Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Ground and Flight Risk Clause (DFARS Case 2007-D009), 32642-32647 [2010-13528]

Agencies

• Defense Acquisition Regulations System
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32642-32647]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-13528]



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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE



Defense Acquisition Regulations System



48 CFR Parts 228, 231, and 252



RIN 0750-AF72




Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Ground and 

Flight Risk Clause (DFARS Case 2007-D009)



AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 

(DoD).



ACTION: Final rule.



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SUMMARY: DoD is issuing a final rule amending the Defense Federal 

Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to revise and combine 

contract clauses addressing assumption of risk of loss under contracts 

that furnish aircraft to the Government. The final rule establishes 

requirements that apply consistently to all contract types.



DATES: Effective Date: June 8, 2010.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julian Thrash, 703-602-0310.



SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



A. Background



    The DFARS clauses at 252.228-7001, Ground and Flight Risk, and 

252.228-7002, Aircraft Flight Risk, are presently used in contracts 

that involve the furnishing of aircraft to the Government. The clause 

at 252.228-7001 is used in negotiated fixed-price contracts, and the 

clause at 252.228-7002 is used in cost-reimbursement contracts. A 

proposed rule was published in the Federal Register at 72 FR 69177 on 

December 7, 2007. This final rule revises and combines the two clauses 

into a single ground and flight risk clause, applying requirements 

consistently to all contract types. In addition, a new subsection is 

added at DFARS 231.205-19 to explain the treatment of insurance costs 

under the new clause and all similar clauses.

    The final rule changes include--

    [cir] Applying the clause to all contracts for the purchase, 

development, production, maintenance, repair, flight, or overhaul of 

aircraft, with exceptions for contracts for activities incidental to 

the normal operations of aircraft, FAR Part 12 contracts, and contracts 

where a non-DoD customer has declined to accept the risk of loss for 

its aircraft asset;

    [cir] Adding a requirement for inclusion of the clause in 

subcontracts at all tiers;

    [cir] Adding a statement that the Government property clause is not 

applicable if the Government withdraws its self-insurance coverage;

    [cir] Adding a statement that commercial insurance costs or self-

insurance charges that duplicate the Government's self- insurance are 

unallowable; and

    [cir] Establishing a share of loss for the contractor that is the 

lesser of $100,000 or twenty percent of the estimated contract cost or 

price. This is consistent with the contractor's share of loss presently 

specified in the clause at 252.228-7002. The clause at 252.228-7001 

presently prescribes a share of loss of $25,000 for the contractor.



B. Public Comments



    Three respondents submitted comments on the proposed rule. Specific 

comments received are addressed in paragraphs 1 through 8 of this 

section.



1. Applicability



    Comment: The respondent recommended adding an additional exception 

to the requirement for inclusion of the Ground and Flight Risk clause 

by inserting a new paragraph (b)(1)(iv) in DFARS 228.370 to read: ``For 

Commercial Derivative Aircraft that continue to be maintained to FAA 

Airworthiness Standards and the work will be conducted at a licensed 

FAA Repair Station.''

    Response: Commercial Derivative Aircraft are militarized versions 

of commercial aircraft platforms. Their repair at FAA repair stations 

most often denotes a commercial services contract. Normal commercial 

terms and conditions would apply and, thus, payment for insurance and 

acceptance of FAA standards is appropriate. In addition to adding the 

recommended new exception, DoD is changing DFARS 228.370(b)(1)(ii) to 

read: ``Awarded under FAR Part 12 for the acquisition, development, 

production, modification, maintenance, repair, flight, or overhaul of 

aircraft, or otherwise involving the furnishing of aircraft.''



2. Compliance



    Comment: Two comments addressed potentially confusing language on 

compliance and the cost of compliance. One respondent indicated that 

paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of DFARS 228.370 was confusing as to intent and 

purpose. The respondent was concerned that, when a contracting officer 

expressly defines ``contractor premises,'' the contractor might be able 

to avoid compliance with DCMAI 8210.1 (the Joint Instruction) by moving 

performance to a different location. Another respondent commented that 

DFARS 228.370 appears to require the Ground and Flight Risk clause for 

all aircraft, including unmanned aerial vehicles, without taking into 

account significant variations in size, cost, or vehicle ceiling. The 

respondent expressed concern that use of the clause constitutes costly 

overkill in cases of small/micro unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

    Response: DoD believes the language is clear and unambiguous as is, 

and it presents no meaningful basis for a contractor to avoid 

compliance with the DCMAI 8210.1. The definition of ``contractor 

premises'' is applicable solely to the determination of the 

Government's acceptance of the risk of loss. DFARS 252.228-7001(b) 

requires the contractor to assure compliance with DCMAI 8210.1 

regardless of the location of the aircraft.

