Source: http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/changes/fac/fac2001-09.htm
Timestamp: 2019-03-25 18:43:58
Document Index: 645134128

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 2', 'art 16', 'art 17', 'art 1', 'art 7', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'arts 2', 'art 8', 'arts 22', 'arts 22', 'ART 22', 'arts 22']

FAC2001-09
-48 CFR Parts Ch. 1, 2, 7, 8, et al.
Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-09; Introduction
ACTION: Summary presentation of final and interim rules and technical amendments.
SUMMARY: This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules agreed to by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-09. A companion document, the Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is available via the Internet at http://www.arnet.gov/far.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact the analyst whose name appears in the table below in relation to each FAR case or subject area. Please cite FAC 2001-09 and specific FAR case number(s). Interested parties may also visit our website at http://www.arnet.gov/far.
Task-Order and Delivery- Order Contracts
1999-303
Temporary Emergency Procurement Authority (Interim)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Summaries for each FAR rule follow. For the actual revisions and/or amendments to these FAR cases, refer to the specific item number and subject set forth in the documents following these item summaries. FAC 2001-09 amends the FAR as specified below:
Item I--Task-Order and Delivery-Order Contracts (FAR Case 1999-303)
With respect to the structuring of orders and the consideration given to contract holders prior to order placement, the rule (1) increases attention to modular contracting principles to help agencies avoid unnecessarily large and inadequately defined orders, (2) facilitates information exchange during the fair opportunity process so that contractors may develop and propose solutions that enable the Government to award performance-based orders, and (3) revises existing documentation requirements to address tradeoff decisions as well as the issuance of sole-source orders as logical follow-ons to orders already issued under the contract. This rule also adds a separate definition for the terms ``Governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC)'' and ``Multi-agency contract (MAC)'' to the FAR to clarify the difference between the terms and the purpose of each contract vehicle.
Item II--Temporary Emergency Procurement Authority (FAR Case 2002-003)
Item III--Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (FAR Case 2000-302)
Item IV--Trade Agreements Thresholds (FAR Case 2002-009)
Item V--Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts (FAR Case 2001-012)
Dated: August 21, 2002. Al Matera, Director, Acquisition Policy Division. Federal Acquisition Circular
Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-09 is issued under the authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Unless otherwise specified, all Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other directive material contained in FAC 2001-09 are effective September 30, 2002, except for Items II and III which are effective August 30, 2002.
Dated: August 15, 2002. Deidre A. Lee, Director, Defense Procurement.
Dated: August 21, 2002. Patricia A. Brooks, Acting Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Acquisition Policy, General Services Administration.
Dated: August 14, 2002. Tom Luedtke, Assistant Administrator for Procurement, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
48 CFR Parts 2, 7, 8, 16, 17, and 52
[FAC 2001-09; FAR Case 1999-303; Item I]
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to further implement subsections 804(a) and (b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. These subsections focus primarily on appropriate use of task-order and delivery-order contracts and specific steps agencies should take when placing orders under task-order and delivery-order contracts established by another agency. The rule also clarifies that written acquisition plans may be required for orders as determined by the agency head.
DATES: Effective Date: September 30, 2002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Julia Wise, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 208-1168. Please cite FAC 2001-09, FAR case 1999-303.
A. Background The Councils published a final rule, FAR case 1999-014, Competition Under Multiple Award Contracts, in the Federal Register at 65 FR 24317, April 25, 2000, to clarify what contracting officers should consider when planning for multiple awards of indefinite-delivery contracts, and clarify how orders should be placed against the resultant contracts. That rule implemented portions of subsections 804(a) and (b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. This rule further strengthens that policy and the implementation of subsections 804(a) and (b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 in several ways.
This rule also adds to the FAR a separate definition for the terms ``Governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC)'' and ``Multi-agency contract (MAC)'' to clarify the difference between the terms and the purpose of each contract vehicle.
