Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2001/05/16/01-12244/federal-acquisition-regulation-electronic-commerce-in-federal-procurement
Timestamp: 2017-11-18 12:31:27
Document Index: 755856237

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 4', 'arts 2', 'art 19', 'art 5', 'arts 5', 'art 5']

Federal Register :: Federal Acquisition Regulation; Electronic Commerce in Federal Procurement
A Rule by the Defense Department, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on 05/16/2001
66 FR 27407
27407-27414 (8 pages)
FAR Case 1997-304
9000-AI10
01-12244
2. The Proposed Rule—Designation of FedBizOpps
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/01-12244 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/01-12244
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 further implement section 850 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998; and implement section 810 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001.
Section 850 calls for the use of cost-effective procedures and processes that employ electronic commerce in the conduct and administration of Federal procurement systems. This includes the designation in the FAR of a single point of universal electronic public access to Governmentwide procurement opportunities (the “Governmentwide Point of Entry” or “GPE”). Section 810 allows agencies to provide access to notices through the GPE, as designated in the FAR, instead of publishing them via the Commerce Business Daily (CBD).
This rule designates Federal Business Opportunities (“FedBizOpps”) as the GPE. Agencies have until October 1, 2001, to complete their transition to, or integration with, FedBizOpps. By that date, all agencies must use FedBizOpps to provide access to public notices of procurement actions over $25,000 that are currently required to be published in the CBD along with associated solicitations and amendments. In addition, agencies will not be required to provide notice in the CBD as of January 1, 2002, since access to this information will be provided on the Internet through FedBizOpps.
Effective Date: May 16, 2001.
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.1997-304@gsa.gov
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 97-26, FAR case 1997-304.
An interim rule was published in the Federal Register at 63 FR 58590, October 30, 1998, amending FAR Subpart 4.5 and making associated changes to FAR Parts 2, 5, 13, 14, and 32 to implement Section 850. Section 850 amended Titles 10, 15, 40, and 41 of the United States Code to eliminate the statutory preference for the Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET) computer architecture in conducting transactions electronically. Towards this end, the first interim rule revised the FAR to—
Promote the use of cost-effective procedures and processes that employ electronic commerce in the conduct and administration of Federal procurement systems; and
Require Federal procurement systems that employ electronic commerce to apply nationally and internationally recognized standards that broaden interoperability and ease the electronic interchange of information.
Section 850 calls for “any notice of agency requirements or agency solicitation for contract opportunities” to be provided in a form that allows “convenient and universal user access through a single, Government-wide point of entry.” Subsequent to the consideration of public comments on the first interim rule, the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) recommended that FedBizOpps (http://www.fedbizopps.gov) be designated as the GPE. The Councils published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 65 FR 50872, August 21, 2000, to solicit public comments on the implementation of OFPP's recommendation. The preamble to the proposed rule describes the Government's objectives in designating a GPE (i.e., to create a central point for electronic access to business opportunities, to follow the commercial lead, and to facilitate re-engineering for sellers and buyers) and how FedBizOpps meets these objectives.
The Councils received and considered public comments from 22 respondents. OFPP also reviewed the comments on the proposed designation and continues to believe that FedBizOpps can most effectively meet the Government's objectives, including improved and enhanced access to information for businesses small and large. Among other things, GSA and the agencies using FedBizOpps have sought to shape FedBizOpps to take advantage of electronic tools that have widespread commercial acceptance and interface with sellers' electronic tools, and can adapt to new tools as they gain commercial acceptance. FedBizOpps allows sellers and service providers to access and download information through different commercial electronic means and business applications, including web-based technology, bulk data feed, and push technology through electronic mail (e-mail). This ability to accommodate various business techniques means that sellers can choose the means they find more suitable (i.e., direct or service-provider Start Printed Page 27408enhanced) for gaining access to Federal business opportunities.
Public comments received in response to first interim rule and the proposed rule were considered in drafting this second interim rule. This rule designates FedBizOpps as the GPE. Agencies must make notices of contracting opportunities that meet the criteria in FAR 5.101 and 5.201 accessible via FedBizOpps. In addition, the rule—
Adds place of contract performance and set-aside status to the required notice content;
Requires agencies to make accessible through FedBizOpps other notices that are currently published in the CBD, such as presolicitation notices and award notices supporting subcontracting opportunities;
Requires agencies to make accessible via FedBizOpps most solicitations and amendments associated with business opportunities listed on the FedBizOpps website;
Permits contractors to publicize subcontracting opportunities with the intent of supporting achievement of subcontracting goals; and
Permits agencies to make accessible via FedBizOpps information that allows potential offerors to better understand how they can meet the Government's needs.