    With regard to the cost of compliance, DFARS 228.370(b)(2)(i) 

allows tailoring of the definition of ``aircraft'' to appropriately 

cover atypical and ``nonconventional'' aircraft. If contracting 

officers wish to omit small/micro UAVs, the clause allows that 

flexibility. The contracting officer is required to make this 

determination on a case-by-case basis in coordination with the program 

office. While the respondent's concerns could be legitimate in some 

cases, these concerns should be addressed during the preaward phase on 

an individual contract basis. There is sufficient flexibility in the 

approval process for the clause to recognize unique requirements or the 

absence of standard



[[Page 32643]]



ground and flight operation requirements for small/micro UAVs.



3. Definitions



    Comment: Two respondents expressed concerns in this area. One 

requested inclusion of a new definition for ``temporarily removed,'' as 

follows: ``Those items removed for the duration of the contracted work 

with the intent to add the item back to the same aircraft.'' Another 

respondent recommended revising the definition of ``in the open'' so 

that it includes ``located on the Contractor's premises or other places 

described in the Schedule.''

    Response: DoD does not believe that it is necessary to define 

``temporarily removed'' because, as long as a removed item retains its 

relationship with a particular tail number or aircraft, the clause 

covers the method for determining risk of loss. If an item intended for 

reinstallation is found to be unsuitable for re-introduction onto the 

aircraft, it loses its relationship with the aircraft; it will be 

handled under the property clause from that point forward. DoD declines 

to revise the definition of ``in the open,'' which is substantially 

unchanged from prior versions. The respondent's recommended language 

would significantly expand the Government's acceptance of risk for new 

production aircraft. It would shift the triggering event for Government 

liability to the production line and potentially expose the Government 

to claims for the cost of rework and production mishaps.



4. Conditions Under Which the Government Retains Risk



    Comment: Three comments were submitted on this topic. One 

respondent recommended revising DFARS 252-228.7001(e)(5) to read 

``Consists of wear and tear; deterioration (including rust and 

corrosion) * * * (This exclusion does not apply to Government-furnished 

property if damage consists of reasonable wear and tear or 

deterioration, damage caused by or relating to wear and tear or 

deterioration, or results from inherent vice (e.g., a known condition 

or design defect in the property).'' As an example of ``damage caused 

by or relating to wear and tear or deterioration,'' the respondent 

refers to a situation where a defect in the aircraft allows rain water 

to enter the aircraft and damage its electronic systems.

    In a similar vein, another comment was to change DFARS 252.228-

7001(f)(1)(i) to read as follows: ``The first $100,000 of loss or 

damage to aircraft in the open, during operation in flight resulting 

from each separate event, except for reasonable wear and tear or 

deterioration, damage caused by or relating to wear and tear or 

deterioration, or to the extent the loss or damage is caused by 

negligence of Government Personnel.'' A third comment suggested that 

the language at DFARS 252.228-7001(e)(6), which provides that the 

Government does not accept the risk for losses that occur as a result 

of work on the aircraft unless such losses would have been covered by 

commercial insurance in the absence of the Ground and Flight Risk 

clause, is confusing and a source of frequent disputes.

    Response: While the contractor should not be liable for reasonable 

wear and tear, handling of the aircraft to prevent damage related to 

wear and tear is something within the contractor's control. If rain 

water is allowed to damage electronics, the contractor has failed to 

take necessary precautions to store the aircraft under reasonable 

conditions. The damage may have been avoided via closer intake 

inspection, storing the aircraft indoors, or covering certain areas to 

avoid water damage. The recommended change would diminish the 

contractor's incentive to take timely and appropriate action to protect 

Government assets, and therefore neither paragraph (e) nor (f) of the 

clause is changed. DoD also disagrees that the language at paragraph 

(e)(6) of the clause is confusing; it is unchanged from previous 

versions of the Ground and Flight Risk clause, and DoD is unaware of 

any disputes arising from the language.



