Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Steel for Military Construction Projects (DFARS Case 2008-D038), 2417-2418 [E9-677]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Rules and Regulations (1) The authority to make the determination authorized in FAR 16.504(c)(1)(ii)(D)(1)(iv) shall not be delegated below the level of the senior procurement executive. (3) A copy of any determination made in accordance with FAR 16.504(c)(1)(ii)(D) shall be submitted to: Deputy Director, Defense Procurement (Contract Policy and International Contracting), OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (CPIC), 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–3060. [FR Doc. E9–673 Filed 1–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–08–P A. Background DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense Acquisition Regulations System 48 CFR Parts 225, 236, and 252 RIN 0750–AG16 Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Steel for Military Construction Projects (DFARS Case 2008–D038) AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 16:54 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 Section 108 of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110– 329, Division E) prohibits the use of funds appropriated in Title I of that Act for the procurement of steel for any military construction project or activity for which American steel producers, fabricators, or manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete. This interim rule adds DFARS policy and a contract clause to implement the statutory prohibition. This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993. B. Regulatory Flexibility Act DoD has issued an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement Section 108 of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009. Section 108 requires that American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers be given the opportunity to compete for contracts and subcontracts for the acquisition of steel for use in military construction projects or activities. DATES: Effective date: January 15, 2009. Comment date: Comments on the interim rule should be submitted in writing to the address shown below on or before March 16, 2009, to be considered in the formation of the final rule. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DFARS Case 2008–D038, using any of the following methods: Æ Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Æ E-mail: dfars@osd.mil. Include DFARS Case 2008–D038 in the subject line of the message. Æ Fax: 703–602–7887. Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Ms. Amy SUMMARY: VerDate Nov<24>2008 Williams, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DARS), IMD 3D139, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–3062. Æ Hand Delivery/Courier: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Crystal Square 4, Suite 200A, 241 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22202–3402. Comments received generally will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Amy Williams, 703–602–0328. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DoD has prepared an initial regulatory flexibility analysis consistent with 5 U.S.C. 603. A copy of the analysis may be obtained from the point of contact specified herein. The analysis is summarized as follows: This interim rule implements Section 108 of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009. The objective of the rule is to ensure that American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers are given the opportunity to compete for contracts and subcontracts for the acquisition of steel for use in military construction projects and activities. Existing Buy American Act and Balance of Payments Program requirements, implemented in FAR Subpart 25.2 and DFARS Subpart 225.75 respectively, already provide for DoD acquisition of domestic construction materials, including steel. However, this DFARS rule will prohibit use of the exceptions to Buy American Act/Balance of Program requirements otherwise permitted by FAR/DFARS, with regard to the acquisition of steel, unless American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers are first provided the opportunity to compete. The rule is expected to benefit American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers by ensuring they are PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2417 provided an opportunity to compete for contracts and subcontracts for the acquisition of steel for use in military construction projects and activities. DoD invites comments from small businesses and other interested parties. DoD also will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected DFARS subparts in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such comments should be submitted separately and should cite DFARS Case 2008–D038. C. Paperwork Reduction Act 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. D. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense that urgent and compelling reasons exist to publish an interim rule prior to affording the public an opportunity to comment. This interim rule implements Section 108 of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110–329, Division E). Section 108 establishes a prohibition on the expenditure of funds for the procurement of steel for any military construction project or activity, unless American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers have been provided an opportunity to compete. Comments received in response to this interim rule will be considered in the formation of the final rule. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 225, 236, and 252 Government procurement. Michele P. Peterson, Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System. Therefore, 48 CFR parts 225, 236, and 252 are amended as follows: ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 225, 236, and 252 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 41 U.S.C. 421 and 48 CFR chapter 1. PART 225—FOREIGN ACQUISITION 2. Section 225.7014 is revised to read as follows: ■ 225.7014 Restrictions on military construction. (a) For restriction on award of military construction contracts to be performed in the United States outlying areas in the Pacific and on Kwajalein Atoll, or in E:\FR\FM\15JAR1.SGM 15JAR1 2418 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 10 / Thursday, January 15, 2009 / Rules and Regulations countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, see 236.273(a). (b) For restriction on acquisition of steel for use in military construction projects, see 236.274. PART 236—CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS 3. Section 236.274 is added to read as follows: ■ 236.274 Restriction on acquisition of steel for use in military construction projects. In accordance with section 108 of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110–329, Division E), do not acquire, or allow a contractor to acquire, steel for any construction project or activity for which American steel producers, fabricators, or manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to compete for such acquisition of steel. ■ 4. Section 236.570 is amended as follows: ■ a. By redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (e); and ■ b. By adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows: * * * * * (d) Use the clause at 252.236–7013, Requirement for Competition Opportunity for American Steel Producers, Fabricators, and Manufacturers, in solicitations and contracts that— (1) Use funds appropriated by Title I of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110–329, Division E); and (2) May require the acquisition of steel as a construction material. * * * * * PART 252—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES 5. Section 252.236–7013 is added to read as follows: 252.236–7013 Requirement for competition opportunity for american steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers. As prescribed in 236.570(d), use the following clause: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES REQUIREMENT FOR COMPETITION OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICAN STEEL PRODUCERS, FABRICATORS, AND MANUFACTURERS (JAN 2009) 16:54 Jan 14, 2009 Jkt 217001 252.244–7000 Subcontracts for commercial items and commercial components (DOD contracts). * * * * * SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS AND COMMERCIAL COMPONENTS (DOD CONTRACTS) (JAN 2009) * * * * (b) 252.236–7013 Requirement for Competition Opportunity for American Steel Producers, Fabricators, and Manufacturers (Pub. L. 110–329, Division E, Section 108). * * * * * [FR Doc. E9–677 Filed 1–14–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–08–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense Acquisition Regulations System 48 CFR Parts 225 and 252 RIN 0750–AF82 Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; DoD Law of War Program (DFARS Case 2006– D035) ■ VerDate Nov<24>2008 (End of clause) ■ 6. Section 252.244–7000 is amended as follows: ■ a. By revising the clause date; ■ b. By redesignating paragraphs (b) through (d) as paragraphs (c) through (e) respectively; and ■ c. By adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows: * 236.570 Additional provisions and clauses. (a) Definition. Construction material, as used in this clause, means an article, material, or supply brought to the construction site by the Contractor or a subcontractor for incorporation into the building or work. (b) The Contractor shall provide American steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers the opportunity to compete when acquiring steel as a construction material (e.g., steel beams, rods, cables, plates). (c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in any subcontract that involves the acquisition of steel as a construction material. AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: DoD has issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to address requirements for DoD contractors to institute effective programs to prevent violations of the law of war by contractor personnel authorized to accompany U.S. Armed Forces deployed outside the United States. DATES: PO 00000 Effective Date: January 15, 2009. Frm 00126 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Angie Sawyer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DARS), IMD 3D139, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–3062. Telephone 703–602–8384; facsimile 703–602–7887. Please cite DFARS Case 2006–D035. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background This final rule amends the clause at DFARS 252.225–7040, Contractor Personnel Authorized To Accompany U.S. Armed Forces Deployed Outside the United States, to address requirements for DoD contractors to institute effective programs to prevent law of war violations by contractor personnel. The rule requires that deploying contractor personnel receive appropriate law of war training, and that contractor personnel report any violations of the law of war to the appropriate authorities. The DFARS rule is consistent with the policy in DoD Directive 2311.01E, DoD Law of War Program, dated May 9, 2006. DoD published a proposed rule at 73 FR 1853 on January 10, 2008. Four sources submitted comments on the proposed rule. A discussion of the comments is provided below. 1. Comment: The limitation on the use of Web-based basic law of war training is overly restrictive (i.e., must be approved by the contracting officer). The training should be available at any time for completion via a Web-based source to prevent delays in meeting training requirements. DoD Response: Deployed contractor personnel must process through a deployment center, in accordance with paragraph (f) of the clause at DFARS 252.225–7040. DoD has provided training materials to all the predeployment training centers as the primary method of meeting basic training requirements. Web-based training is intended to substitute for live pre-deployment training only when determined to be appropriate by the contracting officer. 2. Comment: To ensure the availability of advanced training when needed, advanced training should be handled as an in-processing matter and should be provided at an in-theater/incountry central processing center for newly arriving contractor personnel. DoD Response: Advanced training could be provided at in-processing, as long as the Judge Advocates or other Government counsel are involved. The DFARS rule has been amended to provide additional flexibility in meeting advanced law of war training requirements. However, government E:\FR\FM\15JAR1.SGM 15JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 10 (Thursday, January 15, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2417-2418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-677]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System

