Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility of Contractors, 7579-7581 [2012-3307]

Download as PDF erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2012 / Notices 552(b). All such requests for confidential treatment will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Abstract: The FR 2320 will be a quarterly information collection of parent only and consolidated financial and organizational structure data of top and lower tier SLHCs. The data was previously collected on Schedule HC of the TFR. Title III of the Dodd-Frank Act transferred all former OTS authorities (including rulemaking) related to SLHCs to the Federal Reserve on July 21, 2011. Consequently, the Federal Reserve became responsible for the consolidated supervision of SLHCs beginning July 21, 2011. The Federal Reserve will use the data to evaluate a diversified holding company and to determine whether an SLHC is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition, the data collected will contribute to the analyses of the overall financial condition of SLHCs to ensure safe and sound operations. Current Actions: On November 10, 2011, the Federal Reserve published a notice in the Federal Register (76 FR 70146) requesting public comment for 60 days on the implementation of the Quarterly Savings and Loan Holding Company Report (FR 2320). The comment period for this notice expired on January 9, 2012. The Federal Reserve received three comment letters addressing the proposed implementation of the FR 2320: two from law firms and one from a financial services company. Two commenters requested clarification of the reporting criteria for multi-tiered SLHCs. Also, these commenters asked that the Federal Reserve be flexible when determining which SLHCs within a multi-tiered organization would be required to file the FR 2320. In response to the comments, the Federal Reserve will clarify the FR 2320 instructions to indicate which SLHCs should file the FR 2320. The FR 2320 will generally be filed by the top-tier SLHC if that SLHC is exempt 1 from filing the Federal Reserve’s existing regulatory reports. However, if a top-tier SLHC is not required to file the FR 2320, then a lower-tier SLHC must file FR 2320. Such determination as to which SLHC will be required to file the FR 2320 will be made by the district Federal Reserve Bank. In addition, lower-tier SLHCs may voluntarily file the FR 2320 or may be 1 An exempt SLHC includes: (1) A grandfathered unitary SLHC whose assets are primarily commercial and whose thrifts make up less than 5 percent of its consolidated assets; and (2) a SLHC whose assets are primarily insurance-related and who does not otherwise submit financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:46 Feb 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 required to file (in addition to the toptier SLHC) for safety and soundness purposes at the discretion of the district Federal Reserve Bank. One commenter noted certain data items that were given confidential treatment by the OTS are no longer afforded the same treatment in the FR 2320 and this may be of concern to privately held institutions. After considering these comments, the Federal Reserve believes the data items no longer held as confidential will not cause competitive harm to any institution, publicly or privately held and notes there are several BHCs that are privately held where similar information is made publicly available. However, as noted above, institutions may request, in writing, confidential treatment for any data item in the FR 2320 or for all data items in the report, and confidential treatment will be afforded if the institution is able to establish that disclosure would cause substantial competitive harm. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, February 7, 2012. Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary of the Board. 7579 noted, nonbanking activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than March 9, 2012. A. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (Jacqueline G. King, Community Affairs Officer) 90 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55480–0291: 1. Western State Agency, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust, Devils Lake, North Dakota; to acquire an additional 14.44 percent, for a total of 43.25 percent of the voting shares of Western State Agency, Inc., Devils Lake, North Dakota, and thereby indirectly acquire additional voting shares of Western State Bank, Devils Lake, North Dakota. Dated: February 8, 2012. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. 2012–3256 Filed 2–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210–01–P [FR Doc. 2012–3192 Filed 2–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6210–01–P GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies The companies listed in this notice have applied to the Board for approval, pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841 et seq.) (BHC Act), Regulation Y (12 CFR part 225), and all other applicable statutes and regulations to become a bank holding company and/or to acquire the assets or the ownership of, control of, or the power to vote shares of a bank or bank holding company and all of the banks and nonbanking companies owned by the bank holding company, including the companies listed below. The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The applications will also be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1842(c)). If the proposal also involves the acquisition of a nonbanking company, the review also