5. Avoidance of Liability



    Comment: Three comments were received on this subject. One 

respondent expressed concern that the frequent necessity for Government 

Flight Representatives to approve flight crew members via telephone 

call or e-mail message may violate the DFARS 252.228-7001(e)(2) 

requirement for approval ``in writing.'' Also, DFARS 252.228-7001(e)(4) 

provides that the Government will not accept the liability for losses 

covered by insurance. The respondent expressed concern that contractors 

could avoid application of the clause's requirements by purchasing 

insurance. The respondent recommended inclusion of the following 

language currently found in DFARS 252.228.7002: ``The Contractor shall 

not be reimbursed for liability to third persons for loss or damage to 

property, or for death or bodily injury, caused by aircraft during 

flight unless the flight crew members previously have been approved in 

writing by the Government Flight Representative, who has been 

authorized in accordance with the combined regulation entitled 

`Contractor's Flight and Ground Operations'.''

    Response: DoD believes that telephonic and e-mail approvals are 

adequate as long as the Government Flight Representative follows up 

with a formal written approval as soon as practicable. The language at 

252.228-7001(e)(4) is included to prevent a duplicate recovery for a 

single loss. In no case does the purchase of insurance relieve the 

contractor of its obligation to comply with the clause requirements. 

While DoD agrees that contractors should not be reimbursed for third-

party liability if the Government Flight Representative had not 

approved the flight crew members, it does not concur in the 

respondent's assumption that Government acceptance of third-party 

liability arises from the cited language in DFARS 252.228-7002, 

Aircraft Flight Risk. The current language merely establishes a 

condition precedent to the Government's express acceptance of third-

party liability under other provisions of the contract (e.g., FAR 

52.228-7, Insurance--Liability to Third Persons). DoD has added a 

paragraph to the Ground and Flight Risk clause as follows: ``To the 

extent that the Government has accepted such liability under other 

provisions of this contract, the Contractor shall not be reimbursed for 

liability to third persons for loss or damage to property, or for death 

or bodily injury caused by aircraft during flight, unless the flight 

crew members previously have been approved for this flight in writing 

by the Government Flight Representative, who has been authorized in 

accordance with the combined regulation entitled `Contractor's Flight 

and Ground Operations'.''



6. Contractor's Share of Loss



    Comment: One respondent recommended revising DFARS 252.228-7001(f) 

to reduce the maximum share of loss to $50,000 for all contracts. The 

respondent suggested that the increase may negatively impact small 

businesses that do not have the resources to absorb an increased share 

of loss. The respondent also recommended separate language addressing 

the contractor's share of loss on firm-fixed price contracts and 

flexibly-priced contracts. Another respondent cited concerns that the 

use of the phrase ``twenty percent of the estimated price or cost of 

this contract'' creates confusion because prices on firm fixed-price 

contracts are not usually ``estimated.'' The respondent recommended 

that the language in the current DFARS clause defining the contractor's 

share of loss on cost-type



[[Page 32644]]



contracts as ``Twenty percent of the estimated cost of the contract'' 

remain unchanged.

    Response: While DoD's review indicates a fairly even split between 

fixed-price and flexibly-priced aircraft contracts, there is a decided 

weighting toward flexibly-priced contracts for aircraft repair, 

overhaul, and maintenance. Such contracts are typically where the bulk 

of damage arises that results in liability assessments. Therefore, the 

majority of contracts where liability arises already contain a $100,000 

maximum share of loss, consistent with the previous DFARS 252.228-7002 

language. Lowering the share of loss on all contracts to $50,000 would 

produce an inequitable and counter-productive result. Further, DoD 

disagrees that raising the liability to $100,000 will 

disproportionately disadvantage small businesses. Most of the small 

businesses participating in these contracts do so as repair, overhaul, 

and maintenance prime contractors or as commercial subcontractors.

    DoD does not agree that separate language is necessary to address 

firm- and flexibly-priced contracts. However, DoD is revising the 

proposed language of DFARS 252.228-7001(f) to clarify the language 

cited by the respondent and provide guidance for determination of the 

contractor's share of loss on task or delivery order contracts. The 

recommended revision defines the contractor's share of loss as the 

lesser of ``(i) the first $100,000 * * *, or (ii) twenty percent of the 

price or estimated cost of the contract'' and adds a statement that 

``for task order and delivery order contracts, the DoD's share of loss 

shall be the lesser of $100,000 or twenty percent of the combined total 

price or estimated cost of those orders to which the clause applies.''



