Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2006-014, Local Community Recovery Act of 2006, 63084-63088 [07-5482]

Agencies

• General Services Administration
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 215 (Wednesday, November 7, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63084-63088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-5482]



[[Page 63084]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 5, 6, 12, 18, 26, and 52

[FAC 2005-21; FAR Case 2006-014; Item VI; Docket 2007-0001, Sequence 7]
RIN 9000-AK54


Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2006-014, Local 
Community Recovery Act of 2006

AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration 
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a second 
interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to 
implement amendments to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act). The Local Community Recovery 
Act of 2006 amended the Stafford Act to authorize set-asides for major 
disaster or emergency assistance acquisitions to businesses that reside 
or primarily do business in the geographic area affected by the 
disaster or emergency. Section 694 of the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) Appropriations Act of 2007, Pub. L 109-295, enacted 
requirements for transitioning work under existing contracts.

DATES: Effective Date: November 7, 2007.
    Comment Date: Interested parties should submit written comments to 
the FAR Secretariat on or before January 7, 2008 to be considered in 
the formulation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FAC 2005-21, FAR case 2006-
014, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. To 
search for any document, first select under ``Step 1,'' ``Documents 
with an Open Comment Period'' and select under ``Optional Step 2,'' 
``Federal Acquisition Regulation'' as the agency of choice. Under 
``Optional Step 3,'' select ``Rules''. Under ``Optional Step 4,'' from 
the drop down list, select ``Document Title'' and type the FAR case 
number ``2006-014''. Click the ``Submit'' button. Please include your 
name and company name (if any) inside the document. You may also search 
for any document by clicking on the ``Search for Documents'' tab at the 
top of the screen. Select from the agency field ``Federal Acquisition 
Regulation'', and type ``2006-014'' in the ``Document Title'' field. 
Select the ``Submit'' button.
     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 2005-21, FAR 
case 2006-014, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments 
received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov. 
Please include your name and company name (if any) inside the document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mr. William Clark, Procurement Analyst, 
at (202) 219-1813, for clarification of content. For information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the FAR 
Secretariat at (202) 501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-21, FAR case 2006-
014.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    An interim rule was published August 4, 2006 (71 FR 44546), 
implementing an amendment to the Stafford Act at 42 U.S.C. 5150. This 
second interim rule is necessary because of a later statutory amendment 
to this section. This second rule also addresses the public comments 
received on the first rule. The Councils request comments on the new 
language added for this second interim rule, and on whether branch 
offices should qualify for the set-aside.
    Local area set-aside. The first interim rule implemented the 42 
U.S.C. 5150 authorization of set-asides for debris clearance, 
distribution of supplies, reconstruction, and other major disaster or 
emergency assistance acquisitions to businesses that reside or 
primarily do business in the geographic area affected by the disaster 
or emergency. The set-aside may be used together with other authorized 
set-asides, for example, those in FAR Part 19 for small businesses. The 
contracting officer determines the geographic area for a specific local 
area set-aside. The local area set-aside may be the whole of, or some 
subpart of, the affected area (e.g., one or more counties, including 
across state lines). However, it may not be outside of the declared 
major disaster or emergency area.
    Residing or doing business primarily in the area. Congress directed 
that preference be given to ``organizations, firms, and individuals 
residing or doing business primarily in the area affected by such major 
disaster or emergency,'' without defining the terms. The Councils 
consider that an offeror who in the last twelve months had its main 
operating office in the area, which generated at least half of the 
offeror's gross revenues and employed at least half of the offeror's 
permanent employees is, therefore, residing or primarily doing business 
in the set-aside area.
    Branch offices. A public comment questioned the exclusion of branch 
offices. The Councils believe the intent of Congress was to favor firms 
in the local area who hire local people. A local branch office is local 
and hires local people, but the contract would not be restricted to the 
branch office, because the branch office is not the contracting entity. 
The Councils invite further comment on this issue.
    Transition of work; justification. The recent amendment to 42 
U.S.C. 5150 provided: (1) that any expenditure of funds on contracts 
not awarded to local area organizations, firms or individuals must be 
justified in writing in the contract file; and (2) that work performed 
under contracts already in effect be transitioned to local area 
organizations, firms or individuals, unless the head of the agency 
determines it is not feasible or practicable.
    This second interim rule implements these requirements. The rule 
emphasizes the wisdom of awarding contracts in advance of an emergency, 
but not awarding orders so lengthy that they make transition to a local 
firm awkward.
    The rule also gives factors for the agencies to consider prior to 
determining that a transition is not feasible or practicable. The 
determination not to transition may be done within a reasonable time. 
Class determinations and class justifications are allowed.
    Competition justification. The first interim rule established a new 
FAR Subpart 6.6 to clarify the competition justification requirements 
for Stafford Act acquisitions, but that was to be revisited in the 
final (now second interim) rule. This second interim rule moves to 
section 6.207 the section declaring that no competition justification 
is needed for the local area set-aside. The rest of the subpart has 
been deleted as unnecessary. No justification for other than full and 
open competition is needed for the use of an evaluation factor if 
preference is afforded local firms through such a mechanism. The 
revised statute