A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register at 66 FR 44518, August 23, 2001. Four sources submitted comments in response to the proposed rule. This final rule includes a change based on some of the comments received. Substantive public comments addressed the need for additional clarification pertaining to the application of the Economy Act within the proposed definition of multi-agency contract. The definition states that supplies and services would be obtained ``consistent with'' the Economy Act. The Councils agreed that clarification was needed. Accordingly, the definition of multi-agency contract was amended by adding a reference to FAR 17.500(b), which expressly provides that the Economy Act is not applicable if an interagency acquisition is authorized under a more specific statutory authority. In other words, use of more specific authority, if it exists, would still be ``consistent with'' the Economy Act.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certify that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because the rule makes various changes to improve the use of task-order contracts and delivery-order contracts. The primary focus is on usage of these contracts where multiple awards are made and where the contracts are being used to support inter-agency transactions. Some aspects of the final rule (e.g., planning, documentation) largely address the internal operating procedures of Government agencies. The changes that affect small entities should have a slight positive effect by, among other things, strengthening use of the fair opportunity process to ensure small entities are appropriately being given opportunities to pursue business opportunities under multiple award task-order and delivery-order contracts. The rule further acknowledges that access to small business concerns is an appropriate factor for an agency to consider as part of its acquisition planning prior to placing an order under a contract awarded by another agency.
Government procurement. Dated: August 21, 2002. Al Matera, Director, Acquisition Policy Division.
2. Amend section 2.101 by adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``Governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC)'' and ``Multi-agency contract (MAC)'' to read as follows:
Governmentwide acquisition contract (GWAC) means a task-order or delivery-order contract for information technology established by one agency for Governmentwide use that is operated--
3. Amend section 7.101 by adding, in alphabetical order, the definition ``Order'' to read as follows:
Order means an order placed under a--
5. Amend section 7.104 by revising the first sentence of paragraph (a); in the second sentence of paragraph (b) by adding ``with'' after the word ``consult''; and by revising the second sentence of paragraph (c) to read as follows:
6. Amend section 7.105 in the first sentence of the introductory paragraph by removing ``subparagraph'' and adding ``paragraph'' in its place, and in the last sentence by adding ``or orders'' after the word ``contracts''; and by revising paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows:
(4) Acquisition considerations. (i) For each contract contemplated, discuss contract type selection (see part 16); use of multiyear contracting, options, or other special contracting methods (see part 17); any special clauses, special solicitation provisions, or FAR deviations required (see subpart 1.4); whether sealed bidding or negotiation will be used and why; whether equipment will be acquired by lease or purchase (see subpart 7.4) and why; and any other contracting considerations.
(ii) For each order contemplated, discuss--
(B) Why this action benefits the Government, such as when--
8.001 through 8.003 [Redesignated as 8.002 through 8.004]
7a. In the newly designated section 8.002 remove from the introductory text of paragraph (a) ``8.002'' and add ``8.003'' in its place; and in the second sentence of the newly designated section 8.004, remove ``must'' and add ``shall'' (twice) in its place.
8. Amend section 8.401 in the first sentence of paragraph (a) by removing ``8.001'' and adding ``8.002'' in its place.
(ii) GSA has already determined the prices of items under schedule contracts to be fair and reasonable. By placing an order against a schedule using the procedures in this section, the ordering office has concluded that the order represents the best value and results in the
lowest overall cost alternative (considering price, special features, administrative costs, etc.) to meet the Government's needs.
10. Amend section 8.602 in the introductory text of paragraph (b) by removing ``8.001'' and adding ``8.002'' in its place.
b. In paragraph (a)(3) by adding ``or order'' after the word ``contract'';
d. Add paragraphs (b)(1)(iii)(A)(4) and (b)(1)(iii)(A)(5);
(7) Orders placed under a task-order contract or delivery-order contract awarded by another agency (i.e., a Governmentwide acquisition contract, or multi-agency contract)--
(4) The amount of time contractors need to make informed business decisions on whether to respond to potential orders. (5) Whether contractors could be encouraged to respond to potential orders by outreach efforts to promote exchanges of information, such
(2) Exceptions to the fair opportunity process. The contracting officer shall give every awardee a fair opportunity to be considered for a delivery-order or task-order exceeding $2,500 unless one of the following statutory exceptions applies:
(b) The Economy Act applies when more specific statutory authority does not exist. Examples of interagency acquisitions to which the Economy Act does not apply include--
52.208-9 [Amended]
13. Amend section 52.208-9 by removing from the prescription
``8.003'' and adding ``8.004'' in its place.
48 CFR Parts 2, 12, 13, 19, and 25
[FAC 2001-09; FAR Case 2002-003; Item II]
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 Section 836 of the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act. Section 836 increases the amount of the micro-purchase threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold for procurements of supplies or services by or for DoD during fiscal years 2002 and 2003, where those procurements are to facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States.
DATES: Effective Date: August 30, 2002.