7. Compliance With DCMA Regulation



    Comment: The respondent expressed concern that DFARS 252.228-

7001(b) imposes an absolute requirement for contractor compliance with 

DCMAI 8210.1, Combined Regulation/Instruction. Under certain 

circumstances, the respondent claims that imposition of this 

requirement is inappropriate. The respondent recommends modifying the 

initial sentence of the paragraph to provide some flexibility, as 

follows: ``Unless specified otherwise in the contract Schedule, the 

Contractor shall be bound * * *''

    Response: The requirement to comply with the Joint Instruction is 

not a substantive change; paragraph (k) of the existing clause imposes 

the identical requirement. The Joint Instruction itself provides 

adequate flexibility to address the commenter's concern. With few 

exceptions, the Instruction's standard for contractor procedures is 

simply that they be ``safe and effective.''



8. Flowdown



    Comment: One respondent recommended revising DFARS 252.228-7001(g) 

to add: ``The Contractor is required to ensure that each of its 

subcontractors also complies with the combined regulation/instruction 

entitled ``Contractor's Flight and Ground Operations.'' Another 

respondent, noting that DFARS 228.252-7001(l) requires contractors to 

assure that subcontractors at all tiers comply with the clause, 

recommended that the clause provide some flexibility in the imposition 

of flowdown requirements.

    Response: The addition recommended by the first respondent is 

unnecessary because the effect of the suggested change is already 

provided for at DFARS 252.228-7001(b), Combined Regulation/Instruction, 

which requires flowdown to subcontracts at all tiers.

    As to providing flexibility in the flowdown requirement, DoD 

considers the Joint Instruction itself to provide adequate flexibility 

to address the commenter's concern. With few exceptions, the 

Instruction's standard for contractor procedures is simply that they be 

``safe and effective.'' Any subcontractor in possession or control of a 

Government aircraft should have ``safe and effective'' procedures in 

place.

    This rule was subject to Office of Management and Budget review 

under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993. This is not a 

major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.



C. Regulatory Flexibility Act



    DoD has prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis consistent 

with 5 U.S.C. 604. A copy of the analysis may be obtained from the 

individual specified in the contact-information section of this notice. 

The analysis is summarized as follows:

    The objective of the rule is to clearly and consistently address 

the responsibilities of the Government and the contractor with regard 

to incidents that may occur under contracts involving the furnishing of 

aircraft to the Government. The rule applies to DoD contractors and 

their subcontractors under contracts for the acquisition, development, 

production, or servicing of aircraft. Excluded are contracts for 

activities strictly incidental to the normal operations of an aircraft; 

contracts awarded under FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items; 

and contracts where a non-DoD customer does not assume risk for loss of 

or damage to the aircraft. The impact on small entities is expected to 

be minimal based on the fact that most contractors engaged in this type 

of business have historically been large businesses.



D. 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.



List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 228, 231, and 252



    Government procurement.



Ynette R. Shelkin,

Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.



0

Therefore, 48 CFR parts 228, 231, and 252 are amended as follows:

0

1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 228, 231, and 252 continues 

to read as follows:



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



PART 228--BONDS AND INSURANCE



0

2. Section 228.370 is amended as follows:

0

a. By revising paragraph (b);

0

b. By removing paragraph (c); and

0

c. By redesignating paragraphs (d) through (f) as paragraphs (c) 

through (e) respectively.

    The revised text reads as follows:





228.370  Additional clauses.



* * * * *

    (b)(1) Use the clause at 252.228-7001, Ground and Flight Risk, in 

all solicitations and contracts for the acquisition, development, 

production, modification, maintenance, repair, flight, or overhaul of 

aircraft, except those solicitations and contracts--

    (i) That are strictly for activities incidental to the normal 

operations of the aircraft (e.g., refueling operations, minor non-

structural actions not requiring towing such as replacing aircraft 

tires due to wear and tear);

    (ii) That are awarded under FAR Part 12 procedures and are for the 

development, production, modification, maintenance, repair, flight, or 

overhaul of aircraft; or otherwise involving the furnishing of 

aircraft;

    (iii) For which a non-DoD customer (including a foreign military 

sales customer) has not agreed to assume the risk for loss or 

destruction of, or damages to, the aircraft; or

    (iv) For commercial derivative aircraft that are to be maintained 

to Federal



[[Page 32645]]



Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness when the work will be 

performed at a licensed FAA repair station.

    (2) The clause at 252.228-7001 may be modified only as follows:

    (i) Include a modified definition of ``aircraft'' if the contract 

covers other than conventional types of winged aircraft, i.e., 

helicopters, vertical take-off or landing aircraft, lighter-than-air 

airships, unmanned aerial vehicles, or other nonconventional aircraft. 