48 CFR Parts 225, 236, and 252

RIN 0750-AG16


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Steel for 
Military Construction Projects (DFARS Case 2008-D038)

AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: DoD has issued an interim rule amending the Defense Federal 
Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement Section 108 of 
the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 
2009. Section 108 requires that American steel producers, fabricators, 
and manufacturers be given the opportunity to compete for contracts and 
subcontracts for the acquisition of steel for use in military 
construction projects or activities.

DATES: Effective date: January 15, 2009.
    Comment date: Comments on the interim rule should be submitted in 
writing to the address shown below on or before March 16, 2009, to be 
considered in the formation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DFARS Case 2008-D038, 
using any of the following methods:
    [cir] Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    [cir] E-mail: dfars@osd.mil. Include DFARS Case 2008-D038 in the 
subject line of the message.
    [cir] Fax: 703-602-7887.
    [cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Ms. Amy 
Williams, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DARS), IMD 3D139, 3062 Defense Pentagon, 
Washington, DC 20301-3062.
    [cir] Hand Delivery/Courier: Defense Acquisition Regulations 
System, Crystal Square 4, Suite 200A, 241 18th Street, Arlington, VA 
22202-3402.
    Comments received generally will be posted without change to http:/
/www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Amy Williams, 703-602-0328.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Section 108 of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs 
Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110-329, Division E) prohibits the 
use of funds appropriated in Title I of that Act for the procurement of 
steel for any military construction project or activity for which 
American steel producers, fabricators, or manufacturers have been 
denied the opportunity to compete. This interim rule adds DFARS policy 
and a contract clause to implement the statutory prohibition.
    This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review 
under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD has prepared an initial regulatory flexibility analysis 
consistent with 5 U.S.C. 603. A copy of the analysis may be obtained 
from the point of contact specified herein. The analysis is summarized 
as follows:
    This interim rule implements Section 108 of the Military 
Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009. The 
objective of the rule is to ensure that American steel producers, 
fabricators, and manufacturers are given the opportunity to compete for 
contracts and subcontracts for the acquisition of steel for use in 
military construction projects and activities. Existing Buy American 
Act and Balance of Payments Program requirements, implemented in FAR 
Subpart 25.2 and DFARS Subpart 225.75 respectively, already provide for 
DoD acquisition of domestic construction materials, including steel. 
However, this DFARS rule will prohibit use of the exceptions to Buy 
American Act/Balance of Program requirements otherwise permitted by 
FAR/DFARS, with regard to the acquisition of steel, unless American 
steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers are first provided the 
opportunity to compete. The rule is expected to benefit American steel 
producers, fabricators, and manufacturers by ensuring they are provided 
an opportunity to compete for contracts and subcontracts for the 
acquisition of steel for use in military construction projects and 
activities.
    DoD invites comments from small businesses and other interested 
parties. DoD also will consider comments from small entities concerning 
the affected DFARS subparts in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such 
comments should be submitted separately and should cite DFARS Case 
2008-D038.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    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.

D. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule

    A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary 
of Defense that urgent and compelling reasons exist to publish an 
interim rule prior to affording the public an opportunity to comment. 
This interim rule implements Section 108 of the Military Construction 
and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110-329, 
Division E). Section 108 establishes a prohibition on the expenditure 
of funds for the procurement of steel for any military construction 
project or activity, unless American steel producers, fabricators, and 
manufacturers have been provided an opportunity to compete. Comments 
received in response to this interim rule will be considered in the 
formation of the final rule.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 225, 236, and 252

    Government procurement.

Michele P. Peterson,
Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

0
Therefore, 48 CFR parts 225, 236, and 252 are amended as follows:
0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 225, 236, and 252 continues 
to read as follows:

    Authority: 41 U.S.C. 421 and 48 CFR chapter 1.

PART 225--FOREIGN ACQUISITION

0
2. Section 225.7014 is revised to read as follows:


225.7014  Restrictions on military construction.

    (a) For restriction on award of military construction contracts to 
be performed in the United States outlying areas in the Pacific and on 
Kwajalein Atoll, or in

[[Page 2418]]

countries bordering the Arabian Gulf, see 236.273(a).
    (b) For restriction on acquisition of steel for use in military 
construction projects, see 236.274.

PART 236--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS

0
3. Section 236.274 is added to read as follows:


236.274  Restriction on acquisition of steel for use in military 
construction projects.

    In accordance with section 108 of the Military Construction and 
Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110-329, Division 
E), do not acquire, or allow a contractor to acquire, steel for any 
construction project or activity for which American steel producers, 
fabricators, or manufacturers have been denied the opportunity to 
compete for such acquisition of steel.

0
4. Section 236.570 is amended as follows:
0
a. By redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (e); and
0
b. By adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows:


236.570  Additional provisions and clauses.

* * * * *
    (d) Use the clause at 252.236-7013, Requirement for Competition 
Opportunity for American Steel Producers, Fabricators, and 
Manufacturers, in solicitations and contracts that--
    (1) Use funds appropriated by Title I of the Military Construction 
and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 110-329, 
Division E); and
    (2) May require the acquisition of steel as a construction 
material.
* * * * *

PART 252--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
5. Section 252.236-7013 is added to read as follows:


252.236-7013  Requirement for competition opportunity for american 
steel producers, fabricators, and manufacturers.

    As prescribed in 236.570(d), use the following clause:
REQUIREMENT FOR COMPETITION OPPORTUNITY FOR AMERICAN STEEL PRODUCERS, 
FABRICATORS, AND MANUFACTURERS (JAN 2009)
    (a) Definition. Construction material, as used in this clause, 
means an article, material, or supply brought to the construction 
site by the Contractor or a subcontractor for incorporation into the 
building or work.
    (b) The Contractor shall provide American steel producers, 
fabricators, and manufacturers the opportunity to compete when 
acquiring steel as a construction material (e.g., steel beams, rods, 
cables, plates).
    (c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, 
including this paragraph (c), in any subcontract that involves the 
acquisition of steel as a construction material.

    (End of clause)

0
6. Section 252.244-7000 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising the clause date;
0
b. By redesignating paragraphs (b) through (d) as paragraphs (c) 
through (e) respectively; and
0
c. By adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:


252.244-7000  Subcontracts for commercial items and commercial 
components (DOD contracts).

* * * * *
SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS AND COMMERCIAL COMPONENTS (DOD 
CONTRACTS) (JAN 2009)

* * * * *
    (b) 252.236-7013 Requirement for Competition Opportunity for 
American Steel Producers, Fabricators, and Manufacturers (Pub. L. 
110-329, Division E, Section 108).
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E9-677 Filed 1-14-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-08-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.