Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2006/06/28/06-5708.html
Timestamp: 2020-08-09 00:24:30
Document Index: 758285932

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 15', 'arts 4', 'art 15', 'ART 15', 'art 15', 'arts 1', 'art 22', 'art 4', 'art 53', 'arts 22', 'arts 4', 'arts 4', 'ART 4', 'ART 22', 'arts 22', 'art 1', 'art 22', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'ART 53', 'ART 47', 'art 22', 'ART 52', 'arts 25', 'arts 1', 'art 22', 'art 4', 'art 53', 'arts 22', 'arts 4', 'arts 4', 'art 1', 'art 22', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 22']

Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005-033, Implementation of Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL), 36930-36935 [06-5708] :: General Services Administration :: Agencies And Commissions :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Agencies And Commissions General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005-033, Implementation of Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL), 36930-36935 [06-5708]
Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005-033, Implementation of Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL), 36930-36935 [06-5708]
Download as PDF 36930 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 28, 2006 / Rules and Regulations Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., because the number of small entities providing commercial items with noncommercial modifications costing more than $500,000 is expected to be very low. Although comments submitted on the interim rule prompted several technical amendments necessary to correct the rule, this expectation remains unchanged. FAR 15.403–1(c)(3) if the total price of all such modifications under a particular contract action exceeds the greater of $500,000 or 5 percent of the total price of the contract. * * * * * [FR Doc. 06–5710 Filed 6–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–EP–S C. Paperwork Reduction Act DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the rule does not impose any information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 15 48 CFR Parts 4, 22, 47, 52, and 53 Government procurement. [FAC 2005–10; FAR Case 2005–033; Item IV; Docket 2006–0020, Sequence 11] Dated: June 20, 2006. Ralph De Stefano, Director, Contract Policy Division. RIN 9000–AK47 Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR part 15 as set forth below: I Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005–033, Implementation of Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) PART 15—CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Interim rule. AGENCIES: 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 15 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c). 2. Section 15.403–1 is amended by revising paragraphs (c)(3)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) to read as follows: I 15.403–1 Prohibition on obtaining cost or pricing data (10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. 254b). rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES_3 * * * * * (c) * * * (3) Commercial items. (i) * * * (ii) * * * (A) For acquisitions funded by any agency other than DoD, NASA, or Coast Guard, such modifications of a commercial item are exempt from the requirement for submission of cost or pricing data. (B) For acquisitions funded by DoD, NASA, or Coast Guard, such modifications of a commercial item are exempt from the requirement for submission of cost or pricing data provided the total price of all such modifications under a particular contract action does not exceed the greater of $500,000 or 5 percent of the total price of the contract. (C) For acquisitions funded by DoD, NASA, or Coast Guard such modifications of a commercial item are not exempt from the requirement for submission of cost or pricing data on the basis of the exemption provided for at VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:14 Jun 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 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 implement the Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) internet website as the source for Federal contracting agencies to obtain wage determinations issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) for service contracts subject to the McNamaraO’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) and for construction contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA). DATES: Effective Date: June 28, 2006. Comment Date: Interested parties should submit written comments to the FAR Secretariat on or before August 28, 2006 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule. ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FAC 2005–10, FAR case 2005–033, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Agency Web site: http:// www.acquisition.gov/far/ ProposedRules/ proposed.htm. Click on the FAR case number to submit comments. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 • E-mail: farcase.2005–033@gsa.gov. Include FAC 2005–10, FAR case 2005– 033 in the subject line of the message. • Fax: 202–501–4067. • Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat (VIR), 1800 F Street, NW, Room 4035, ATTN: Laurieann Duarte, Washington, DC 20405. Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2005–10, FAR case 2005–033, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments received will be posted without change to http:// www.acquisition.gov/far/ ProposedRules/comments.htm including any personal and/or business confidential information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact Ms. Gloria Sochon, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 219–0311. Please cite FAC 2005– 10, FAR case 2005–033. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the FAR Secretariat at (202) 501–4755. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background In the August 26, 2005 Federal Register (70 FR 50888), the DOL issued a final rule to amend Title 29 CFR parts 1 and 4 to allow for full implementation of the Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) Internet Website (http:// www.wdol.gov) as the source for Federal contracting agencies to use when obtaining wage determinations issued by the DOL for service contracts subject to the SCA and for construction contracts subject to the DBA. The Councils are not seeking comments on the DOL rule, which has already been issued in final, but are requesting comments as to whether the FAR policy in this rule implementing the DOL rule is clear. This interim rule amends FAR Part 22 to direct Federal contracting agencies to obtain wage determinations issued by the DOL for contracts subject to the SCA and DBA from the WDOL website. This interim rule incorporates new geographical jurisdictions for DOL’s Wage and Hour Regional Offices and eliminates FAR references to the Government Printing Office (GPO) publication of general wage determinations. The Contracting Officer (CO) will be able to access the WDOL website (http://www.wdol.gov) to find the applicable wage determination for a contract action subject to the SCA or DBA. If the WDOL database does not contain the applicable wage determination for a SCA contract action, the CO must use the e98 process to request a wage determination from DOL. E:\FR\FM\28JNR3.SGM 28JNR3 rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES_3 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 28, 2006 / Rules and Regulations The e98 means a DOL approved electronic application, (also available at http://www.wdol.gov), whereby a CO submits pertinent information to the DOL and requests a wage determination directly from the Wage and Hour Division. If the WDOL database does not contain the applicable wage determination for a DBA contract action, the CO must request a wage determination by submitting a SF–308 to the Wage and Hour Division. The DOL made an administrative determination that providing Federal contracting agencies with an electronic submission option for the infrequent instances in which an agency files a SF– 308 does not justify the considerable expense that developing such a system would entail. To substantiate its decision, the DOL noted that in FY 2004, it processed less than 100 SF– 308’s. This FAR rule eliminates the requirement for the CO to submit a copy of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to the DOL for the purpose of obtaining a wage determination under Section 4(c) of the SCA, unless directed by the DOL to do so. The CO instead, is required to prepare a wage determination using the WDOL process, and to incorporate the complete CBA and all its attachments into the solicitation or contract action. The wage determination prepared by the CO is a one page document that references the CBA by the name of the incumbent contractor and the name of the union, and stipulates that the economic terms of the CBA will apply as the SCA minimum wages and monetary benefits for the contract resulting from the solicitation pursuant to DOL Regulation 29 CFR subpart 4.1b. This interim rule also deletes the clause