except for foreign nationals, the identification information must be provided at least (fill-in) working days in advance of the conference. This information shall be provided at least (fill-in) working days in advance of the conference for foreign nationals due to the longer badging and clearance processing time required. However, the Center reserves the right to determine foreign nationals may not be allowed on the Government site. The Government is not responsible for offerors' inability to obtain clearance within sufficient time to attend the conference. Due to space limitations, representation of any potential Offeror may not exceed (fill-in) company representatives/persons per Offeror. Any “lobbying firm or lobbyist” as defined in 2 U.S.C. 1602(9) and (10), or any Offeror represented by a lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 shall be specifically identified.
68. Section 1852.215-81 is amended by:
a. Revising the chart in paragraph (a);
b. Adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (b); and
[Proposal subsection] (List each subsection)
69. Section 1852.216-88 is amended by:
a. Removing the words “hardware” and “delivered” in paragraph (a) introductory text;
b. Removing the word “hardware” and the second sentence in paragraph (a)(1);
c. Removing the word “hardware” in paragraph (c);
d. Removing the word “hardware” in paragraph (d);
e. Removing the word “hardware” in paragraph (f); and
f. Adding the word “descriptor” in paragraph (g)(1) between “numbers(s)” and “and/or nomenclature”.
70. Remove and reserve section 1852.217-70.
71. In the introductory text in section 1852.217-71, the reference 1817.7302(a) is revised to read as 1817.7002(a), and the last sentence in paragraph (e) is removed.
72a. Section 1852.219-11 is added to read as follows:
72b. Section 1852.219-18 is added to read as follows:
(c) Any award resulting from this solicitation will be made directly by the Start Printed Page 12947Contracting Officer to the successful 8(a) offeror selected through the evaluation criteria set forth in this solicitation.
(2) The ______[insert name of SBA's contractor] will notify the______[insert name of contracting agency] Contracting Officer in writing immediately upon entering an agreement (either oral or written) to transfer all or part of its stock or other ownership interest to any other party.
1852-219-74
73. Remove and reserve section 1852.219-74.
74. Section 1852.219-75 is revised to read as follows:
When submitting Individual Subcontracting Reports in eSRS in accordance with FAR 52.219-9(l) (1), the contractor shall enter goals as a percentage of total contract value as well as a percentage of total subcontract dollars.
1852-219-76
75. Remove and reserve section 1852.219-76.
1852-219-77
76. In section 1852.219-77, (MAY 2009) is removed and (MONTH/YEAR) is added in its place, and remove the word “certified” in the second sentence of paragraph (b)(2).
77. Section 1852.219-79 is amended by:
a. Removing the words “(MAY 2009)” are removed and adding in their place “(MONTH/YEAR)”;
b. Revising in the second sentence of paragraph (a) “NASA SBIR” to read “NASA SBIR/STTR”; and
78. Section 1852.223-71 is revised to read as follows:
1852-223-73
79. Section 1852.223-73 is amended as follows:
a. Remove (NOVEMBER 2004) and add (MONTH/YEAR) in its place.
80. Section 1852.227-11 is revised to read as follows:
81. Section 1852.227-14 is revised to read as follows:
The contractor shall mark each scientific and technical article based on or containing data first produced in the performance of this contract and submitted for publication in academic, technical or professional journals, symposia proceedings or similar works with a notice, similar in all material respects to teh following, on the cover or first page of the article, reflecting the Government's non-exclusive worldwide license in the copyright.
(ii) The prohibition on “release to others,” as set forth in (d)(4)(i), does not prohibit release to another Federal Agency for its use or its contractors' use, as long as any such release is consistent with any restrictive markings on the software. Any restrictive markings on the software shall take precedence over the aforementioned release. Any release to a Federal Agency shall limit use to the Federal Agency or its contractors for Government purposes only. Any other release shall require the Contracting Officer's prior written permission.
82. Section 1852.227-70 is revised to read as follows:
“Administrator” means the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or duly authorized representative.
“Nonprofit organization” means a domestic university or other institution of higher education or an organization of the type described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 501(c)) and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(a)), or any domestic nonprofit scientific or educational organization qualified under a State nonprofit organization statute.
“Reportable item” means any invention, discovery, improvement, or innovation of the contractor, whether or not patentable or otherwise protectable under Title 35 of the United States Code, made in the performance of any work under any NASA contract or in the performance of any work that is reimbursable under any clause in any NASA contract providing for reimbursement of costs incurred before the effective date of the contract. Reportable items include, but are not limited to, new processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter, and improvements to, or new applications of, existing processes, machines, manufactures, and compositions of matter. Reportable items also include new computer programs, and improvements to, or new applications of, existing computer programs, whether or not copyrightable or otherwise protectible under Title 17 of the United States Code.