Comment Date: Interested parties should submit comments to the FAR Secretariat at the address shown below on or before October 29, 2002, to be considered in the formulation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to--General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVP), 1800 F Street, NW, Room 4035, Attn: Ms. Laurie Duarte, Washington, DC 20405.
Submit electronic comments via the Internet to--farcase.2002-003@gsa.gov
Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2001-09, FAR case 2002-003, in all correspondence related to this case.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Victoria Moss, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-4764. Please cite FAC 2001-09, FAR case 2002-003.
A. Background This interim rule implements Section 836 of the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act (Pub. L. 107-107, 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note). Section 836 increases the amount of the micro-purchase threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold for procurements of supplies or services by or for DoD during fiscal years 2002 and 2003, where those procurements are to facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States.
For acquisitions of supplies and services to facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States, by or for the Department of Defense, the micro-purchase threshold is raised to $15,000 (except for construction subject to the Davis-Bacon Act). The simplified acquisition threshold for such acquisitions in support of a contingency operation is raised to $250,000 inside the United States and $500,000 outside the United States.
Any acquisition by or for the Department of Defense of biotechnology supplies or biotechnology services to facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States shall be treated as being a procurement of commercial items.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The changes may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. However, the increased thresholds are limited to procurements that are to facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States. There are no data available on the number of procurements that will be eligible. We expect the increased thresholds to this limited class of procurements will apply to a very small number of small entities.
This interim rule does not impose any data collection requirements on small business concerns. The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with other relevant Federal rules. There are no significant alternatives to the proposed rule that would accomplish the stated beneficial objective.
The FAR Secretariat has submitted a copy of the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Interested parties may obtain a copy from the FAR Secretariat. The Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR subparts 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 2001-09, FAR case 2002-003), in correspondence.
D. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DoD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action is necessary because the FAR coverage implements Section 836 of the Fiscal Year 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, signed on December 28, 2001, which provides for urgently needed authorities.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 12, 13, 19, and 25
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 2, 12, 13, 19, and 25 as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 2, 12, 13, 19, and 25 continues to read as follows:
2. Amend section 2.101 by revising the definitions ``Micro-purchase'', ``Micro-purchase threshold'', and ``Simplified acquisition threshold'' to read as follows:
(2) $15,000 for acquisitions by or for the Department of Defense facilitating the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack as described in 13.201(g), except for construction subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.
Simplified acquisition threshold means $100,000, except that in the case of any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made--
(2) To facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States, for acquisitions--
(i) Inside the United States, by or for the Department of Defense, for which award is made and funds are obligated on or before September 30, 2003, in support of a contingency operation (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)), the term means $250,000; or
(ii) Outside the United States, by or for the Department of Defense, for which award is made and funds are obligated on or before September 30, 2003, in support of a contingency operation (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)), the term means $500,000.
3. Amend section 12.102 by adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:
(f) Contracting officers shall treat any acquisition by or for the Department of Defense of biotechnology supplies or biotechnology services, for use to facilitate the defense against terrorism or biological attack against the United States, as an acquisition of commercial items. The policies of this part shall apply to such acquisitions, including the requirement to use firm-fixed price contracts or fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustments. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude a contracting officer from treating an acquisition described in this paragraph as one for a non-commercial item if a determination is made by the contracting officer that the purchase cannot be made at a fair and reasonable price using the policies of this part. This paragraph applies only when award is made and funds are obligated on or before September 30, 2003.
4. Amend section 13.003 in paragraph (b)(1) by adding ``($15,000 for acquisitions as described in 13.201(g))'' after ``$2,500''; and in paragraph (b)(2) by removing ``$2,500'' and adding ``the micro-purchase threshold'' in its place.
5. Amend section 13.201 by adding paragraph (g) to read as follows:
(g) There is a temporary $15,000 micro-purchase threshold for the acquisition of supplies or services by or for the Department of Defense for which award is made and funds are obligated on or before September 30, 2003, facilitating the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States (see 2.101). Purchases using this authority must have a clear and direct relationship to the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack.
6. Amend section 19.502-1 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
(b) This requirement does not apply to purchases of $2,500 or less ($15,000 or less for acquisitions as described in 13.201(g)), or purchases from required sources of supply under part 8 (e.g., Federal Prison Industries, Committee for Purchase From People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled, and Federal Supply Schedule contracts).
7. Amend section 19.502-2 in the first sentence of paragraph (a) by removing ``$2,500,'' and adding ``$2,500 ($15,000 for acquisitions as described in 13.202(g)),'' in its place.