This second interim rule also implements section 810, which was enacted after publication of the proposed rule. Public comment is specifically sought on this rule's implementation of section 810.
Section 810 amends section 18 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416) and section 8(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)). As amended, these provisions allow agencies to provide access to their notices of solicitation either by transmitting them to the GPE designated in the FAR or by publishing them in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) rather than mandating notice through the CBD as had previously been required.
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. Start Printed Page 27409
2. Amend section 2.101 by adding, in alphabetical order, the definition “Commerce Business Daily (CBD)”; revising the definition “Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET) Architecture”; and adding the definition “Governmentwide point of entry (GPE)” to read as follows:
3.-4. Amend section 4.502 in paragraph (b)(4) by adding the word “single” after the word “a” the first time it is used; and by removing “single,” which precedes “Governmentwide”.
(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the contracting Start Printed Page 27410officer must make available through the GPE solicitations synopsized through the GPE, including specifications and other pertinent information determined necessary by the contracting officer. Transmissions to the GPE must be in accordance with the interface description available via the Internet at http://www.fedbizopps.gov.
(4) The contracting officer need not make a solicitation available through the GPE when—
(b) When the contracting officer does not make a solicitation available through the GPE pursuant to paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the contracting officer—
(a) An agency must transmit a notice of proposed contract action to the GPE (see 5.201). All publicizing and response times are calculated based on the date of publication. For notices published before January 1, 2002, the publication date is the date the notice is published in the CBD. For notices published on or after January 1, 2002, the publication date is the date the notice appears on the GPE. The notice must be published at least 15 days before issuance of a solicitation except that, for acquisitions of commercial items, the contracting officer may—
(2) Use the combined synopsis and solicitation procedure (see 12.603). Start Printed Page 27411
(a) Research and development (R&D) advance notices. Contracting officers may transmit to the GPE advance notices of their interest in potential R&D programs whenever market research does not produce a sufficient number of concerns to obtain adequate competition. Advance notices must not be used where security considerations prohibit such publication. Advance notices will enable potential sources to learn of R&D programs and provide these sources with an opportunity to submit information which will permit evaluation of their capabilities. Potential sources which respond to advance notices must be added to the appropriate solicitation mailing list for subsequent solicitation. Advance notices must be entitled “Research and Development Sources Sought,” cite the appropriate Numbered Note, and include the name and telephone number of the contracting officer or other contracting activity official from whom technical details of the project can be obtained. This will enable sources to submit information for evaluation of their R&D capabilities. Contracting officers must synopsize (see 5.201) all subsequent solicitations for R&D contracts, including those resulting from a previously synopsized advance notice, unless one of the exceptions in 5.202 applies.
(f) Section 8(a) competitive acquisition. When a national buy requirement is being considered for competitive acquisition limited to eligible 8(a) concerns under subpart 19.8, the contracting officer must transmit a synopsis of the proposed contract action to the GPE. When transmitting notices to the GPE before January 1, 2002, contracting officers must direct the GPE to forward the notice to the CBD. The synopsis may be transmitted to the GPE concurrent with submission of the agency offering (see 19.804-2) to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The synopsis should also include information—
(1) Advising that the acquisition is being offered for competition limited to eligible 8(a) concerns;Start Printed Page 27412
15. Amend section 5.207 by—
c. Revising the introductory text of newly designated paragraph (c), and adding under “Format Item and Explanation/Description of Entry” item numbers 18 and 19; and
(b) Transmittal—(1) GPE. Transmissions must be in accordance with the interface description available via the Internet at http://www.fedbizopps.gov.
(2) CBD—(i) Electronic transmission. All synopses transmitted electronically to the CBD, other than through the GPE (see 5.003), must be in ASCII Code. Contact your agency's communications center for the appropriate transmission instructions or services.
(a) Except for contract actions described in paragraph (b) of this section and as provided in 5.003, contracting officers must synopsize through the GPE awards exceeding $25,000 that are—
5.404-1
5.404-2
Announcements of long-range acquisition estimates.