“Small business firm” means a domestic small business concern as defined at 15 U.S.C. 632 and implementing regulations of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. (For the purpose of this definition, the criteria and size standard adopted in the FAR Subpart 2.1 definitions for “small business concern” and for “small business subcontractor” will be used.)
“Subject invention” means any reportable item which is or may be patentable or otherwise protectible under Title 35 of the United States Code, or any novel variety of plant that is or may be protectible under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321, et seq.).
(b) Allocation of principal rights—(1) Presumption of title. (i) Any reportable item that the Administrator considers to be a subject invention shall be presumed to have been made in the manner specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act (51 U.S.C. 20135(b)) (hereinafter “the Act”), and the above presumption shall be conclusive unless at the time of reporting the reportable item in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this clause the Contractor submits to the Contracting Officer a written statement, containing supporting details, demonstrating that the reportable item was not made in the manner specified in the Act.
(ii) Regardless of whether title to a given subject invention would otherwise be subject to an advance waiver or is the subject of a petition for waiver as described in paragraph (b)(3) of this clause, the Contractor may nevertheless file the statement described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this clause. The Administrator will review the information furnished by the Contractor in any such statement and any other available information relating to the circumstances surrounding the making of the subject invention and will notify the Contractor whether the Administrator has determined that the subject invention was made in the manner specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the Act.Start Printed Page 12949
(3) Waiver of rights. (i) Section 20135(g) of the Act provides for the promulgation of regulations by which the Administrator may waive all or any part of the rights of the United States with respect to any invention or class of inventions made or that may be made under conditions specified in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of Section 20135(b) of the Act. The promulgated NASA Patent Waiver Regulations, 14 CFR part 1245, subpart 1, provide procedures for the Contractor to submit petitions (requests) for waiver of rights and guidance for NASA in acting on petitions for such waiver of rights.
(ii) As provided in 14 CFR part 1245, subpart 1, the Contractor may petition, either prior to execution of the contract or within 30 days after execution of the contract, for advance waiver of rights to any invention or class of inventions that may be made under a contract. If such a petition is not submitted, or if after submission it is denied, the Contractor (or an employee inventor of the Contractor) may petition for waiver of rights to an identified subject invention within eight months of first disclosure of invention in accordance with paragraph (e)(2) of this clause, or within such longer period as may be authorized in accordance with 14 CFR 1245.105.
(1) The Contractor shall establish and maintain active and effective procedures to assure that reportable items are promptly identified and disclosed to Contractor personnel responsible for the administration of this New Technology—Other Than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization clause within six months of conception and/or first actual reduction to practice, whichever occurs first in the performance of work under this contract. These procedures shall include the maintenance of laboratory notebooks or equivalent records and other records as are reasonably necessary to document the conception and/or the first actual reduction to practice of the reportable items, and records that show that the procedures for identifying and disclosing reportable items are followed. Upon request, the Contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer a description of such procedures for evaluation and for determination as to their effectiveness.
(2) The Contractor shall disclose in writing each reportable item to the Contracting Officer within two months after the inventor discloses it in writing to Contractor personnel responsible for the administration of this New Technology—Other Than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization clause or within six months after the Contractor becomes aware that a reportable item has been made, whichever is earlier, but in any event for subject inventions before any on sale, public use, or publication of such invention known to the Contractor. The disclosure to the agency shall identify the inventor(s) or innovator(s) and this contract under which the reportable item was made. It shall be sufficiently complete in technical detail to convey a clear understanding, to the extent known at the time of the disclosure, of the nature, purpose, operation, and physical, chemical, biological, or electrical characteristics of the reportable item. The disclosure shall also identify any publication, sale or offer for sale, or public use of any subject invention and whether a manuscript describing such invention has been submitted for publication and, if so, whether it has been accepted for publication at the time of disclosure. In addition, after disclosure to the agency, the Contractor will promptly notify the agency of the acceptance of any manuscript describing a subject invention for publication or of any sale, offer for sale, or public use planned by the Contractor for such invention.