8. Amend section 19.903 by--
a. Removing the word ``or'' from paragraph (b)(1);
b. Removing the period at the end of the sentence in paragraph (b)(2) and adding ``; or'' in its place; and
c. Adding paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows:
(3) Acquisitions of $15,000 or less facilitating the defense against terrorism or biological or chemical attack against the United States as described in 13.201(g).
9. Amend section 25.1101 in the introductory text of paragraph (a)(1) by adding ``($15,000 for acquisitions as described in 13.201(g))'' after ``$2,500''.
10. Amend section 25.1103 in paragraph (a) by removing ``$2,500,'' and adding ``$2,500 ($15,000 for acquisitions as described in 13.201(g)),'' in its place.
[FAC 2001-09; FAR Case 2000-302; Item III]
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to adopt, as final, the first interim rule published at 65 FR 60542, October 11, 2000, which implemented portions of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 which added a subcontracting plan goal for veteran-owned small businesses and a 3 percent Governmentwide agency goal for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and the second interim rule published at 66 FR 53492, October 22, 2001, which implemented Section 803 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001), which added an additional subcontracting plan goal for service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. Both rules, and the correction published January 14, 2002, are adopted as final without change.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Rhonda Cundiff, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-0044. Please cite FAC 2001-09, FAR case 2000-302.
A. Background The final rule amends the FAR to implement portions of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-50) and section 803 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001, Pub. L. 106-554). The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 established new assistance programs for veterans and service-disabled veterans who own and operate small businesses. Specifically, the Act--
Defines the terms ``small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans''; and ``small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans'';
Four respondents submitted comments in response to the interim rule. The Councils considered all comments and made no changes as a result. However, three of the comments merit noting. The first comment was that the interim rule, as published on October 11, 2001, is flawed as 19.704(a)(1) and the clause at 52.219-9(d)(1) still contain the phrase ``a separate goal for service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns is not required.'' Response: The appearance of that phrase in the Federal Register was an error and was subsequently corrected by the January 14, 2002, Federal Register notice.
The third comment suggests that the rule be modified to provide service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns ``the benefit of every contracting preference afforded SDBs and women-owned small businesses * * *''. The comment also suggests limiting of competition for certain commodities or service that may be furnished by service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. Response: Existing legislation does not permit adopting any of the suggestions contained in the comment.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The changes may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., because the rule adds a new statutory subcontracting plan goal requirement for service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. A Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) has been prepared and is summarized as follows:
This final rule revises the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement portions of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-50) and section 803 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554). The statutes added a separate subcontracting plan goal requirement for veteran-owned small business and another goal for service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns. There are approximately 4 to 5.5 million small businesses owned and controlled by veterans and 100,000 to 300,000 small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. This rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with other relevant Federal regulations. There are no alternatives to the final rule that would accomplish the stated objectives.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) applies. However, this final rule requires contractors to report, as a separate item, information already collected and reported under OMB Control Numbers 9000-0006 and 9000-0007. The impact of this final rule on the information collection hours of these OMB clearances is so small as to be within the estimating parameters of these clearances. Therefore, the clearances have not been changed.
[FAC 2001-09; FAR Case 2002-009; Item IV]
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement new dollar thresholds for application of the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as published by the U.S. Trade Representative in the Federal Register at 67 FR 14763, March 27, 2002.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Cecelia Davis, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 219-0202. Please cite FAC 2001-09, FAR case 2002-009.
A. Background This final rule amends FAR Subparts 22.15, 25.2, 25.4, 25.6, and 25.11 to implement new dollar thresholds for application of the Trade Agreements Act (TAA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as published by the U.S. Trade Representative in the Federal Register at 67 FR 14763, March 27, 2002.
The rule also amends the clauses at 52.213-4, Terms and Conditions-Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items), and 52.222-19, Child Labor--Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to this rule. This final rule does not constitute a significant FAR revision within the meaning of FAR 1.501 and Public Law 98-577, and publication for public comments is not required. However, the Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR Parts 22, 25, and 52 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 2001-09, FAR case 2002-009), in correspondence.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does apply; however, these changes to the FAR do not impose additional information collection requirements to the paperwork burden previously approved under OMB Control Numbers 9000-0023, 9000-0025, 9000-0130, and 9000-0141.
PART 22--APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS 22.1503 [Amended]
2. Amend section 22.1503 in paragraph (b)(3) by removing ``$54,372'' and adding ``$56,190'' in its place; and by removing from paragraph (b)(4) ``$177,000'' and adding ``$169,000'' in its place.
