Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2008-036, Trade Agreements-Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru, 13421-13422 [2010-5990]

Download as PDF erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with RULES_2 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 53 / Friday, March 19, 2010 / Rules and Regulations the other, the interim rule would render moot any planning-stage decision the contracting officer would make if the award were over $100 million. Response: The acquisition planning team (e.g., contracting officer, program office, customers) is tasked to define the exact strategy to support the acquisition requirement. The rule does not render moot the contracting officer’s decision in the acquisition-planning process. The contracting officer is still required by FAR 16.504 to determine the feasibility of establishing single- or multiple-award contracts. Comment 29. ‘‘Head of Agency Override of Contracting Officer Determination.’’ According to one commenter, although the interim rule may be designed to facilitate a proper level of quality assurance over certain Government actions designed to increase competition for task orders, and is not reflective of any failure by the private sector in its transactional conduct, it is wholly possible and very likely that an agency head could veto a single IDIQ award at time of award, presumably long after a contracting officer may have determined that multiple awards are not in the Government’s best interest and for reasons that the head of the agency may not be held accountable to explain. The commenter suggests that one way to deal with that lack of transparency would be to allow any contracting officer’s written determination that a multiple-award contract is not appropriate made at the acquisition planning stages to have great presumptive weight in any internal agency deliberations for the agencyhead exception process or require that the agency-head determination be published if contrary to the contracting officer’s initial determination. Response: The Councils do not agree that the written determination by the head of the agency should be published when it differs from the contracting officer’s initial determination to award a single IDIQ contract. This is not required by section 843. Further, the purpose of the rule is to encourage competition and to make the highest levels of the agency aware of the use of a single-award task- or delivery-order contract greater than $100 million. If a contracting officer’s initial determination to award a single IDIQ contract is later overturned, this decision would need to be substantiated and justified and would be completely in line with the rule’s goal of encouraging competition and the use of multiple awards under IDIQ contracts valued over $100 million. Whether these determinations are releasable to VerDate Nov<24>2008 14:19 Mar 18, 2010 Jkt 220001 the public/private sector is determined by the Freedom of Information Act. Lastly, the approval authority to award a single-award task- or delivery-order contract greater than $100 million rests with the head of the agency per FAR 16.504(c)(1)(ii)(D) and, to the extent the head of the agency considers the acquisition-planning determination on whether multiple awards are appropriate by the contracting officer is within his or her discretion; however, the law does not require such consideration. Contracting officers should be fully engaged or involved in the decision-making process. This is a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was 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. 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 enhances competition for small and large business, and the information that will be provided in debriefings on procurements over $5 million will benefit firms by enabling them to improve future offers. In addition, the Councils sought comments from small businesses on the affected FAR part 16 at the publication of the interim rule in the Federal Register at 73 FR 54008 on September 17, 2008. One comment was received and is discussed at Comment 22. 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. chapter 35, et seq. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 16 Government procurement. Dated: March 15, 2010. Al Matera, Director, Acquisition Policy Division. Accordingly, the interim rule published in the Federal Register at 73 FR 54008 on September 17, 2008, is adopted as a final rule with the following changes: Frm 00011 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 16 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). 16.501–1 [Amended] 2. Amend section 16.501–1 by adding ‘‘-’’ between the words ‘‘Delivery’’ and ‘‘order’’ in the definition of ‘‘Delivery order contract’’ and between the words ‘‘Task’’ and ‘‘order’’ in the definition of ‘‘Task order contract’’. ■ 16.501–2 [Amended] 3. Amend section 16.501–2 in the last sentence of paragraph (a) by adding ‘‘-’’ between the words ‘‘delivery’’ and ‘‘order’’ and between the words ‘‘task’’ and ‘‘order’’. ■ 16.503 [Amended] 4. Amend section 16.503 by removing from paragraph (a) introductory text ‘‘period’’ and adding ‘‘period (from one contractor)’’ in its place. ■ 5. Amend section 16.504 by revising paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(D)(3) to read as follows: 16.504 Indefinite-quantity contracts. * * * * * (c) * * * (1) * * * (ii) * * * (D) * * * (3) The requirement for a determination for a single-award contract greater than $100 million: (i) Is in addition to any applicable requirements of Subpart 6.3. (ii) Is not applicable for architectengineer services awarded pursuant to Subpart 36.6. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2010–5989 Filed 3–18–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–EP–S C. Paperwork Reduction Act PO 00000 PART 16—TYPES OF CONTRACTS ■ B. Regulatory Flexibility Act ■ 13421 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Parts 25 and 52 [FAC 2005–39; FAR Case 2008–036; Item V; Docket 2009–019, Sequence 1] RIN 9000–AL23 Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2008–036, Trade Agreements— Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), E:\FR\FM\19MRR2.SGM 19MRR2 13422 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 53 / Friday, March 19, 2010 / Rules and Regulations and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (the Councils) have adopted as final, without change, an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the Dominican Republic— Central America—United States Free Trade Agreement with respect to Costa Rica, the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement, and the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. Effective Date: March 19, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact Ms. Lori Sakalos, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 208–0498. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat at (202) 501– 4755. Please cite FAC 2005–39, FAR case 2008–036. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with RULES_2 A. Background The Councils published an interim rule in the Federal Register at 74 FR 28426 on June 15, 2009. No public comments were received in response to the interim rule. The interim rule added Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru to the definition of ‘‘Free Trade Agreement country’’. The rule also deleted Costa Rica from the definition of ‘‘Caribbean Basin country’’ because, in accordance with section 201(a)(3) of Pub. L. 109–53, when the Dominican Republic—Central America—United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA—DR) agreement enters into force with respect to a country, that country is no longer designated as a beneficiary country for purposes of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. The excluded services for the Oman and Peru Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are the same as for the Bahrain FTA, CAFTA-DR, Chile FTA, and North American Free Trade Agreement. Costa Rica has the same thresholds as the other CAFTA-DR countries. This is a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was 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. 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 acquisitions that are set aside for small businesses are exempt from trade agreements. In addition, the Department of Defense only applies the trade agreements to the non-defense items listed at the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 225.401–70. No comments were received relating to impact on small business concerns. C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does apply, and this rule is added to the certification and information collection requirements in the provisions at FAR 52.212–3, 52.225–4, 52.225–6, and 52.225–11 currently approved under Office of Management and Budget clearance 9000–0136 (Commercial Item Acquisition; FAR sections affected are part 12 and provisions 52.212–1 and 52.212–3), 9000–0130 (Buy America Act, Trade Agreements Act Certificate; FAR section affected is provision 52.225–4), 9000–0025 (Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act Certificate; FAR section affected is provision 52.225–6), and 9000–0141 (Buy America Act—Construction; FAR sections affected are subpart 25.2 and provisions 52.225–9 and 52.225–11) respectively. The impacts of this change on information collection requirements are negligible. No comments were received on the burden or number of entities affected by this rulemaking. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 25 and 52 Government procurement. Dated: March 15, 2010. Al Matera, Director, Acquisition Policy Division. Interim Rule Adopted as Final Without Change ■ Accordingly, the interim rule amending 48 CFR parts 25 and 52, which was published in the Federal Register at 74 FR 28426 on June 15, 2009, is adopted as a final rule without change. Jkt 220001 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Part 52 [FAC 2005–39; FAR Case 2008–015; Item VI; Docket 2009–0015, Sequence 1] RIN 9000–AL26 Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2008–015, Payments Under Fixed-Price Architect-Engineer Contracts AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Final rule. 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 revise the withholding of payment requirements under FAR 52.232–10. This FAR change was initiated by the Small Business Administration (SBA) Advocacy Office and is a part of the SBA, Office of Advocacy’s Regulatory Review and Reform Initiative, or r3 initiative. The r3 program was established to help small businesses address the cumulative Federal regulatory burden. DATES: Effective Date: April 19, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact Ms. Suzanne Neurauter, Procurement Analyst, at 202–219–0310. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat at (202) 501– 4755. Please cite FAC 2005–39, FAR case 2008–015. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background [FR Doc. 2010–5990 Filed 3–18–10; 8:45 am] The FAR at 52.232–10, Payments Under Fixed-Price Architect-Engineer Contracts, currently requires contracting officers to withhold 10 percent of the amounts due on each voucher; however, payment can be made in full during any month in which the contracting officer determines the performance to be satisfactory. The Government retains the withheld amount until the contracting officer determines that the work has been satisfactorily completed. The contracting officer may release excess withheld amounts to the contractor when the contracting officer determines BILLING CODE 6820–EP–S The Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration certify that this final rule will not have 14:19 Mar 18, 2010 GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION ■ B. Regulatory Flexibility Act VerDate Nov<24>2008 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\19MRR2.SGM 19MRR2