[[Page 63085]]

establishes a new justification, but this is not a full and open 
competition justification, so it is being placed in Part 26, not Part 
6.
    Definitions. The Councils established a new definition for ``Major 
disaster or emergency area'' to clarify the role of the Presidential 
declaration and DHS. DHS has a website where the public and contracting 
officers can easily find information on recently declared major 
disasters and recently declared emergencies. This website is added to 
the definition.
    New definitions are also added for ``emergency response contract'' 
and ``local firm'' to clarify how these concepts are used in the rule.
    The term ``designated area'' was not defined in the first interim 
rule. To avoid confusion, the second interim rule changes it everywhere 
to more precisely read ``set-aside area.''
    A reference to the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulatory 
definitions of terms used in the ``Restrictions on Subcontracting 
Outside Disaster or Emergency Area'' clause is added to that clause.
    Public comments. No public comments were received in response to 
the Councils' request in the first rule for views on whether the 
``Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area'' 
and the ``Disaster or Emergency Area Representation'' should apply to 
preferences other than local area set asides; or whether the 
percentages for general or specialty construction should be raised.
    The Councils received nine public comments from four respondents 
regarding the first interim rule. A summary of the comments and the 
Councils' responses follows.
    1. Comment: One respondent recommended that it would be more 
appropriate to create a new section within FAR Subpart 6.2 (i.e., 
section 6.207) for consistency with the content of sections 6.205 and 
6.206 which describes set-asides as a type of full and open competition 
after the exclusion of sources rather than to maintain the interim rule 
FAR Subpart 6.6, Stafford Act Preference for Local Area Contractor. The 
recommendation also suggested removal of FAR section 6.603 entirely 
since it implies that implementing the local area preference by using 
an evaluation factor would qualify as other than full and open 
competition.
    Response: The recommendation was accepted and this second interim 
rule moves to FAR 6.207 the section declaring that no competition 
justification is needed for the local area set-aside. The rest of the 
previous FAR Subpart 6.6 has been removed.
    2. Comment: One respondent expressed an opinion that the 
instructions in FAR 12.301(e)(4) for FAR 52.226-4 and 52.226-5 were 
unnecessary because they are already included in the list of clauses 
contained in FAR 52.212-5, which is a mandatory clause in commercial 
item contracts. The respondent also suggested replacing the phrase, 
``when setting aside under the Stafford Act'' due to its inconsistency 
with the language used in the FAR 26.203 prescription. A new FAR 
subparagraph 12.301(e)(4) was suggested as follows: ``The contracting 
officer shall insert the provision at 52.226-3, Disaster or Emergency 
Area Representation, in solicitations for acquisitions that are set-
aside for a Disaster or Emergency Area under 26.203(a). This 
representation is not in the Online Representations and Certifications 
Application (ORCA) Database.''
    Response: The recommendation was partially accepted in that only 
the provision, not the clauses, is mentioned at FAR subparagraph 
12.301(e)(4). Regarding the suggested rewording of FAR subparagraph 
12.301(e)(4), the Councils believe the reference to the Stafford Act 
should be kept, rather than adding a second reference to the ``Disaster 
or Emergency Area'' in the same sentence.
    3. Comment: The rule should revise the text at FAR 26.202(a)(2) to 
state, ``A major disaster or emergency may result in numerous 
Presidential declarations spanning counties in several contiguous 
States'' for consistency with 6.602(a) and (b), which refer to both 
``disasters'' and ``emergencies.''
    Response: The respondent's comment was accepted. The second interim 
rule contains the correction as recommended.
    4. Comment: A comment was submitted indicating that 26.203(a) 
content is inconsistent with FAR 26.203(b). The respondent suggested 
replacing paragraph (a) with the following, ``The contracting officer 
shall insert the provision at 52.226-3, Disaster or Emergency Area 
Representation, in solicitations for acquisitions that are set-aside 
for a Disaster or Emergency Area under 26.203(a). For commercial items 
see 12.301(e)(4).''
    Response: Partially accepted. The prescription content was revised 
for consistency with the FAR conventions on prescription format.
    5. Comment: FAR 52.212-5(b)(27) and (28) did not contain clause 
dates and ``Aug 2006'' should be inserted into parentheses after the 
title of each clause.
    Response: Accepted, however the dates for both clauses have been 
revised due to amendment of the clauses.
    6. Comment: The rule does not discuss whether the phrase, 
``offerors residing or doing business primarily in the area affected * 
* *,'' excludes branch offices of corporations headquartered elsewhere. 
The comment described a scenario where a branch office could meet all 
of the tests imposed at FAR 52.226-3(c) and still not have the 
corporate business meet the adjective test of ``primarily'' doing 
business within the affected region. The respondent suggested adding 
the term ``* * * to include branches, divisions, or other sub units of 
corporation headquartered outside of the affected area * * *'' after 
``* * * offerors residing or doing business primarily in the area 
affected'' in FAR 26.202, 52.226-3, 52.226-4, and 52.226-5.
    Response: The recommendation was not adopted for the second interim 
rule. However, the Councils are seeking further public views on this 
comment as indicated in the Preamble to this rule.
    7. Comment: Several respondents commented on the designation of FAR 
52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency, as a ``provision'' vice a 
``clause''. Another comment on the prescription for FAR 52.226-4 
suggested clarifying the prescription by replacing the phrase, ``* * * 
that are set-aside for a Disaster or Emergency Area under 26.203(a)'' 
with ``* * * that contain the provision at 52.226-3.''
    Response: The second interim rule changes FAR 52.226-4 to a 
``clause.'' The prescription for FAR 52.226-4 and 52.226-5 are revised 
for consistency with the FAR conventions on prescription format.
    This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not 
subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, 
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is 
not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The interim rule is not expected to have a significant Economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This second 
interim rule continues the set-aside for local businesses in an area 
affected by a major disaster or emergency to promote economic recovery. 
The set-aside does not replace the small business set-aside. Both set-
asides can apply to an acquisition. The local set-aside will encourage 
use of