3. Amend section 25.202 in paragraph (c) by removing ``$6,806,000'' and ``$7,068,419'' and adding ``$6,481,000'' and ``$7,304,733'' in their place, respectively.
25.403 [Amended]
4. Amend section 25.403 in paragraph (b)(1) by removing ``$177,000'' and ``$6,806,000'' and adding ``$169,000'' and ``$6,481,000'' in their place, respectively.
25.405 [Amended]
5. Amend section 25.405 as follows:
a. In paragraph (a) by removing ``$25,000 or less'' and ``$54,372'' and adding ``less than $25,000'' and ``$56,190'' in their place, respectively;
b. In paragraph (b) by removing ``$7,068,419'' and adding ``7,304,733'' in its place; and
c. In paragraph (c) by removing ``$54,372'' and $7,068,419'' and adding ``$56,190'' and ``$7,304,733'' in their place, respectively.
6. Amend section 25.601 as follows:
a. In the introductory text of paragraph (a) by removing ``must'' and adding ``shall'' in its place;
b. In paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3)(ii) by removing ``$177,000'' and adding ``$169,000'' in their places; and
c. In paragraph (a)(2) by removing ``$6,806,000'' and adding ``$6,481,000'' in its place.
7. Amend section 25.1101 as follows:
a. Revise paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(A), (b)(1)(ii), (b)(1)(iii), (b)(2)(ii), and (b)(2)(iii); and
b. In paragraphs (c)(1) and (d) by removing ``$177,000'' and adding ``$169,000'' in their place.
8. Amend section 25.1102 as follows:
a. In the introductory text of paragraphs (a) and (c), and paragraphs (c)(3) and (d)(3) by removing ``$6,806,000'' and adding ``$6,481,000'' in their place; and
b. In paragraphs (c)(3) and (d)(3) by removing ``$7,068,419'' and adding ``$7,304,733'' in their place.
9. Amend section 25.1103 in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii)(B) by removing ``$177,000'' and adding ``$169,000'' in their place.
10. Amend section 52.213-4 as follows:
a. Revise the date of the clause; and
Terms and Conditions--Simplified Acquisitions (Other Than Commercial Items) (Sept 2002)
(i) 52.222-19, Child Labor--Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Sept 2002) (E.O. 13126). (Applies to contracts for supplies exceeding the micro-purchase threshold.)
11. Amend section 52.222-19 by revising the date of the clause to read (SEPT 2002); in paragraph (a)(3) by removing ``$54,372'' and adding ``$56,190'' in its place; and in paragraph (a)(4) by removing ``$177,000'' and adding ``$169,000'' in its place.
[FAC 2001-09; FAR Case 2001-012; Item V]
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify in the certification language of the clause entitled Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts that all payments due to subcontractors and suppliers have been made by the prime contractor from previous progress payments received from the Government.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Mr. Jeremy Olson at (202) 501-3221. Please cite FAC 2001-09, FAR case 2001-012.
A. Background DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 66 FR 53050, October 18, 2001, with request for comments. Six respondents submitted public comments. The Councils considered all comments and concluded that the proposed rule should be converted to a final rule, with no changes made to the proposed rule.
1. One of the respondents asserted that some of its customers ``that do not pay their invoices on time use the rationale of this FAR regulation to respond to us that it is not necessary to pay us until they themselves are paid by the Federal Government.'' The respondent requested that the Government close ``a loophole'' for billion dollar companies to avoid paying their smaller vendors.
Response: It has always been the Government's intent that subcontractors be paid all that they are due on a timely basis, in accordance with the terms of their subcontract agreements with their prime contractors. Because of the decision in United States v. Gatewood, it is necessary to make that point with greater clarity by inserting the word ``all,'' thus ensuring that the prime contractor has made all payments due its subcontractors that have been included in its progress payments billings. The FAR change is designed to better ensure that subcontractors are paid on a timely basis, thus addressing the respondent's request that a ``loophole'' be closed. The final rule would prevent construction prime contractors from making only partial payments to subcontractors, based on a very narrow reading of the current language of FAR 52.232-5(c)(2).
``All payments due to subcontractors and suppliers from previous payments received under the contract have been made in a timely manner; and all payments due to subcontractors and suppliers from the proceeds of the payment covered by this certification will be made timely, in accordance with subcontract agreements and the requirements of chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code * * *.''