at 52.222–47, SCA Minimum Wages and Fringe Benefits Applicable to Successor Contract Pursuant to Predecessor Contractor Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), because with the WDOL process it is no longer necessary. In addition, FAR clause 52.222–49, Service Contract Act-Place of Performance Unknown, is revised to make conforming changes to FAR references; and Standard Forms 98, 98a and 99 are deleted from FAR Part 53 in their entirety. This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, is not subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. The rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:14 Jun 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 B. Regulatory Flexibility Act This 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 rule involves internal Government processes between the DOL and Federal contracting. During the design phase of WDOL.gov, the WDOL Task Force coordinated with a number of labor organizations, contractors, the Contract Services Association and various Federal contracting agencies to address and satisfy any concerns about the effect of the rule on all interested parties including small entities. Therefore, an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has not been performed. The Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR parts 22, 47, 52, and 53 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 2005–10, FAR case 2005–033), in correspondence. Dated: June 20, 2006. Ralph De Stefano, Director, Contract Policy Division. Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 4, 22, 47, 52, and 53 as set forth below: I 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 4, 22, 47, 52, and 53 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c). PART 4—ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 2. Amend section 4.1202 by revising paragraph (q) to read as follows: I 4.1202 Solicitation provision and contract clause. * * * * * (q) 52.222–48, Exemption from Application of Service Contract Act Provisions—Contractor Certification. * * * * * PART 22—APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS 3. Amend section 22.001 by revising the section heading, and by adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ‘‘e98’’ and ‘‘Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL)’’ to read as follows: I C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the FAR do not impose information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. 22.001 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 the rule allows agencies to use the WDOL website as the source for obtaining wage determinations issued by DOL for service contracts subject to the SCA and DBA. Thus, the rule will streamline and improve the internal operating procedures of the Government. The rule will not have a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors. 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. 22.102–2 List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 22, 47, 52, and 53 Government procurement. PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 36931 Definitions. * * * * * e98 means the Department of Labor’s approved electronic application (http:// www.wdol.gov), whereby a contracting officer submits pertinent information to the Department of Labor and requests a Service Contract Act wage determination directly from the Wage and Hour Division. Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) means the Government Internet website for both Davis-Bacon Act and Service Contract Act wage determinations available at http://www.wdol.gov. I 4. Amend section 22.102–2 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows: Administration. * * * * * (c) The U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is responsible for administration and enforcement of numerous wage and hour statutes including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act, Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, Copeland Act, and Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. Contracting officers should contact the Wage and Hour Division’s regional offices when E:\FR\FM\28JNR3.SGM 28JNR3 36932 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 28, 2006 / Rules and Regulations required by the subparts relating to these statutes unless otherwise specified. Addresses for these offices may be found at 29 CFR 1, Appendix B. I 5. Amend section 22.404–1 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: 22.404–1 Types of wage determinations. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES_3 (a) General wage determinations. (1) A general wage determination contains prevailing wage rates for the types of construction designated in the determination, and is used in contracts performed within a specified geographical area. General wage determinations contain no expiration date and remain valid until modified, superseded, or canceled by the Department of Labor. Once incorporated in a contract, a general wage determination normally remains effective for the life of the contract, unless the contracting officer exercises an option to extend the term of the contract (see 22.404–12). These determinations shall be used whenever possible. They are issued at the discretion of the Department of Labor either upon receipt of an agency request or on the Department of Labor’s own initiative. (2) General wage determinations are published on the WDOL website. General wage determinations are effective on the publication date of the wage determination or upon receipt of the wage determination by the contracting agency, whichever occurs first. ‘‘Publication’’ within the meaning of this section shall occur on the first date the wage determination is published on the WDOL. Archived Davis-Bacon Act general wage determinations that are no longer current may be accessed in the ‘‘Archived DB WD’’ database on WDOL for information purposes only. Contracting officers may not use an archived wage determination in a contract action without obtaining prior approval of the Department of Labor. To obtain prior approval, contact the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, using http://www.dol.gov/esa, or contact the procurement agency labor advisor listed on http://www.wdol.gov. * * * * * I 6. Amend section 22.404–3 by revising paragraph (a); and the paragraph heading and the first sentence of the introductory text of paragraph (b) to read as follows: 22.404–3 Procedures for requesting wage determinations. (a) General wage determinations. If there is a general wage determination on the WDOL website applicable to the project, the agency may use it without VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:14 Jun 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 notifying the Department of Labor. When necessary, a request for a general wage determination may be made by submitting Standard Form (SF) 308, Request for Determination and Response to Request (see 53.301–308), to the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Attention: Branch of Construction Contract Wage Determinations, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. (b) Project wage determinations. If a general wage determination is not available on WDOL, a contracting agency shall submit requests for project wage determinations on SF 308 to the Department of Labor. * * * * * * * * I 7. Amend section 22.404–6 by— I a. Revising paragraph (a)(3); I b. Revising paragraph (b)(1)(i), the first sentence of (b)(1)(ii), (b)(2), and the first and second sentences of (b)(6); I c. Revising paragraph (c)(1); and I d. Revising paragraph (d)(1)(ii). I The revised text reads as follows: 22.404–6 Modifications of wage determinations. (a) General. * * * (3) The need for inclusion of the modification of a general wage determination for the primary site of the work in a solicitation is determined by the date the modified wage determination is published on the WDOL, or by the date the agency receives actual written notice of the modification from the Department of Labor, whichever occurs first. (Note the distinction between receipt by the agency (modification is effective) and receipt by the contracting officer, which may occur later.) During the course of the solicitation, the contracting officer shall monitor the WDOL website to determine whether the applicable wage determination has been revised. Revisions published on the WDOL website or otherwise communicated to the contracting officer within the timeframes prescribed at 22.404–6(b) and (c) are applicable and must be included in the resulting contract. Monitoring can be accomplished by use of the WDOL website’s ‘‘Alert Service’’. (b) * * * (1) * * * (i) It is received by the contracting agency, or is published on the WDOL, 10 or more calendar days before the date of bid opening; or (ii) It is received by the contracting agency, or is published on the WDOL, less than 10 calendar days before the date of bid opening, unless the contracting officer finds that there is not reasonable time available before bid PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 opening to