[[Page 63086]]

local small businesses. The rule also implements a new requirement that 
work performed under contracts already in effect be transitioned to 
local area organizations, firms, or individuals, unless the agency head 
determines it is not feasible or practicable. The Councils expect that 
more work will be transitioned to small businesses than away from them. 
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Hurricane Katrina 
Small Business Contracts (GAO-07-205) found that businesses in the 
three states primarily affected by the hurricane received $1.9 billion, 
which was 18% of the $11.6 billion spent by DHS, GSA, DoD and the Army 
Corps of Engineers between August 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006. Small 
businesses received 66% of the $1.9 billion awarded to those local 
businesses. The Councils believe this shows that small businesses would 
not be hurt by a local area set-aside.
    Therefore, an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has not been 
performed. The Councils will consider comments from small entities 
concerning the affected FAR Parts 5, 6, 12, 18, 26, and 52 in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such 
comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C 601, et seq. (FAC 2005-21, 
FAR case 2006-014), in correspondence.

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.

D. Determination to Issue an Interim Rule

    A determination has been made under the authority of DoD, GSA, and 
NASA that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this 
interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action 
is necessary because this interim rule implements the Local Community 
Recovery Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-218), and section 694 of the DHS 
Appropriations Act of 2007 (DHS Appropriations Act) (Pub. L. 109-295). 
These statutes amended the Stafford Act at 42 U.S.C. 5150, to authorize 
set-asides for major disaster or emergency assistance acquisitions to 
businesses that reside or primarily do business in the geographic area 
affected by the disaster or emergency. Section 694 of the DHS 
Appropriations Act enacted requirements for transitioning work under 
existing contracts to local area organizations, firms, or individuals. 
This action is necessary to improve the Government's ability to target 
local businesses and promote local economic recovery in an affected 
area. The statutes went into effect April 20, 2006, and October 4, 
2006, respectively. However, pursuant to Pub. L. 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.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 5, 6, 12, 18, 26, and 52

    Government procurement.