Response: The Councils concluded that the rewording of the proposed rule recommended by respondent 2 is not necessary. The proposed rule states that ``timely payments will be made from the proceeds of the payment covered by this certification, in accordance with subcontract agreements and the requirements of chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code.'' Consequently, if the prime contractor elects to make only a part of the payments due to subcontractors from the proceeds of the progress payment, the prime contractor would be making some of its payments on an untimely basis, and as such, the prime contractor will have made a false certification. Under the language of the clause, payments due in accordance with the terms of subcontract agreements and the law must be made on a timely basis if they are to be included in the prime contractor's payment request.
3. A third respondent suggested alternative language to paragraph (c)(2) of the FAR clause at FAR 52.232-5. The respondent's rationale was that the clause should specifically indicate that the prime contractor's certification covers payments due for both work completed and supplies or services delivered by the subcontractors. Respondent 3 asserted that prime contractors do not have to pay their subcontractors for supplies or services delivered unless and until those supplies or services have been incorporated into the scope of work. Consequently, the respondent wanted to specifically indicate that the payments covered by the certified payment request include payments to subcontractors for materials and services that may not have been incorporated into the scope of the prime contract at the time the prime contractor's payment request is made to the Government. The wording suggested by the respondent is as follows:
``(2) All payments due to subcontractors and suppliers for work completed or materials/equipment delivered have been made from previous payments under this contract and timely payments will be made from payments due for which this certification and the attached invoice is submitted. This requirement supercedes any other payment terms that may have been included in any subcontract terms and is required by chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code.''
Response: The Councils concluded that the language suggested by respondent 3 is not needed and may lead to confusion with regard to the requirements of the entire payment clause at FAR 52.232-5. FAR 52.232-5(b)(1) requires that the prime contractor's progress payment request include a listing of the amount included for work performed by each subcontractor under the contract; a listing of the total amount of each subcontract under the contract; and a listing of amounts previously paid to each subcontractor. The clause also clearly indicates in 52.232-5(c)(1) that the contractor's certified payment request is for amounts ``only for performance in accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract.''
4. The fourth respondent asserted that, because the payments made under construction prime contracts are almost always covered by payment bonds or alternate payment procedures, the Government should not be involved in payment disputes between prime contractors and subcontractors. Consequently, respondent 4 concluded that the prime contractor's certification that payments have been made to its subcontractors was redundant and unnecessary, and that the certification should be eliminated. Respondent 4 also indicated that contracting officer inquiries as to whether a subcontractor has been paid on time were usually a reflection of a situation where the subcontractor has not been paid because of a dispute over subcontractor performance. Consequently, respondent 4 believed the following language was sufficient:
``(2) All past and future payments due to subcontractors and suppliers will be or have been made as required by chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code.''
Response: The Councils concluded that adopting respondent 4's proposed alternative language could be seen as a significant weakening of the payment protections afforded to construction subcontractors by Government contracts. The certification requirement questioned by respondent 4 is provided for in chapter 39 of Title 31 of the U.S.C. The certification is needed in the event the prime contractor has fraudulently billed the Government for progress payments that the prime contractor has represented will be used to pay its subcontractors; as such, this certification supports the possibility that the Government may need to prosecute the prime contractor under laws relating to defrauding the Government. Absent a certification, and employing only the words proposed by respondent 4, the Government could assert that the prime contractor had breached its contract if it failed to pay its subcontractors with the proceeds from progress payments paid to the prime contractor for that purpose. But that is well short of the enforcement action potentially available under the fraud statute.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certify that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because most contracts awarded to small entities have a dollar value less than the simplified acquisition threshold and, therefore, do not have the progress payment type of financing. In addition, this change is a clarification of existing policy, rather than the addition of new policy.
Government procurement. Dated: August 21, 2002 Al Matera, Director, Acquisition Policy Division.
52.232-5 Payments Under Fixed Price Construction Contracts.
Payments Under Fixed--Price Construction Contracts (Sept. 2002)
48 CFR Parts 22, 36, and 52
[FAC 2001-09; Item VI]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC, 20405, (202) 501-4755. Please cite FAC 2001-09, Technical Amendments.
2. Amend section 22.1503 in the first sentence of paragraph (a) by removing ``(www.dol.gov/dol/ilab)'' and adding ``(www.dol.gov/ilab/)'' in its place.
36.606 [Amended]
3. Amend section 36.606 in the last sentence of paragraph (a) by removing from the parenthetical the words ``and the determination and findings requirement at 16.306(c)(2) for a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract''.
End of FAC 2001-09