notify the prospective bidders. * * * (2) All written actions modifying wage determinations received by the contracting agency after bid opening, or modifications to general wage determinations published on the WDOL after bid opening, shall not be effective and shall not be included in the solicitation (but see paragraph (b)(6) of this subsection). * * * * * (6) If an award is not made within 90 days after bid opening, any modification to a general wage determination which is published on the WDOL before award, shall be effective for any resultant contract unless an extension of the 90–day period is obtained from the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division. An agency head may request such an extension from the Administrator. * * * (c) * * * (1) All written actions modifying wage determinations received by the contracting agency before contract award, or modifications to general wage determinations published on the WDOL before award, shall be effective. * * * * * (d) * * * (1) * * * (ii) The Department of Labor publishes the modification to a general wage determination on the WDOL before exercise of the option. * * * * * 22.608 [Amended] 8. Amend section 22.608 by removing from the parenthetical in paragraph (b) ‘‘22.609’’ and adding ‘‘29 CFR part 1, Appendix B’’ in its place. I 22.609 I [Removed and Reserved] 9. Remove and reserve section 22.609. 22.1001 [Amended] 10. Amend section 22.1001 by removing the definition ‘‘Notice’’. I 11. Amend 22.1002–3 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows: I 22.1002–3 Wage determinations based on collective bargaining agreements. * * * * * (b) Paragraphs in this Subpart 22.10 which deal with this statutory requirement and the Department of Labor’s implementing regulations are 22.1010, concerning notification to contractors and bargaining representatives of procurement dates; 22.1012–2, explaining when a collective bargaining agreement will not apply due to late receipt by the contracting officer; and 22.1013 and 22.1021, explaining when the application of a collective bargaining agreement can be challenged E:\FR\FM\28JNR3.SGM 28JNR3 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 28, 2006 / Rules and Regulations due to a variance with prevailing rates or lack of arm’s length bargaining. 22.1003–4 [Amended] 12. Amend section 22.1003–4 at paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(D) by removing ‘‘22.1006(e)’’ and adding ‘‘22.1006(d)’’ in its place. I 22.1004 [Amended] 13. Amend section 22.1004 at paragraph (b) by removing ‘‘29 CFR part 4, subpart B’’ and inserting ‘‘29 CFR part 4, subparts A and B’’ in its place. I 22.1006 [Amended] 14. Amend section 22.1006 by removing and reserving paragraph (d); and in paragraph (e)(1) by adding ‘‘— Contractor Certification’’ following ‘‘Provisions’’. I 15. Amend section 22.1007 by revising the section heading and the introductory paragraph; and by removing the parenthetical from the end of paragraph (c)(2). The revised text reads as follows: I 22.1007 Requirement to obtain wage determinations. The contracting officer shall obtain wage determinations for the following service contracts: * * * * * I 16. Revise sections 22.1008 and 22.1008–1 to read as follows: 22.1008 Procedures for obtaining wage determinations. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES_3 22.1008–1 Obtaining wage determinations. (a) Contracting officers may obtain most prevailing wage determinations using the WDOL website. Contracting officers may also use the Department of Labor’s e98 electronic process, located on the WDOL website, to request a wage determination directly from the Department of Labor. If the WDOL database does not contain the applicable prevailing wage determination for a contract action, the contracting officer must use the e98 process to request a wage determination from the Department of Labor. (b) In using the e98 process to obtain prevailing wage determinations, contracting officers shall provide as complete and accurate information on the e98 as possible. Contracting officers shall ensure that the email address submitted on an e98 request is accurate. (c) The contracting officer must anticipate the amount of time required to gather the information necessary to obtain a wage determination, including sufficient time, if necessary, to contact the Department of Labor to request wage determinations that are not available through use of the WDOL. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:14 Jun 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 (d) Although the WDOL website provides assistance to the contracting agency to select the correct wage determination, the contracting agency remains responsible for the wage determination selected. If the contracting agency has used the e98 process, the Department of Labor will respond to the contracting agency based on the information provided on the e98. The contracting agency may rely upon the Department of Labor response as the correct wage determination for the contract. (e) To obtain the applicable wage determination for each contract action, the contracting officer shall determine the following information concerning the service employees expected to be employed by the contractor and any subcontractors in performing the contract: (1) Determine the classes of service employees to be utilized in performance of the contract using the Wage and Hour Division’s Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations (Directory). The Directory can be found on WDOL’s Library Page, and is for sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office. (2) Determine the locality where the services will be performed (see 22.1009). (3) Determine whether Section 4(c) of the Act applies (see 22.1008–2, 22.1010 and 22.1012–2). (4) Determine the wage rate that would be paid each class if employed by the agency and subject to the wage provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5341 and/or 5332 (see 22.1016). (f) If the contracting officer has questions regarding the procedures for obtaining a wage determination, or questions regarding the selection of a wage determination, the contracting officer should request assistance from the agency labor advisor. 22.1008–2 [Removed] 22.1008–3 [Redesignated as 22.1008–2] 17a. Remove section 22.1008–2 and redesignate 22.1008–3 as 22.1008–2. I 17b. In addition to the amendment above, amend the newly designated section 22.1008–2 by— I a. Revising the second sentence of paragraph (a); I b. Amending paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A) and (B) by removing ‘‘22.1012–3’’ and adding ‘‘22.1012–2’’ in its place; I c. Redesignating paragraph (d) as (d)(1) and removing the last sentence of the paragraph; and adding paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3); I d. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) as (e)(i) and (e)(ii), respectively, and I PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 36933 paragraph (e) as (e)(1); and adding paragraph (e)(2); and I e. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (g). I The revised text reads as follows: 22.1008–2 Section 4(c) successorship with incumbent contractor collective bargaining agreement. (a) * * * The contracting officer shall determine whether there is a predecessor contract covered by the Act and, if so, whether the incumbent prime contractor or its subcontractors and any of their employees have a collective bargaining agreement. * * * * * (d)(1) * * * (2) If the contracting officer has timely received the collective bargaining agreement, the contracting officer may use the WDOL website to prepare a wage determination referencing the agreement and incorporate that wage determination, attached to a complete copy of the collective bargaining agreement, into the successor contract action. In using the WDOL process, it is not necessary to submit a copy of the collective bargaining agreement to the Department of Labor unless requested to do so. (3) The contracting officer may also use the e98 process on WDOL to request that the Department of Labor prepare the cover wage determination. The Department of Labor’s response to the e98 may include a request for the contracting officer to submit a complete copy of the collective bargaining agreement. Any questions regarding the applicability of the Act to a collective bargaining agreement should be directed to the agency labor advisor. (e)(1) * * * (2) If the contracting officer’s review (see 22.1013) indicates that monetary provisions of the collective bargaining agreement may be substantially at variance or may not have been reached as a result of arm’s length bargaining, the contracting officer shall immediately contact the agency labor advisor to consider if further action is warranted. * * * * * (g) If the collective bargaining agreement does not apply to all service employees under the contract, the contracting officer shall access WDOL to obtain the prevailing wage determination for those service employee classifications that are not covered by the collective bargaining agreement. The contracting officer shall separately list in the solicitation and contract the service employee classifications— * * * * * E:\FR\FM\28JNR3.SGM 28JNR3 36934 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 28, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 22.1008–4 through 22.1008–7 [Removed] 18. Remove sections 22.1008–4 through 22.1008–7. I 19. Revise sections 22.1009–3 and 22.1009–4 to read as follows: I 22.1009–3 All possible places of performance identified. (a) If the contracting officer can identify all the possible places or areas of performance (even though the actual place of performance will not be known until the successful offeror is chosen), the contracting officer shall obtain a wage determination for each locality where services may be performed (see 22.1008). (b) If the contracting officer subsequently learns of any potential offerors in previously unidentified places before the closing date for submission of offers, the contracting officer shall— (1) Obtain wage determinations for the additional places of performance and amend the solicitation to include all wage determinations. If necessary, the contracting officer shall extend the time for submission of final offers; and (2) Follow the procedures in 22.1009– 4. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES_3 22.1009–4 All possible places of performance not identified. If the contracting officer believes that there may be offerors interested in performing in unidentified places or areas, the contracting officer may use the following procedures: (a) Include the following information in the synopsis and solicitation: (1) That the place of performance is unknown. (2) The possible places or areas of performance that the contracting officer has already identified. (3) That the contracting officer will obtain wage determinations for additional possible places of performance if asked to do so in writing. (4) The time and date by which offerors must notify the contracting officer of additional places of performance. (b) Include the information required by paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(4) of this section in the clause at 52.222–49, Service Contract Act-Place of Performance Unknown (see 22.1006(f)). The closing date for receipt of offerors’ requests for wage determinations for additional possible places of performance should allow reasonable time for potential offerors to review the solicitation and determine their interest in competing. Generally, 10 to 15 days from the date of issuance of the solicitation may be considered a reasonable period of time. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:14 Jun 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 (c) The procedures in 14.304 shall apply to late receipt of offerors’ requests for wage determinations for additional places of performance. However, late receipt of an offeror’s request for a wage determination for additional places of performance does not preclude the offeror’s competing for the proposed acquisition. (d) If the contracting officer receives any timely requests for wage determinations for additional places of performance the contracting officer shall— (1) Obtain wage determinations for the additional places of performance; and (2) Amend the solicitation to include all wage determinations and, if necessary, extend the time for submission of final offers. (e) If the successful offeror did not make a timely request for a wage determination and will perform in a place of performance for which the contracting officer therefore did not request a wage determination, the contracting officer shall— (1) Award the contract; (2) Obtain a wage determination; and (3) Incorporate the wage determination in the contract, retroactive to the date of contract award and with no adjustment in contract price, pursuant to the clause at 52.222– 49, Service Contract—Place of Performance Unknown. (i) For purposes of using WDOL, the time of receipt by the contracting agency shall be the first day of publication of the revised prevailing wage determination on the website. (ii) For purposes of using the e98 process, the time of receipt by the contracting agency shall be the date the agency receives actual notice of a new or revised prevailing wage determination from the Department of Labor as an e98 response. (2) In selecting a prevailing wage determination from the WDOL website for use in a solicitation or other contract action, the contracting officer shall monitor the WDOL website to determine whether the applicable wage determination has been revised. Revisions published on the WDOL website or otherwise communicated to the contracting officer within the timeframes prescribed at 22.1012–1(b) and (c) are effective and must be included in the resulting contract. Monitoring can be accomplished by use of the WDOL website’s ‘‘Alert Service’’. (b) The following shall apply when contracting by sealed bidding: a revised prevailing wage determination shall not be effective if it is received by the contracting agency less than 10 days before the opening of bids, and the contracting officer finds that there is not reasonable time to incorporate the revision in the solicitation. 22.1010 [Amended] (c) For contractual actions other than I 20. Amend section 22.1010 by sealed bidding, a revised prevailing removing from paragraph (b) ‘‘22.1012– wage determination received by the 3(a)’’ and adding ‘‘22.1012–2(a)’’ in its contracting agency after award of a new place. contract or a modification as specified in 22.1007(b) shall not be effective 22.1011 through 22.1011–2 [Removed and provided that the start of performance is Reserved] within 30 days of the award or the I 21. Remove and reserve section specified modification. If the contract 22.1011, which consists of 22.1011–1 does not specify a start of performance and 22.1011–2. date which is within 30 days of the I 22. Revise sections 22.1012 and award or the specified modification, and 22.1012–1 to read as follows: if contract performance does not 22.1012 Applicability of revisions to wage commence within 30 days of the award determinations. or the specified modification, any 22.1012–1 Prevailing wage determinations. revision received by the contracting agency not less than 10 days before (a)(1) The Wage and Hour commencement of the work shall be Administrator may issue revisions to effective. prevailing wage determinations (d) If the contracting officer has periodically. The need for inclusion of a revised prevailing wage determination submitted an e98 to the Department of Labor requesting a prevailing wage in a solicitation, contract or contract determination and has not received a modification (see 22.1007) is response within 10 days, the contracting determined by the date of receipt of the officer shall contact the Wage and Hour revised prevailing wage determination Division by telephone to determine by the contracting agency. (Note the when the wage determination can be distinction between receipt by the expected. (The telephone number is agency and receipt by the contracting provided on the e98 website.) officer which may occur later.) PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\28JNR3.SGM 28JNR3 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 124 / Wednesday, June 28, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 22.1012–2 [Removed] 22.1012–3 [Redesignated as 22.1012–2] 22.1012–4 and 22.1012–5 [Removed] 23a. Remove sections 22.1012–2, 22.1012–4 and 22.1012–5; and redesignate 22.1012–3 as 22.1012–2. I 23b. In addition to the amendment above, revise the redesignated section 22.1012–2 to read as follows: I rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with RULES_3 22.1012–2 Wage determinations based on collective bargaining agreements. (a) In sealed bidding, a new or changed collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective under section 4(c) of the Act if the contracting agency has received notice of the terms of the new or changed collective bargaining agreement less than 10 days before bid opening and the contracting officer determines that there is not reasonable time to incorporate the new or changed terms of the collective bargaining agreement in the solicitation. (b) For contractual actions other than sealed bidding, a new or changed collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective under section 4(c) of the Act if notice of the terms of the new or changed collective bargaining agreement is received by the contracting agency after award of a successor contract or a modification as specified in 22.1007(b), provided that the contract start of performance is within 30 days of the award of the contract or of the specified modification. If the contract does not specify a start of performance date which is within 30 days of the award of the contract or of the specified modification, or if contract performance does not commence within 30 days of the award of the contract or of the specified modification, any notice of the terms of a new or changed collective bargaining agreement received by the agency not less than 10 days before commencement of the work shall be