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 53 (Friday, March 19, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13421-13422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-5990]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 25 and 52

[FAC 2005-39; FAR Case 2008-036; Item V; Docket 2009-019, Sequence 1]
RIN 9000-AL23


Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2008-036, Trade 
Agreements--Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru

AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration 
(GSA),

[[Page 13422]]

and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council (the Councils) have adopted as final, 
without change, an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement the Dominican Republic--Central America--
United States Free Trade Agreement with respect to Costa Rica, the 
United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement, and the United States-Peru 
Trade Promotion Agreement.

DATES: Effective Date: March 19, 2010.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact 
Ms. Lori Sakalos, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 208-0498. For 
information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the 
Regulatory Secretariat at (202) 501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-39, FAR 
case 2008-036.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    The Councils published an interim rule in the Federal Register at 
74 FR 28426 on June 15, 2009. No public comments were received in 
response to the interim rule.
    The interim rule added Costa Rica, Oman, and Peru to the definition 
of ``Free Trade Agreement country''. The rule also deleted Costa Rica 
from the definition of ``Caribbean Basin country'' because, in 
accordance with section 201(a)(3) of Pub. L. 109-53, when the Dominican 
Republic--Central America--United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA--
DR) agreement enters into force with respect to a country, that country 
is no longer designated as a beneficiary country for purposes of the 
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act.
    The excluded services for the Oman and Peru Free Trade Agreements 
(FTAs) are the same as for the Bahrain FTA, CAFTA-DR, Chile FTA, and 
North American Free Trade Agreement. Costa Rica has the same thresholds 
as the other CAFTA-DR countries.
    This is a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was 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 Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and 
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 acquisitions that are 
set aside for small businesses are exempt from trade agreements. In 
addition, the Department of Defense only applies the trade agreements 
to the non-defense items listed at the Defense Federal Acquisition 
Regulation Supplement 225.401-70. No comments were received relating to 
impact on small business concerns.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does apply, and this rule is added to 
the certification and information collection requirements in the 
provisions at FAR 52.212-3, 52.225-4, 52.225-6, and 52.225-11 currently 
approved under Office of Management and Budget clearance 9000-0136 
(Commercial Item Acquisition; FAR sections affected are part 12 and 
provisions 52.212-1 and 52.212-3), 9000-0130 (Buy America Act, Trade 
Agreements Act Certificate; FAR section affected is provision 52.225-
4), 9000-0025 (Buy American Act, Trade Agreements Act Certificate; FAR 
section affected is provision 52.225-6), and 9000-0141 (Buy America 
Act--Construction; FAR sections affected are subpart 25.2 and 
provisions 52.225-9 and 52.225-11) respectively. The impacts of this 
change on information collection requirements are negligible. No 
comments were received on the burden or number of entities affected by 
this rulemaking.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 25 and 52

    Government procurement.

    Dated: March 15, 2010.
Al Matera,
Director, Acquisition Policy Division.

0
Interim Rule Adopted as Final Without Change
0
Accordingly, the interim rule amending 48 CFR parts 25 and 52, which 
was published in the Federal Register at 74 FR 28426 on June 15, 2009, 
is adopted as a final rule without change.
[FR Doc. 2010-5990 Filed 3-18-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-S

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