The modified definition should describe a stage of manufacture 

comparable to the standard definition.

    (ii) Modify ``in the open'' to include ``hush houses,'' test 

hangars and comparable structures, and other designated areas.

    (iii) Expressly define the ``contractor's premises'' where the 

aircraft will be located during and for contract performance. These 

locations may include contract premises which are owned or leased by 

the contractor or subcontractor, or premises where the contractor or 

subcontractor is a permittee or licensee or has a right to use, 

including Government airfields.

    (iv) Revise paragraph (e)(3) of the clause to provide Government 

assumption of risk for transportation by conveyance on streets or 

highways when transportation is--

    (A) Limited to the vicinity of contractor premises; and

    (B) Incidental to work performed under the contract.

    (3) Follow the procedures at PGI 228.370(b) when using the clause 

at 252.228-7001.

* * * * *



PART 231--CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES



0

3. Section 231.205-19 is added to read as follows:





231.205-19  Insurance and indemnification.



    (e) In addition to the cost limitations in FAR 31.205-19(e), self-

insurance and purchased insurance costs are subject to the requirements 

of the clauses at 252.217-7012, Liability and Insurance, and 252.228-

7001, Ground and Flight Risk.



PART 252--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES



0

4. Section 252.228-7001 is revised to read as follows:





252.228-7001  Ground and flight risk.



    As prescribed in 228.370(b), use the following clause:



GROUND AND FLIGHT RISK (JUN 2010)



    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--

    (1) Aircraft, unless otherwise provided in the contract

    Schedule, means--

    (i) Aircraft to be delivered to the Government under this 

contract (either before or after Government acceptance), including 

complete aircraft and aircraft in the process of being manufactured, 

disassembled, or reassembled; provided that an engine, portion of a 

wing, or a wing is attached to a fuselage of the aircraft;

    (ii) Aircraft, whether in a state of disassembly or reassembly, 

furnished by the Government to the Contractor under this contract, 

including all Government property installed, in the process of 

installation, or temporarily removed; provided that the aircraft and 

property are not covered by a separate bailment agreement;

    (iii) Aircraft furnished by the Contractor under this contract 

(either before or after Government acceptance); or

    (iv) Conventional winged aircraft, as well as helicopters, 

vertical take-off or landing aircraft, lighter-than-air airships, 

unmanned aerial vehicles, or other nonconventional aircraft 

specified in this contract.

    (2) Contractor's managerial personnel means the Contractor's 

directors, officers, and any of the Contractor's managers, 

superintendents, or other equivalent representatives who have 

supervision or direction of--

    (i) All or substantially all of the Contractor's business;

    (ii) All or substantially all of the Contractor's operation at 

any one plant or separate location; or

    (iii) A separate and complete major industrial operation.

    (3) Contractor's premises means those premises, including 

subcontractors' premises, designated in the Schedule or in writing 

by the Contracting Officer, and any other place the aircraft is 

moved for safeguarding.

    (4) Flight means any flight demonstration, flight test, taxi 

test, or other flight made in the performance of this contract, or 

for the purpose of safeguarding the aircraft, or previously approved 

in writing by the Contracting Officer.

    (i) For land-based aircraft, ``flight'' begins with the taxi 

roll from a flight line on the Contractor's premises and continues 

until the aircraft has completed the taxi roll in returning to a 

flight line on the Contractor's premises.

    (ii) For seaplanes, ``flight'' begins with the launching from a 

ramp on the Contractor's premises and continues until the aircraft 

has completed its landing run and is beached at a ramp on the 

Contractor's premises.

    (iii) For helicopters, ``flight'' begins upon engagement of the 

rotors for the purpose of take-off from the Contractor's premises 

and continues until the aircraft has returned to the ground on the 

Contractor's premises and the rotors are disengaged.

    (iv) For vertical take-off or landing aircraft, ``flight'' 

begins upon disengagement from any launching platform or device on 

the Contractor's premises and continues until the aircraft has been 

engaged to any launching platform or device on the Contractor's 

premises.

    (v) All aircraft off the Contractor's premises shall be 

considered to be in flight when on the ground or water for 

reasonable periods of time following emergency landings, landings 

made in performance of this contract, or landings approved in 

writing by the Contracting Officer.