    Dated: October 31, 2007.
Al Matera,
Director, Office of Acquisition Policy.

0
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 5, 6, 12, 18, 26, and 
52 as set forth below:
0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 5, 6, 12, 18, 26, and 52 
continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 
U.S.C. 2473(c).

PART 5-PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS

0
2. Amend section 5.207 by revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:


5.207   Preparation and transmittal of synopses.

* * * * *
    (d) Set-asides. When the proposed acquisition provides for a total 
or partial small business set-aside, HUBZone small business set-aside, 
or a service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside, the 
appropriate Numbered Note will be cited. When the proposed acquisition 
provides for a local area set-aside (see Subpart 26.2) the contracting 
officer shall identify his set-aside in the synopsis.
* * * * *

PART 6--COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS

0
3. Add section 6.207 to read as follows:


6.207   Set-asides for local firms during a major disaster or 
emergency.

    (a) To fulfill the statutory requirements relating to 42 U.S.C. 
5150, contracting officers may set aside solicitations to allow only 
offerors residing or doing business primarily in the area affected by 
such major disaster or emergency to compete (see Subpart 26.2).
    (b) No separate justification or determination and findings is 
required under this part to set aside a contract action. The set-aside 
area specified by the contracting officer shall be a geographic area 
within the area identified in a Presidential declaration(s) of major 
disaster or emergency and any additional geographic areas identified by 
the Department of Homeland Security.

Subpart 6.6 [Removed]

0
4. Remove subpart 6.6.

PART 12--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS

0
5. Amend section 12.301 by revising paragraphs (b)(4) and (e)(4) to 
read as follows:


12.301   Solicitation provisions and contract clauses for the 
acquisition of commercial items.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required 
to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items. This 
clause incorporates by reference only those clauses required to 
implement provisions of law or executive orders applicable to the 
acquisition of commercial items. The contracting officer shall attach 
this clause to the solicitation and contract and, using the appropriate 
clause prescriptions, indicate which, if any, of the additional clauses 
cited in 52.212-5(b) or (c) are applicable to the specific acquisition. 
Some of the clauses require fill-in; the fill-in language should be 
inserted as directed by 52.104(d). When cost information is obtained 
pursuant to Part 15 to establish the reasonableness of prices for 
commercial items, the contracting officer shall insert the clauses 
prescribed for this purpose in an addendum to the solicitation and 
contract. This clause may not be tailored. Use the clause with its 
Alternate I when the head of the agency has waived the examination of 
records by the Comptroller General in accordance with 25.1001.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) When setting aside under the Stafford Act (Subpart 26.2), 
include the provision at 52.226-3, Disaster or Emergency Area 
Representation, in the solicitation. The representation in this 
provision is not in the Online Representations and Certifications 
Application (ORCA) Database.
* * * * *

PART 18--EMERGENCY ACQUISITIONS

0
6. Amend section 18.203 by:

[[Page 63087]]

0
a. Removing paragraph (a);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (b) and (c) as (a) and (b) respectively; 
and
0
c. Revising redesignated paragraph (a) to read as follows:


18.203   Incidents of national significance, emergency declaration, or 
major disaster declaration.

    (a) Disaster or emergency assistance activities. Preference will be 
given to local organizations, firms, and individuals when contracting 
for major disaster or emergency assistance activities when the 
President has made a declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster 
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Preference may take the form of 
local area set-asides or an evaluation preference. (See 6.207 and 
Subpart 26.2.)
* * * * *

PART 26--OTHER SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS

0
7. Revise subpart 26.2 to read as follows:

Subpart 26.2--Disaster or Emergency Assistance Activities

Sec.
26.200 Scope of subpart.
26.201 Definitions.
26.202 Local area preference.
26.202-1 Local area set-aside.
26.202-2 Evaluation preference.
26.203 Transition of work.
26.204 Justification for expenditures to other than local firms.
26.205 Solicitation provision and contract clauses.