(1) The Contracting Officer or any authorized representative shall, until 3 years after final payment under this contract, have the right to examine any books (including laboratory notebooks), records, and Start Printed Page 12950documents of the Contractor relating to the conception or first actual reduction to practice of inventions in the same field of technology as the work under this contract to determine whether—
(iii) Deliver acceptable interim new technology summary reports pursuant to paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this clause or a final new technology summary report pursuant to paragraph (e)(4) (ii) of this clause; or
83. Section 1852.227-71 is revised to read as follows:
As prescribed in 1827.303(d)(2), insert the following provision in all solicitations that include the clause at 1852.227-70, New Technology—Other than a Small Business Firm or Nonprofit Organization:
(b) Each request for waiver of rights shall be by petition to the Administrator. No specific forms need be used, but the request should contain a positive statement that waiver of rights is being requested under the NASA Patent Waiver Regulations; a clear indication of whether the request is for an advance waiver or for a waiver of rights for an individually identified invention or class of inventions; whether foreign rights are also requested and, if so, the countries, and a citation of the specific section or sections of the regulations under which such rights are requested. For individually identified inventions or a class of inventions, the petition shall identify each invention with particularity (e.g., by NASA's assigned number to the Disclosure of Invention and New Technology report or by title and inventorship). For advance waivers, the petition shall identify the invention or class of inventions that the Contractor believes will be made under the contract and for which waiver is being requested. To meet the statutory standard of “any invention or class Start Printed Page 12951of inventions,” the petition must be directed to a single invention or to inventions directed to a particular process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or to a narrowly-drawn, focused area of technology. Additionally, each petition shall include an identification of the petitioner; place of business and address; if petitioner is represented by counsel, the name, address and telephone number of the counsel; the name, address, and telephone number of the party with whom to communicate when the request is acted upon; the signature of the petitioner or authorized representative; and the date of signature. In general, waivers are granted in order to provide for the widest practicable dissemination of new technology resulting from NASA programs, and to promote early utilization, expeditious development, and continued availability of this new technology for commercial purposes and the public benefit. Thus, it is preferable that the petition also include a description of the Contractor's plan for commercializing the invention or class of inventions for which waiver is being requested (e.g., identify specific fields of use).
84. Section 1852.227-72 is revised to read as follows:
85. Section 1852.227-84 is revised to read as follows:
86. Section 1852.227-85 is revised to read as follows:
87. Section 1852.227-86 is revised to added to read as follows:
88. Section 1852.227-88 is added to read as follows:
“Government-furnished computer software” or “GFCS” means computer software:
“Computer software,” “data” and “technical data” have the meaning provided in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 2.1—Definitions or the Rights in Data—General clause (FAR 52.227-14).
(f) Title to or license rights in GFCS. The Government shall retain title to or license rights in all GFCS. Title to or license rights in GFCS shall not be affected by its incorporation into or attachment to any data not owned by or licensed to the Government.Start Printed Page 12953
89. Section 1852.228-73 is removed.
90. In section 1852.231-71, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:
91. In section 1852.232-70, paragraphs (a)(2) and (c)(3) are revised to read as follows:
NASA Modification of FAR 52.232-12.
(3) In paragraph (j)(1), insert between “statements,” and “and” “together with Standard Form 425, Federal Financial Report”.
92. Section 1852.234-1 is amended as follows:
a. Paragraph (a) is amended by adding the phrase “(current version at time of solicitation)” after the word “Systems” at the end of the paragraph.
b. Paragraph (b)(1)(iii) and paragraph (b)(1)(vii) are revised.
(vii) If the value of the offeror's proposal, including options, is $50 million or more, provide a schedule of events leading up to formal validation and Government acceptance of the Contractor's EVMS. Guidance can be found in the] Department of Defense Earned Value Management Implementation Guide (https://acc.dau.mil/​CommunityBrowser.aspx?​id=​19557) as well as in the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Earned Value Management Systems Acceptance Guide (http://www.ndia.org/​divisions/​divisions/​procurement/​pages/​programsystemcommittee.aspx).
93. Section 1852.234-2 is amended as follows:
c. Paragraph (c) is amended by adding a sentence at the end of the paragraph.
(c) * * * See the NASA IBR Handbook (http://evm.nasa.gov/​handbooks.html) for guidance.
94. Sections 1852.237-72 and 1852.237-73 are removed.
95. Remove and reserve section 1852.241-70.
1852.242-70
96. Section 1852.242-70 is removed
97. In section 1852.246-72, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
1852.249-72
98. Section 1852.249-72 is removed.
[FR Doc. 2015-04228 Filed 3-11-15; 8:45 am]