effective for purposes of the successor contract under section 4(c) of the Act. (c) The limitations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection shall apply only if timely notification required in 22.1010 has been given. (d) If the contracting officer has submitted an e98 to Department of Labor requesting a wage determination based on a collective bargaining agreement and has not received a response from the Department of Labor within 10 days, the contracting officer shall contact the Wage and Hour Division by telephone to determine when the wage determination can be expected. (The telephone number is provided on the e98 website.) If the Department of Labor is unable to provide the wage determination by the VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:14 Jun 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 latest date needed to maintain the acquisition schedule, the contracting officer shall incorporate the collective bargaining agreement itself in a solicitation or other contract action (e.g., exercise of option) and include a wage determination referencing that collective bargaining agreement created by use of the WDOL website (see 22.1008–2(d)(2)). I 24. Revise section 22.1014 to read as follows: 22.1014 Delay over 60 days in bid opening or commencement of work. If a wage determination was obtained through the e98 process, and bid opening, or commencement of work under a negotiated contract has been delayed, for whatever reason, more than 60 days from the date indicated on the previously submitted e98, the contracting officer shall submit a new e98. Any revision of a wage determination received by the contracting agency as a result of that communication shall supersede the earlier response as the wage determination applicable to the particular acquisition subject to the time frames in 22.1012–1(b) and (c). 22.1017 36935 29. Amend section 52.222–48 by revising the section and clause headings as set forth below. I 52.222–48 Exemption from Application of Service Contract Act Provisions— Contractor Certification. * * * * * EXEMPTION FROM APPLICATION OF SERVICE CONTRACT ACT PROVISIONS— CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION (JUN 2006) * * * 52.222–49 * * [Amended] 30. Amend section 52.222–49 by removing from the introductory text ‘‘and 22.1009–4(c)’’. I PART 53—FORMS 53.222 [Amended] 31. Amend section 53.222 by removing ‘‘99,’’ from the section heading; and removing and reserving paragraph (b). I 53.301 [Amended] 32. Remove sections 53.301–98, 53.301–98a, and 53.301–99. [REMOVE SF’S 98, 98A AND 99] I [FR Doc. 06–5708 Filed 6–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–EP–S [Removed and Reserved] 25. Remove and reserve section 22.1017. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PART 47—TRANSPORTATION GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION I 26. Amend section 47.202 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: I 47.202 Presolicitation planning. * * * * * (a) The Service Contract Act of 1965 (SCA) requirement to obtain a wage determination by accessing the Wage Determination OnLine website (http:// www.wdol.gov) using the WDOL process or by submitting a request directly to the Department of Labor on this website using the e98 process before the issuance of an invitation for bid, request for proposal, or commencement of negotiations for any contract exceeding $2,500 that may be subject to the SCA (see Subpart 22.10); * * * * * PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES 52.212–5 [Amended] 27. Amend section 52.212–5 by revising the date of the clause to read ‘‘(JUN 2006)’’; and by removing paragraph (c)(5). I 52.222–47 [Removed and Reserved] 28. Remove and reserve section 52.222–47. I PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Parts 25 and 52 [FAC 2005–10; FAR Case 2006–006; Item V; Docket 2006–0020, Sequence 10] RIN 9000–AK49 Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2006–006, Free Trade Agreements—El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments. AGENCIES: 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 implement the Dominican Republic-Central AmericaUnited States Free Trade Agreement with respect to El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. E:\FR\FM\28JNR3.SGM 28JNR3
[Pages 36930-36935]
[FR Doc No: 06-5708]
[FAC 2005-10; FAR Case 2005-033; Item IV; Docket 2006-0020, Sequence
RIN 9000-AK47
Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2005-033, Implementation
of Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL)
ACTION:  Interim rule.
Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) internet website as the source for
Federal contracting agencies to obtain wage determinations issued by
the Department of Labor (DOL) for service contracts subject to the
McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) and for construction
contracts subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA).
DATES:  Effective Date: June 28, 2006.
the FAR Secretariat on or before August 28, 2006 to be considered in
ADDRESSES:  Submit comments identified by FAC 2005-10, FAR case 2005-
033, by any of the following methods:
Agency Web site:  http://www.acquisition.gov/far/
E-mail: farcase.2005-033@gsa.gov. Include FAC 2005-10, FAR
case 2005-033 in the subject line of the message.
Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2005-10, FAR
case 2005-033, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments
received will be posted without change to http://www.acquisition.gov/
far/ProposedRules/comments.htm including any personal and/or business
Ms. Gloria Sochon, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 219-0311. Please cite
FAC 2005-10, FAR case 2005-033. For information pertaining to status or
In the August 26, 2005 Federal Register (70 FR 50888), the DOL
issued a final rule to amend Title 29 CFR parts 1 and 4 to allow for
full implementation of the Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) Internet
Website (http://www.wdol.gov) as the source for Federal contracting
agencies to use when obtaining wage determinations issued by the DOL
for service contracts subject to the SCA and for construction contracts
subject to the DBA. The Councils are not seeking comments on the DOL
rule, which has already been issued in final, but are requesting
comments as to whether the FAR policy in this rule implementing the DOL
rule is clear. This interim rule amends FAR Part 22 to direct Federal
for contracts subject to the SCA and DBA from the WDOL website.
This interim rule incorporates new geographical jurisdictions for
DOL's Wage and Hour Regional Offices and eliminates FAR references to
the Government Printing Office (GPO) publication of general wage
determinations. The Contracting Officer (CO) will be able to access the
WDOL website (http://www.wdol.gov) to find the applicable wage
determination for a contract action subject to the SCA or DBA. If the
WDOL database does not contain the applicable wage determination for a
SCA contract action, the CO must use the e98 process to request a wage
determination from DOL.
[[Page 36931]]
The e98 means a DOL approved electronic application, (also available
at http://www.wdol.gov), whereby a CO submits pertinent information to
the DOL and requests a wage determination directly from the Wage and
Hour Division. If the WDOL database does not contain the applicable
wage determination by submitting a SF-308 to the Wage and Hour
Division. The DOL made an administrative determination that providing
Federal contracting agencies with an electronic submission option for
the infrequent instances in which an agency files a SF-308 does not
justify the considerable expense that developing such a system would
entail. To substantiate its decision, the DOL noted that in FY 2004, it
processed less than 100 SF-308's.
This FAR rule eliminates the requirement for the CO to submit a
copy of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to the DOL for the
purpose of obtaining a wage determination under Section 4(c) of the
SCA, unless directed by the DOL to do so. The CO instead, is required
to prepare a wage determination using the WDOL process, and to
incorporate the complete CBA and all its attachments into the
solicitation or contract action. The wage determination prepared by the
CO is a one page document that references the CBA by the name of the
incumbent contractor and the name of the union, and stipulates that the
economic terms of the CBA will apply as the SCA minimum wages and
monetary benefits for the contract resulting from the solicitation
pursuant to DOL Regulation 29 CFR subpart 4.1b.
This interim rule also deletes the clause at 52.222-47, SCA Minimum
Wages and Fringe Benefits Applicable to Successor Contract Pursuant to
Predecessor Contractor Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), because
with the WDOL process it is no longer necessary. In addition, FAR
clause 52.222-49, Service Contract Act-Place of Performance Unknown, is
revised to make conforming changes to FAR references; and Standard
Forms 98, 98a and 99 are deleted from FAR Part 53 in their entirety.