26.200   Scope of subpart.

    This subpart implements the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5150), which provides a preference 
for local organizations, firms, and individuals when contracting for 
major disaster or emergency assistance activities.


26.201   Definitions.

    Emergency response contract means a contract with private entities 
that supports assistance activities in a major disaster or emergency 
area, such as debris clearance, distribution of supplies, or 
reconstruction.
    Local firm means a private organization, firm, or individual 
residing or doing business primarily in a major disaster or emergency 
area.
    Major disaster or emergency area means the area included in the 
official Presidential declaration(s) and any additional areas 
identified by the Department of Homeland Security. Major disaster 
declarations and emergency declarations are published in the Federal 
Register and are available at https://www.fema.gov/news/disasters.fema.


26.202   Local area preference.

    When awarding emergency response contracts during the term of a 
major disaster or emergency declaration by the President of the United 
States under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.5121, et seq.), preference shall 
be given, to the extent feasible and practicable, to local firms. 
Preference may be given through a local area set-aside or an evaluation 
preference.


26.202-1   Local area set-aside.

    The contracting officer may set aside solicitations to allow only 
local firms within a specific geographic area to compete (see 6.207).
    (a) The contracting officer, in consultation with the requirements 
office, shall define the specific geographic area for the local set-
aside.
    (b) A major disaster or emergency area may span counties in several 
contiguous States. The set-aside area need not include all the counties 
in the declared disaster/emergency area(s), but cannot go outside it.
    (c) The contracting officer shall also determine whether a local 
area set-aside should be further restricted to small business concerns 
in the set-aside area (see Part 19).


26.202-2   Evaluation preference.

    The contracting officer may use an evaluation preference, when 
authorized in agency regulations.


26.203   Transition of work.

    (a) In anticipation of potential emergency response requirements, 
agencies involved in response planning should consider awarding 
emergency response contracts before a major disaster or emergency 
occurs to ensure immediate response and relief. These contracts should 
be structured to respond to immediate emergency response needs, and 
should not be structured in any way that may inhibit the transition of 
emergency response work to local firms (e.g., unnecessarily broad 
scopes of work or long periods of performance).
    (b) 42 U.S.C. 5150(b)(2) requires that agencies performing 
response, relief, and reconstruction activities transition to local 
firms any work performed under contracts in effect on the date on which 
the President declares a major disaster or emergency, unless the head 
of such agency determines in writing that it is not feasible or 
practicable. This determination may be made on an individual contract 
or class basis. The written determination shall be prepared within a 
reasonable time given the circumstances of the emergency.
    (c) In effecting the transition, agencies are not required to 
terminate or renegotiate existing contracts. Agencies should transition 
the work at the earliest practical opportunity after consideration of 
the following:
    (1) The potential duration of the disaster or emergency.
    (2) The severity of the disaster or emergency.
    (3) The scope and structure of the existing contract, including its 
period of performance and the milestone(s) at which a transition is 
reasonable (e.g., before exercising an option).
    (4) The potential impact of a transition, including safety, 
national defense, and mobilization.
     (5) The expected availability of qualified local offerors who can 
provide the products or services at a reasonable price.
    (d) The agency shall transition the work to local firms using the 
local area set-aside identified in 26.202-1.


26.204   Justification for expenditures to other than local firms.

    (a) 42 U.S.C. 5150(b)(1) requires that, subsequent to any 
Presidential declaration of a major disaster or emergency, any 
expenditure of Federal funds, under an emergency response contract not 
awarded to a local firm, must be justified in writing in the contract 
file. The justification should include consideration for the scope of 
the major disaster or emergency and the immediate requirements or needs 
of supplies and services to ensure life is protected, victims are cared 
for, and property is protected.
    (b) The justification may be made on an individual or class basis. 
The contracting officer approves the justification.


26.205   Solicitation provision and contract clauses.

    (a) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.226-3, 
Disaster or Emergency Area Representation, in solicitations involving 
the local area set-aside. For commercial items, see 12.301(e)(4).
    (b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.226-4, 
Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-aside in solicitations and 
contracts involving local area set-asides.
    (c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.226-5, 
Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or

[[Page 63088]]

Emergency Area, in all solicitations and contracts that involve local 
area set-asides.