    (5) Flight crew member means the pilot, the co-pilot, and, 

unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, the flight engineer, 

navigator, and bombardier-navigator when assigned to their 

respective crew positions for the purpose of conducting any flight 

on behalf of the Contractor. It also includes any pilot or operator 

of an unmanned aerial vehicle. If required, a defense systems 

operator may also be assigned as a flight crew member.

    (6) In the open means located wholly outside of buildings on the 

Contractor's premises or other places described in the Schedule as 

being ``in the open.'' Government-furnished aircraft shall be 

considered to be located ``in the open'' at all times while in the 

Contractor's possession, care, custody, or control.

    (7) Operation means operations and tests of the aircraft and its 

installed equipment, accessories, and power plants, while the 

aircraft is in the open or in motion. The term does not apply to 

aircraft on any production line or in flight.

    (b) Combined regulation/instruction. The Contractor shall be 

bound by the operating procedures contained in the combined 

regulation/instruction entitled ``Contractor's Flight and Ground 

Operations'' (Air Force Instruction 10-220, Army Regulation 95-20, 

NAVAIR Instruction 3710.1 (Series), Coast Guard Instruction 

M13020.3, and Defense Contract Management Agency Instruction 8210.1) 

in effect on the date of contract award.

    (c) Government as self-insurer. Subject to the conditions in 

paragraph (d) of this clause, the Government self-insures and 

assumes the risk of damage to, or loss or destruction of aircraft 

``in the open,'' during ``operation,'' and in ``flight,'' except as 

may be specifically provided in the Schedule as an exception to this 

clause. The Contractor shall not be liable to the Government for 

such damage, loss, or destruction beyond the Contractor's share of 

loss amount under the Government's self-insurance.

    (d) Conditions for Government's self-insurance. The Government's 

assumption of risk for aircraft in the open shall continue unless 

the Contracting Officer finds that the Contractor has failed to 

comply with paragraph (b) of this clause, or that the aircraft is in 

the open under unreasonable conditions, and the Contractor fails to 

take prompt corrective action.

    (1) The Contracting Officer, when finding that the Contractor 

has failed to comply with paragraph (b) of this clause or that the 

aircraft is in the open under unreasonable conditions, shall notify 

the Contractor in writing and shall require the Contractor to make 

corrections within a reasonable time.

    (2) Upon receipt of the notice, the Contractor shall promptly 

correct the cited



[[Page 32646]]



conditions, regardless of whether there is agreement that the 

conditions are unreasonable.

    (i) If the Contracting Officer later determines that the cited 

conditions were not unreasonable, an equitable adjustment shall be 

made in the contract price for any additional costs incurred in 

correcting the conditions.

    (ii) Any dispute as to the unreasonableness of the conditions or 

the equitable adjustment shall be considered a dispute under the 

Disputes clause of this contract.

    (3) If the Contracting Officer finds that the Contractor failed 

to act promptly to correct the cited conditions or failed to correct 

the conditions within a reasonable time, the Contracting Officer may 

terminate the Government's assumption of risk for any aircraft in 

the open under the cited conditions. The termination will be 

effective at 12:01 a.m. on the fifteenth day following the day the 

written notice is received by the Contractor.

    (i) If the Contracting Officer later determines that the 

Contractor acted promptly to correct the cited conditions or that 

the time taken by the Contractor was not unreasonable, an equitable 

adjustment shall be made in the contract price for any additional 

costs incurred as a result of termination of the Government's 

assumption of risk.

    (ii) Any dispute as to the timeliness of the Contractor's action 

or the equitable adjustment shall be considered a dispute under the 

Disputes clause of this contract.

    (4) If the Government terminates its assumption of risk pursuant 

to the terms of this clause--

    (i) The Contractor shall thereafter assume the entire risk for 

damage, loss, or destruction of the affected aircraft;

    (ii) Any costs incurred by the Contractor (including the costs 

of the Contractor's self-insurance, insurance premiums paid to 

insure the Contractor's assumption of risk, deductibles associated 

with such purchased insurance, etc.) to mitigate its assumption of 

risk are unallowable costs; and

    (iii) The liability provisions of the Government Property clause 

of this contract are not applicable to the affected aircraft.

    (5) The Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer 

when unreasonable conditions have been corrected.

    (i) If, upon receipt of the Contractor's notice of the 

correction of the unreasonable conditions, the Government elects to 

again assume the risk of loss and relieve the Contractor of its 

liability for damage, loss, or destruction of the aircraft, the 

Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of the Contracting 

Officer's decision to resume the Government's risk of loss. The 

Contractor shall be entitled to an equitable adjustment in the 

contract price for any insurance costs extending from the end of the 

third working day after the Government's receipt of the Contractor's 

notice of correction until the Contractor is notified that the 

Government will resume the risk of loss.