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. The rule is
This interim rule is not expected to have a significant economic
involves internal Government processes between the DOL and Federal
During the design phase of WDOL.gov, the WDOL Task Force
coordinated with a number of labor organizations, contractors, the
Contract Services Association and various Federal contracting agencies
to address and satisfy any concerns about the effect of the rule on all
interested parties including small entities.
concerning the affected FAR parts 22, 47, 52, and 53 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 2005-10, FAR case 2005-033),
is necessary because the rule allows agencies to use the WDOL website
as the source for obtaining wage determinations issued by DOL for
service contracts subject to the SCA and DBA. Thus, the rule will
streamline and improve the internal operating procedures of the
Government. The rule will not have a significant cost or administrative
impact on contractors or offerors. However, pursuant to Public Law 98-
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 4, 22, 47, 52, and 53
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 4, 22, 47, 52, and 53
(q) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of Service Contract Act
Provisions--Contractor Certification.
3. Amend section 22.001 by revising the section heading, and by adding,
in alphabetical order, the definitions ``e98'' and ``Wage
Determinations OnLine (WDOL)'' to read as follows:
e98 means the Department of Labor's approved electronic application
(http://www.wdol.gov), whereby a contracting officer submits pertinent
information to the Department of Labor and requests a Service Contract
Act wage determination directly from the Wage and Hour Division.
Wage Determinations OnLine (WDOL) means the Government Internet
website for both Davis-Bacon Act and Service Contract Act wage
determinations available at http://www.wdol.gov.
(c) The U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for the
including Davis-Bacon and Related Acts, McNamara-O'Hara Service
Contract Act, Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, Copeland Act, and
Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. Contracting officers
should contact the Wage and Hour Division's regional offices when
[[Page 36932]]
required by the subparts relating to these statutes unless otherwise
specified. Addresses for these offices may be found at 29 CFR 1,
22.404-1  Types of wage determinations.
(a) General wage determinations. (1) A general wage determination
contains prevailing wage rates for the types of construction designated
in the determination, and is used in contracts performed within a
specified geographical area. General wage determinations contain no
expiration date and remain valid until modified, superseded, or
canceled by the Department of Labor. Once incorporated in a contract, a
general wage determination normally remains effective for the life of
the contract, unless the contracting officer exercises an option to
extend the term of the contract (see 22.404-12). These determinations
shall be used whenever possible. They are issued at the discretion of
the Department of Labor either upon receipt of an agency request or on
the Department of Labor's own initiative.
(2) General wage determinations are published on the WDOL website.
General wage determinations are effective on the publication date of
the wage determination or upon receipt of the wage determination by the
contracting agency, whichever occurs first. ``Publication'' within the
meaning of this section shall occur on the first date the wage
determination is published on the WDOL. Archived Davis-Bacon Act
general wage determinations that are no longer current may be accessed
in the ``Archived DB WD'' database on WDOL for information purposes
only. Contracting officers may not use an archived wage determination
in a contract action without obtaining prior approval of the Department
of Labor. To obtain prior approval, contact the Department of Labor,
Wage and Hour Division, using http://www.dol.gov/esa, or contact the
procurement agency labor advisor listed on http://www.wdol.gov.
6. Amend section 22.404-3 by revising paragraph (a); and the paragraph
heading and the first sentence of the introductory text of paragraph
22.404-3  Procedures for requesting wage determinations.
(a) General wage determinations. If there is a general wage
determination on the WDOL website applicable to the project, the agency
may use it without notifying the Department of Labor. When necessary, a
request for a general wage determination may be made by submitting
Standard Form (SF) 308, Request for Determination and Response to
Request (see 53.301-308), to the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division,
Attention: Branch of Construction Contract Wage Determinations, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210.
(b) Project wage determinations. If a general wage determination is
not available on WDOL, a contracting agency shall submit requests for
project wage determinations on SF 308 to the Department of Labor. * * *
b. Revising paragraph (b)(1)(i), the first sentence of (b)(1)(ii),
(b)(2), and the first and second sentences of (b)(6);
22.404-6  Modifications of wage determinations.
(3) The need for inclusion of the modification of a general wage
determination for the primary site of the work in a solicitation is
determined by the date the modified wage determination is published on
the WDOL, or by the date the agency receives actual written notice of
the modification from the Department of Labor, whichever occurs first.
(Note the distinction between receipt by the agency (modification is
effective) and receipt by the contracting officer, which may occur
later.) During the course of the solicitation, the contracting officer
shall monitor the WDOL website to determine whether the applicable wage
determination has been revised. Revisions published on the WDOL website
or otherwise communicated to the contracting officer within the
timeframes prescribed at 22.404-6(b) and (c) are applicable and must be
included in the resulting contract. Monitoring can be accomplished by
use of the WDOL website's ``Alert Service''.
(i) It is received by the contracting agency, or is published on
the WDOL, 10 or more calendar days before the date of bid opening; or
(ii) It is received by the contracting agency, or is published on
the WDOL, less than 10 calendar days before the date of bid opening,
unless the contracting officer finds that there is not reasonable time
available before bid opening to notify the prospective bidders. * * *
(2) All written actions modifying wage determinations received by
the contracting agency after bid opening, or modifications to general
wage determinations published on the WDOL after bid opening, shall not
be effective and shall not be included in the solicitation (but see
paragraph (b)(6) of this subsection).
(6) If an award is not made within 90 days after bid opening, any
modification to a general wage determination which is published on the
WDOL before award, shall be effective for any resultant contract unless
an extension of the 90-day period is obtained from the Administrator,
Wage and Hour Division. An agency head may request such an extension
from the Administrator. * * *
(1) All written actions modifying wage determinations received by
the contracting agency before contract award, or modifications to
general wage determinations published on the WDOL before award, shall
(ii) The Department of Labor publishes the modification to a
general wage determination on the WDOL before exercise of the option.
22.608  [Amended]
8. Amend section 22.608 by removing from the parenthetical in paragraph
(b) ``22.609'' and adding ``29 CFR part 1, Appendix B'' in its place.
22.609  [Removed and Reserved]
22.1002-3  Wage determinations based on collective bargaining
(b) Paragraphs in this Subpart 22.10 which deal with this statutory
requirement and the Department of Labor's implementing regulations are
22.1010, concerning notification to contractors and bargaining
representatives of procurement dates; 22.1012-2, explaining when a
collective bargaining agreement will not apply due to late receipt by
the contracting officer; and 22.1013 and 22.1021, explaining when the
application of a collective bargaining agreement can be challenged
due to a variance with prevailing rates or lack of arm's length
22.1003-4  [Amended]
12. Amend section 22.1003-4 at paragraph (b)(4)(ii)(D) by removing
``22.1006(e)'' and adding ``22.1006(d)'' in its place.