6.303-2
19. Amend section 6.303-2 in paragraph (a)(6) by removing “CBD”.
20. Amend section 7.303 in paragraph (a) and the introductory text of paragraph (b) by removing “shall” and adding “must” in their place; and by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:
Determining availability of private commercial sources.
(1) Synopsizing the requirement through the Governmentwide point of Start Printed Page 27413entry (GPE) in accordance with 5.205(e) until a reasonable number of potential sources are identified. If necessary, a synopsis must be submitted up to three times in a 90-day period with a minimum of 30 days between notices (but, when necessary to meet an urgent requirement, this notification may be limited to a total of two notices in a 30-day period with a minimum of 15 days between them); and
21. Amend section 9.204 in the introductory text of paragraph (a) by removing “shall” and adding “must” in its place; and by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read as follows:
Responsibilities for establishment of a qualification requirement.
(1) Periodically furnish through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) a notice seeking additional sources or products for qualification unless the contracting officer determines that such publication would compromise the national security. When transmitting notices to the GPE, contracting officers must direct the GPE to forward the notice to the Commerce Business Daily (CBD) to satisfy the requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2319(d)(1)(A) and 41 U.S.C. 253c(d)(1)(A).
Opportunity for qualification before award.
(a) If an agency determines that a qualification requirement is necessary, the agency activity responsible for establishing the requirement must urge manufacturers and other potential sources to demonstrate their ability to meet the standards specified for qualification and, when possible, give sufficient time to arrange for qualification before award. The responsible agency activity must, before establishing any qualification requirement, furnish notice through the GPE. When transmitting notices to the GPE, contracting officers must direct the GPE to forward the notice to the CBD to satisfy the requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2319(d)(1)(A) and 41 U.S.C. 253c(d)(1)(A). The notice must include—
(a) When a written solicitation will be issued, the contracting officer may use the following procedure to reduce the time required to solicit and award contracts for the acquisition of commercial items. This procedure combines the synopsis required by 5.203 and the issuance of the solicitation into a single document. Section 5.207 limits descriptions in the CBD to 12,000 textual characters (approximately 31/2 single-spaced pages).
24. Amend the introductory paragraph of section 13.104 and the introductory text of paragraph (a) by removing “shall” and adding “must” in their place; and revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
(b) If using simplified acquisition procedures and neither using FACNET nor providing access to the notice of proposed contract action and solicitation information through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE), maximum practicable competition ordinarily can be obtained by soliciting quotations or offers from sources within the local trade area.* * *
25. Amend section 13.105 in the introductory text of paragraph (a) by removing “shall” and adding “must” in its place; in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) by removing “single, Governmentwide point of entry” and adding “GPE” in its place; in the first sentence of paragraph (b) by removing “synopsis/solicitation” and “adding synopsis and solicitation” in its place; and in the second sentence by removing “such” and adding “these” in its place.
Dissemination of information concerning invitations for bids.
(a) Procedures concerning display of invitations for bids in a public place, information releases to newspapers and trade journals, paid advertisements, and synopsizing through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) are set forth in 5.101 and Subpart 5.2.
14.503-2
(c) Publicize solicitations and contract awards through the Governmentwide point of entry (see subparts 5.2 and 5.3).
29. Amend section 19.804-2—
a. In the first sentence of the introductory text of paragraph (a) by removing “shall” and adding “must” in its place;
b. In paragraph (a)(9) by removing ``in'' and ``Commerce Business Daily'' and adding “through” and “Governmentwide point of entry (GPE)” in their places, respectively; and
Start Printed Page 27414
19.804-2
Agency offering.
22.1009-4
All possible places of performance not identified.
34.005-2
31. Amend section 34.005-2 in paragraph (a)(1) by removing ``publication in the Commerce Business Daily'' and adding ``publicizing through the Governmentwide point of entry'' in its place.
(c) The availability of the BAA must be publicized through the Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) and, if authorized pursuant to subpart 5.5, may also be published in noted scientific, technical, or engineering periodicals. The notice must be published no less frequently than annually. When transmitting a notice to the GPE before January 1, 2002, contracting officers must direct the GPE to forward the notice to the Commerce Business Daily.
(9) Be publicized through the Governmentwide point of entry in accordance with 5.204.
[FR Doc. 01-12244 Filed 5-15-01; 8:45 am]