    (ii) If the Government does not again assume the risk of loss 

and the unreasonable conditions have been corrected, the Contractor 

shall be entitled to an equitable adjustment for insurance costs, if 

any, extending after the third working day after the Government's 

receipt of the Contractor's notice of correction.

    (6) The Government's termination of its assumption of risk of 

loss does not relieve the Contractor of its obligation to comply 

with all other provisions of this clause, including the combined 

regulation/instruction entitled ``Contractor's Flight and Ground 

Operations.''

    (e) Exclusions from the Government's assumption of risk. The 

Government's assumption of risk shall not extend to damage, loss, or 

destruction of aircraft which--

    (1) Results from failure of the Contractor, due to willful 

misconduct or lack of good faith of any of the Contractor's 

managerial personnel, to maintain and administer a program for the 

protection and preservation of aircraft in the open and during 

operation in accordance with sound industrial practice, including 

oversight of a subcontractor's program;

    (2) Is sustained during flight if either the flight or the 

flight crew members have not been approved in advance of any flight 

in writing by the Government Flight Representative, who has been 

authorized in accordance with the combined regulation/instruction 

entitled ``Contractor's Flight and Ground Operations'';

    (3) Occurs in the course of transportation by rail, or by 

conveyance on public streets, highways, or waterways, except for 

Government-furnished property;

    (4) Is covered by insurance;

    (5) Consists of wear and tear; deterioration (including rust and 

corrosion); freezing; or mechanical, structural, or electrical 

breakdown or failure, unless these are the result of other loss, 

damage or destruction covered by this clause. (This exclusion does 

not apply to Government-furnished property if damage consists of 

reasonable wear and tear or deterioration, or results from inherent 

vice, e.g., a known condition or design defect in the property); or

    (6) Is sustained while the aircraft is being worked on and is a 

direct result of the work unless such damage, loss, or destruction 

would be covered by insurance which would have been maintained by 

the Contractor, but for the Government's assumption of risk.

    (f) Contractor's share of loss and Contractor's deductible under 

the Government's self-insurance.

    (1) The Contractor assumes the risk of loss and shall be 

responsible for the Contractor's share of loss under the 

Government's self-insurance. That share is the lesser of--

    (i) The first $100,000 of loss or damage to aircraft in the 

open, during operation, or in flight resulting from each separate 

event, except for reasonable wear and tear and to the extent the 

loss or damage is caused by negligence of Government personnel; or

    (ii) Twenty percent of the price or estimated cost of this 

contract.

    (2) If the Government elects to require that the aircraft be 

replaced or restored by the Contractor to its condition immediately 

prior to the damage, the equitable adjustment in the price 

authorized by paragraph (j) of this clause shall not include the 

dollar amount of the risk assumed by the Contractor.

    (3) In the event the Government does not elect repair or 

replacement, the Contractor agrees to credit the contract price or 

pay the Government, as directed by the Contracting Officer, the 

lesser of--

    (i) $100,000;

    (ii) Twenty percent of the price or estimated cost of this 

contract; or

    (iii) The amount of the loss.

    (4) For task order and delivery order contracts, the 

Contractor's share of the loss shall be the lesser of $100,000 or 

twenty percent of the combined total price or total estimated cost 

of those orders issued to date to which the clause applies.

    (5) The costs incurred by the Contractor for its share of the 

loss and for insuring against that loss are unallowable costs, 

including but not limited to--

    (i) The Contractor's share of loss under the Government's self-

insurance;

    (ii) The costs of the Contractor's self-insurance;

    (iii) The deductible for any Contractor-purchased insurance;

    (iv) Insurance premiums paid for Contractor-purchased insurance; 

and

    (v) Costs associated with determining, litigating, and defending 

against the Contractor's liability.

    (g) Subcontractor possession or control. The Contractor shall 

not be relieved from liability for damage, loss, or destruction of 

aircraft while such aircraft is in the possession or control of its 

subcontractors, except to the extent that the subcontract, with the 

written approval of the Contracting Officer, provides for relief 

from each liability. In the absence of approval, the subcontract 

shall contain provisions requiring the return of aircraft in as good 

condition as when received, except for reasonable wear and tear or 

for the utilization of the property in accordance with the 

provisions of this contract.