22.1004  [Amended]
13. Amend section 22.1004 at paragraph (b) by removing ``29 CFR part 4,
subpart B'' and inserting ``29 CFR part 4, subparts A and B'' in its
14. Amend section 22.1006 by removing and reserving paragraph (d); and
in paragraph (e)(1) by adding ``--Contractor Certification'' following
15. Amend section 22.1007 by revising the section heading and the
introductory paragraph; and by removing the parenthetical from the end
of paragraph (c)(2). The revised text reads as follows:
22.1007  Requirement to obtain wage determinations.
The contracting officer shall obtain wage determinations for the
following service contracts:
22.1008  Procedures for obtaining wage determinations.
22.1008-1  Obtaining wage determinations.
(a) Contracting officers may obtain most prevailing wage
determinations using the WDOL website. Contracting officers may also
use the Department of Labor's e98 electronic process, located on the
WDOL website, to request a wage determination directly from the
Department of Labor. If the WDOL database does not contain the
applicable prevailing wage determination for a contract action, the
contracting officer must use the e98 process to request a wage
determination from the Department of Labor.
(b) In using the e98 process to obtain prevailing wage
determinations, contracting officers shall provide as complete and
accurate information on the e98 as possible. Contracting officers shall
ensure that the email address submitted on an e98 request is accurate.
(c) The contracting officer must anticipate the amount of time
required to gather the information necessary to obtain a wage
determination, including sufficient time, if necessary, to contact the
Department of Labor to request wage determinations that are not
available through use of the WDOL.
(d) Although the WDOL website provides assistance to the
contracting agency to select the correct wage determination, the
contracting agency remains responsible for the wage determination
selected. If the contracting agency has used the e98 process, the
Department of Labor will respond to the contracting agency based on the
information provided on the e98. The contracting agency may rely upon
the Department of Labor response as the correct wage determination for
(e) To obtain the applicable wage determination for each contract
action, the contracting officer shall determine the following
information concerning the service employees expected to be employed by
the contractor and any subcontractors in performing the contract:
(1) Determine the classes of service employees to be utilized in
performance of the contract using the Wage and Hour Division's Service
Contract Act Directory of Occupations (Directory). The Directory can be
found on WDOL's Library Page, and is for sale by the Superintendent of
(2) Determine the locality where the services will be performed
(see 22.1009).
(3) Determine whether Section 4(c) of the Act applies (see 22.1008-
2, 22.1010 and 22.1012-2).
(4) Determine the wage rate that would be paid each class if
employed by the agency and subject to the wage provisions of 5 U.S.C.
5341 and/or 5332 (see 22.1016).
(f) If the contracting officer has questions regarding the
procedures for obtaining a wage determination, or questions regarding
the selection of a wage determination, the contracting officer should
request assistance from the agency labor advisor.
22.1008-2  [Removed]
22.1008-3  [Redesignated as 22.1008-2]
17a. Remove section 22.1008-2 and redesignate 22.1008-3 as 22.1008-2.
17b. In addition to the amendment above, amend the newly designated
section 22.1008-2 by--
b. Amending paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A) and (B) by removing ``22.1012-3''
and adding ``22.1012-2'' in its place;
c. Redesignating paragraph (d) as (d)(1) and removing the last sentence
of the paragraph; and adding paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3);
d. Redesignating paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) as (e)(i) and (e)(ii),
respectively, and paragraph (e) as (e)(1); and adding paragraph (e)(2);
22.1008-2  Section 4(c) successorship with incumbent contractor
(a) * * * The contracting officer shall determine whether there is
a predecessor contract covered by the Act and, if so, whether the
incumbent prime contractor or its subcontractors and any of their
employees have a collective bargaining agreement.
(2) If the contracting officer has timely received the collective
bargaining agreement, the contracting officer may use the WDOL website
to prepare a wage determination referencing the agreement and
incorporate that wage determination, attached to a complete copy of the
collective bargaining agreement, into the successor contract action. In
using the WDOL process, it is not necessary to submit a copy of the
collective bargaining agreement to the Department of Labor unless
(3) The contracting officer may also use the e98 process on WDOL to
request that the Department of Labor prepare the cover wage
determination. The Department of Labor's response to the e98 may
include a request for the contracting officer to submit a complete copy
of the collective bargaining agreement. Any questions regarding the
applicability of the Act to a collective bargaining agreement should be
directed to the agency labor advisor.
(2) If the contracting officer's review (see 22.1013) indicates
that monetary provisions of the collective bargaining agreement may be
substantially at variance or may not have been reached as a result of
arm's length bargaining, the contracting officer shall immediately
contact the agency labor advisor to consider if further action is
(g) If the collective bargaining agreement does not apply to all
service employees under the contract, the contracting officer shall
access WDOL to obtain the prevailing wage determination for those
service employee classifications that are not covered by the collective
bargaining agreement. The contracting officer shall separately list in
the solicitation and contract the service employee classifications--
22.1008-4 through 22.1008-7  [Removed]
22.1009-3  All possible places of performance identified.
(a) If the contracting officer can identify all the possible places
or areas of performance (even though the actual place of performance
will not be known until the successful offeror is chosen), the
contracting officer shall obtain a wage determination for each locality
where services may be performed (see 22.1008).
(b) If the contracting officer subsequently learns of any potential
offerors in previously unidentified places before the closing date for
submission of offers, the contracting officer shall--
(1) Obtain wage determinations for the additional places of
performance and amend the solicitation to include all wage
determinations. If necessary, the contracting officer shall extend the
time for submission of final offers; and
22.1009-4  All possible places of performance not identified.
If the contracting officer believes that there may be offerors
interested in performing in unidentified places or areas, the
contracting officer may use the following procedures:
(a) Include the following information in the synopsis and
(2) The possible places or areas of performance that the
contracting officer has already identified.
(3) That the contracting officer will obtain wage determinations
for additional possible places of performance if asked to do so in
(4) The time and date by which offerors must notify the contracting
officer of additional places of performance.
(b) Include the information required by paragraphs (a)(2) and
(a)(4) of this section in the clause at 52.222-49, Service Contract
Act-Place of Performance Unknown (see 22.1006(f)). The closing date for
receipt of offerors' requests for wage determinations for additional
possible places of performance should allow reasonable time for
potential offerors to review the solicitation and determine their
interest in competing. Generally, 10 to 15 days from the date of
issuance of the solicitation may be considered a reasonable period of
(c) The procedures in 14.304 shall apply to late receipt of
offerors' requests for wage determinations for additional places of
performance. However, late receipt of an offeror's request for a wage
determination for additional places of performance does not preclude
the offeror's competing for the proposed acquisition.
(d) If the contracting officer receives any timely requests for
wage determinations for additional places of performance the
(2) Amend the solicitation to include all wage determinations and,
if necessary, extend the time for submission of final offers.