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
8. Revise section 52.212-5 in clause heading and paragraphs (b)(30) and 
(b)(31) to read as follows:


52.212-5   Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes 
or Executive Orders--Commercial Items.

* * * * *
    CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR 
EXECUTIVE ORDERS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Nov 2007)
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    ---- (30) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside 
(Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).
    ---- (31) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster 
or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).
* * * * *
0
9. Revise section 52.226-3 to read as follows:


52.226--3   Disaster or Emergency Area Representation.

    As prescribed in 26.205(a), insert the following provision:
    DISASTER OR EMERGENCY AREA REPRESENTATION (Nov 2007)
    (a) Set-aside area. The area covered in this contract is: --------
-------------- [Contracting Officer to fill in with definite geographic 
boundaries.]
    (b) Representations. The offeror represents that it ------does ----
---- does not reside or primarily do business in the set-aside area.
    (c) An offeror is considered to be residing or primarily doing 
business in the set-aside area if, during the last twelve months--
    (1) The offeror had its main operating office in the area; and
    (2) That office generated at least half of the offeror's gross 
revenues and employed at least half of the offeror's permanent 
employees.
    (d) If the offeror does not meet the criteria in paragraph (c) of 
this provision, factors to be considered in determining whether an 
offeror resides or primarily does business in the set-aside area 
include--
    (1) Physical location(s) of the offeror's permanent office(s) and 
date any office in the set-aside area(s) was established;
    (2) Current state licenses;
    (3) Record of past work in the set-aside area(s) (e.g., how much 
and for how long);
    (4) Contractual history the offeror has had with subcontractors 
and/or suppliers in the set-aside area;
    (5) Percentage of the offeror's gross revenues attributable to work 
performed in the set-aside area;
    (6) Number of permanent employees the offeror employs in the set-
aside area;
    (7) Membership in local and state organizations in the set-aside 
area; and
    (8) Other evidence that establishes the offeror resides or 
primarily does business in the set-aside area. For example, sole 
proprietorships may submit utility bills and bank statements.
    (e) If the offeror represents it resides or primarily does business 
in the set-aside area, the offeror shall furnish documentation to 
support its representation if requested by the Contracting Officer. The 
solicitation may require the offeror to submit with its offer 
documentation to support the representation.
    (End of provision)
0
10. Revise section 52.226-4 to read as follows:


52.226--4   Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside.

    As prescribed in 26.205(b), insert the following clause:
    NOTICE OF DISASTER OR EMERGENCY AREA SET-ASIDE (Nov 2007)
    (a) Set-aside area. Offers are solicited only from businesses 
residing or primarily doing business in -------------------- 
[Contracting Officer to fill in with definite geographic boundaries.] 
Offers received from other businesses shall not be considered.
    (b) This set-aside is in addition to any small business set-aside 
contained in this contract.
    (End of clause)
0
11. Revise section 52.226-5 to read as follows:


52.226--5   Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or 
Emergency Area.

    As prescribed in 26.205(c), insert the following clause:
    RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING OUTSIDE DISASTER OR EMERGENCY 
AREA (Nov 2007)
    (a) Definitions. The definitions of the following terms used in 
this clause are found in the Small Business Administration regulations 
at 13 CFR 125.6(e): cost of the contract, cost of contract performance 
incurred for personnel, cost of manufacturing, cost of materials, 
personnel, and subcontracting.
    (b) The Contractor agrees that in performance of the contract in 
the case of a contract for--
    (1) Services (except construction). At least 50 percent of the cost 
of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for 
employees of the Contractor or employees of other businesses residing 
or primarily doing business in the clause at FAR 52.226--4, Notice of 
Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside;
    (2) Supplies (other than procurement from a nonmanufacturer of such 
supplies). The Contractor or employees of other businesses residing or 
primarily doing business in the set-aside area shall perform work for 
at least 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing the supplies, not 
including the cost of materials;
    (3) General construction. The Contractor will perform at least 15 
percent of the cost of the contract, not including the cost of 
materials, with its own employees or employees of other businesses 
residing or primarily doing business in the set-aside area; or
    (4) Construction by special trade Contractors. The Contractor will 
perform at least 25 percent of the cost of the contract, not including 
the cost of materials, with its own employees or employees of other 
businesses residing or primarily doing business in the set-aside area.
    (End of clause)
[FR Doc. 07-5482 Filed 11-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-S