    (h) Contractor's exclusion of insurance costs. The Contractor 

warrants that the contract price does not and will not include, 

except as may be authorized in this clause, any charge or 

contingency reserve for insurance covering damage, loss, or 

destruction of aircraft while in the open, during operation, or in 

flight when the risk has been assumed by the Government, including 

the Contractor share of loss in this clause, even if the assumption 

may be terminated for aircraft in the open.

    (i) Procedures in the event of loss.

    (1) In the event of damage, loss, or destruction of aircraft in 

the open, during operation, or in flight, the Contractor shall take 

all reasonable steps to protect the aircraft from further damage, to 

separate damaged and undamaged aircraft, and to put all aircraft in 

the best possible order. Except in cases covered by paragraph (f)(2) 

of this clause, the Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting 

Officer a statement of--

    (i) The damaged, lost, or destroyed aircraft;

    (ii) The time and origin of the damage, loss, or destruction;

    (iii) All known interests in commingled property of which 

aircraft are a part; and

    (iv) The insurance, if any, covering the interest in commingled 

property.

    (2) The Contracting Officer will make an equitable adjustment 

for expenditures made



[[Page 32647]]



by the Contractor in performing the obligations under this 

paragraph.

    (j) Loss prior to delivery.

    (1) If prior to delivery and acceptance by the Government, 

aircraft is damaged, lost, or destroyed and the Government assumed 

the risk, the Government shall either--

    (i) Require that the aircraft be replaced or restored by the 

Contractor to the condition immediately prior to the damage, in 

which event the Contracting Officer will make an equitable 

adjustment in the contract price and the time for contract 

performance; or

    (ii) Terminate this contract with respect to the aircraft. 

Notwithstanding the provisions in any other termination clause under 

this contract, in the event of termination, the Contractor shall be 

paid the contract price for the aircraft (or, if applicable, any 

work to be performed on the aircraft) less any amount the 

Contracting Officer determines--

    (A) It would have cost the Contractor to complete the aircraft 

(or any work to be performed on the aircraft) together with 

anticipated profit on uncompleted work; and

    (B) Would be the value of the damaged aircraft or any salvage 

retained by the Contractor.

    (2) The Contracting Officer shall prescribe the manner of 

disposition of the damaged, lost, or destroyed aircraft, or any 

parts of the aircraft. If any additional costs of such disposition 

are incurred by the Contractor, a further equitable adjustment will 

be made in the amount due the Contractor. Failure of the parties to 

agree upon termination costs or an equitable adjustment with respect 

to any aircraft shall be considered a dispute under the Disputes 

clause of this contract.

    (k) Reimbursement from a third party. In the event the 

Contractor is reimbursed or compensated by a third party for damage, 

loss, or destruction of aircraft and has also been compensated by 

the Government, the Contractor shall equitably reimburse the 

Government. The Contractor shall do nothing to prejudice the 

Government's right to recover against third parties for damage, 

loss, or destruction. Upon the request of the Contracting Officer or 

authorized representative, the Contractor shall at Government 

expense furnish to the Government all reasonable assistance and 

cooperation (including the prosecution of suit and the execution of 

instruments of assignment or subrogation) in obtaining recovery.

    (l) Government acceptance of liability. To the extent the 

Government has accepted such liability under other provisions of 

this contract, the Contractor shall not be reimbursed for liability 

to third persons for loss or damage to property or for death or 

bodily injury caused by aircraft during flight unless the flight 

crew members previously have been approved for this flight in 

writing by the Government Flight Representative, who has been 

authorized in accordance with the combined regulation entitled 

``Contractor's Flight and Ground Operations''.

    (m) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall incorporate the 

requirements of this clause, including this paragraph (m), in all 

subcontracts.

    (End of clause)





252.228-7002  [Removed and Reserved]



0

5. Section 252.228-7002 is removed and reserved.





252.228-7003  [Amended]



0

6. Section 252.228-7003 is amended in the introductory text by removing 

``228.370(d)'' and adding in its place ``228.370(c)''.





252.228-7005  [Amended]



0

7. Section 252.228-7005 is amended in the introductory text by removing 

``228.370(e)'' and adding in its place ``228.370(d)''.





252.228-7006  [Amended]



0

8. Section 252.228-7006 is amended in the introductory text by removing 

``228.370(f)'' and adding in its place ``228.370(e)''.

[FR Doc. 2010-13528 Filed 6-7-10; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 5001-08-P