(e) If the successful offeror did not make a timely request for a
wage determination and will perform in a place of performance for which
the contracting officer therefore did not request a wage determination,
(3) Incorporate the wage determination in the contract, retroactive
to the date of contract award and with no adjustment in contract price,
pursuant to the clause at 52.222-49, Service Contract--Place of
22.1010  [Amended]
20. Amend section 22.1010 by removing from paragraph (b) ``22.1012-
3(a)'' and adding ``22.1012-2(a)'' in its place.
22.1011 through 22.1011-2  [Removed and Reserved]
21. Remove and reserve section 22.1011, which consists of 22.1011-1 and
22.1011-2.
22.1012   Applicability of revisions to wage determinations.
22.1012-1  Prevailing wage determinations.
(a)(1) The Wage and Hour Administrator may issue revisions to
prevailing wage determinations periodically. The need for inclusion of
a revised prevailing wage determination in a solicitation, contract or
contract modification (see 22.1007) is determined by the date of
receipt of the revised prevailing wage determination by the contracting
agency. (Note the distinction between receipt by the agency and receipt
by the contracting officer which may occur later.)
(i) For purposes of using WDOL, the time of receipt by the
contracting agency shall be the first day of publication of the revised
prevailing wage determination on the website.
(ii) For purposes of using the e98 process, the time of receipt by
the contracting agency shall be the date the agency receives actual
notice of a new or revised prevailing wage determination from the
Department of Labor as an e98 response.
(2) In selecting a prevailing wage determination from the WDOL
website for use in a solicitation or other contract action, the
contracting officer shall monitor the WDOL website to determine whether
the applicable wage determination has been revised. Revisions published
on the WDOL website or otherwise communicated to the contracting
officer within the timeframes prescribed at 22.1012-1(b) and (c) are
effective and must be included in the resulting contract. Monitoring
can be accomplished by use of the WDOL website's ``Alert Service''.
(b) The following shall apply when contracting by sealed bidding: a
revised prevailing wage determination shall not be effective if it is
received by the contracting agency less than 10 days before the opening
of bids, and the contracting officer finds that there is not reasonable
time to incorporate the revision in the solicitation.
(c) For contractual actions other than sealed bidding, a revised
prevailing wage determination received by the contracting agency after
award of a new contract or a modification as specified in 22.1007(b)
shall not be effective provided that the start of performance is within
30 days of the award or the specified modification. If the contract
does not specify a start of performance date which is within 30 days of
the award or the specified modification, and if contract performance
does not commence within 30 days of the award or the specified
modification, any revision received by the contracting agency not less
than 10 days before commencement of the work shall be effective.
(d) If the contracting officer has submitted an e98 to the
Department of Labor requesting a prevailing wage determination and has
not received a response within 10 days, the contracting officer shall
contact the Wage and Hour Division by telephone to determine when the
wage determination can be expected. (The telephone number is provided
on the e98 website.)
22.1012-2  [Removed]
22.1012-3  [Redesignated as 22.1012-2]
22.1012-4 and 22.1012-5  [Removed]
23a. Remove sections 22.1012-2, 22.1012-4 and 22.1012-5; and
redesignate 22.1012-3 as 22.1012-2.
23b. In addition to the amendment above, revise the redesignated
section 22.1012-2 to read as follows:
22.1012-2  Wage determinations based on collective bargaining
(a) In sealed bidding, a new or changed collective bargaining
agreement shall not be effective under section 4(c) of the Act if the
contracting agency has received notice of the terms of the new or
changed collective bargaining agreement less than 10 days before bid
opening and the contracting officer determines that there is not
reasonable time to incorporate the new or changed terms of the
collective bargaining agreement in the solicitation.
(b) For contractual actions other than sealed bidding, a new or
changed collective bargaining agreement shall not be effective under
section 4(c) of the Act if notice of the terms of the new or changed
collective bargaining agreement is received by the contracting agency
after award of a successor contract or a modification as specified in
22.1007(b), provided that the contract start of performance is within
30 days of the award of the contract or of the specified modification.
If the contract does not specify a start of performance date which is
within 30 days of the award of the contract or of the specified
modification, or if contract performance does not commence within 30
days of the award of the contract or of the specified modification, any
notice of the terms of a new or changed collective bargaining agreement
received by the agency not less than 10 days before commencement of the
work shall be effective for purposes of the successor contract under
section 4(c) of the Act.
(c) The limitations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection
shall apply only if timely notification required in 22.1010 has been
(d) If the contracting officer has submitted an e98 to Department
of Labor requesting a wage determination based on a collective
bargaining agreement and has not received a response from the
Department of Labor within 10 days, the contracting officer shall
on the e98 website.) If the Department of Labor is unable to provide
the wage determination by the latest date needed to maintain the
acquisition schedule, the contracting officer shall incorporate the
collective bargaining agreement itself in a solicitation or other
contract action (e.g., exercise of option) and include a wage
determination referencing that collective bargaining agreement created
by use of the WDOL website (see 22.1008-2(d)(2)).
22.1014  Delay over 60 days in bid opening or commencement of work.
If a wage determination was obtained through the e98 process, and
bid opening, or commencement of work under a negotiated contract has
been delayed, for whatever reason, more than 60 days from the date
indicated on the previously submitted e98, the contracting officer
shall submit a new e98. Any revision of a wage determination received
by the contracting agency as a result of that communication shall
supersede the earlier response as the wage determination applicable to
the particular acquisition subject to the time frames in 22.1012-1(b)
22.1017  [Removed and Reserved]
47.202  Presolicitation planning.
(a) The Service Contract Act of 1965 (SCA) requirement to obtain a
wage determination by accessing the Wage Determination OnLine website
(http://www.wdol.gov) using the WDOL process or by submitting a request
directly to the Department of Labor on this website using the e98
process before the issuance of an invitation for bid, request for
proposal, or commencement of negotiations for any contract exceeding
$2,500 that may be subject to the SCA (see Subpart 22.10);
27. Amend section 52.212-5 by revising the date of the clause to read
``(JUN 2006)''; and by removing paragraph (c)(5).
52.222-47  [Removed and Reserved]
28. Remove and reserve section 52.222-47.
29. Amend section 52.222-48 by revising the section and clause headings
52.222-48  Exemption from Application of Service Contract Act
52.222-49  [Amended]
30. Amend section 52.222-49 by removing from the introductory text
``and 22.1009-4(c)''.
53.222  [Amended]
31. Amend section 53.222 by removing ``99,'' from the section heading;
and removing and reserving paragraph (b).
53.301  [Amended]
32. Remove sections 53.301-98, 53.301-98a, and 53.301-99.
[REMOVE SF'S 98, 98A AND 99]
[FR Doc. 06-5708 Filed 6-27-06; 8:45 am]