includes whether the acquisition of the nonbanking company complies with the standards in section 4 of the BHC Act (12 U.S.C. 1843). Unless otherwise PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility of Contractors AGENCY: Government Accountability Office. ACTION: Policy statement. On September 30, 2011, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provided notice of its proposed policy to adopt the policies and procedures contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) regarding the debarment, suspension, and ineligibility of government contractors. Comments on GAO’s policy were due on or before November 14, 2011. GAO received two comments. Both comments expressed support for GAO’s efforts to adopt policies and procedures regarding the debarment, suspension, and ineligibility of government contractors. Neither comment suggested any changes to GAO’s policy statement. GAO is adopting, with minor changes, the policy statement published in the Federal Register on September 30, as set forth below. As a legislative branch agency, GAO is not subject to the requirements of the FAR. However, it is GAO’s general policy to follow the FAR, as appropriate and applicable. Mandatory application of the FAR is not to be inferred from SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1 erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 7580 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2012 / Notices GAO’s adoption of this policy. Further, GAO’s procurement rules are not contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, but instead are contained in an internal GAO document referred to as ‘‘Government Accountability Office Procurement Guidelines’’ (hereinafter, GAO’s Procurement Order). As such, GAO’s policy regarding debarment and suspension will be added as a chapter to GAO’s Procurement Order. DATES: This policy is effective February 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: Questions concerning this policy can be addressed to Government Accountability Office, Office of the General Counsel, Attn: Legal Services, Room 7838, 441 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20548. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John A. Bielec, Assistant General Counsel, 202–512–2846 or email, bielecj@gao.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under GAO’s policy, GAO will follow FAR Subpart 9.4. GAO’s Procurement Order, GAO Order 0625.1, states that it is GAO’s policy to follow the FAR and GAO has long-maintained procedures, consistent with FAR Subpart 9.4, that ensure that it contracts only with those entities and individuals (hereinafter, contractors) who are responsible. However, GAO’s Procurement Order does not explicitly reference the debarment and suspension procedures contained in FAR Subpart 9.4. To make clear that FAR Subpart 9.4 applies, GAO will amend its Procurement Order to formally and explicitly adopt FAR Subpart 9.4. Except as provided in FAR Subpart 9.4, GAO will not solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with, contractors who are listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), which is maintained by the General Services Administration. Further, if GAO debars, proposes for debarment, or suspends a contractor, GAO will, consistent with FAR Subpart 9.4, list that contractor in the EPLS. Given that GAO is a legislative branch agency, the listing of a contractor in the EPLS by GAO will have mandatory effect only as to GAO. Consistent with FAR 9.405–1, GAO may continue an existing contract with a contractor who is later debarred, proposed for debarment, or suspended. Consistent with the definitions of ‘‘debarring official’’ and ‘‘suspending official’’ contained at FAR 9.403, the Comptroller General, as the head of GAO, will serve as the debarring official and suspending official (hereinafter, debarment/suspension official). The VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:46 Feb 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 Comptroller General may designate another GAO official to serve as the debarment/suspension official. The Comptroller General will also be responsible for deciding whether to solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with contractors who have been debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, and whether to terminate a current contract or subcontract in existence at the time the contractor was debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. GAO’s Acquisition Management office (AM), which is responsible for the majority of GAO’s contracting activities, will be the GAO unit with primary responsibility for investigating and referring potential debarment and suspension actions to the debarment/ suspension official for his or her consideration. GAO’s procurement activities are largely centralized in AM, which is staffed by contracting officers and other acquisition professionals. As such, AM staff has the required technical knowledge to handle debarment and suspension referrals and is in the best position to learn of matters that may warrant debarment and/or suspension. Moreover, AM is the first point of contact for Contracting Officers’ Representatives, who have direct knowledge of any problems with contractor performance. Thus, individuals—including GAO employees and members of the public—who believe that there may be grounds to debar or suspend a contractor should contact AM and provide them with all relevant information. Whenever AM learns of information that indicates there may be grounds for debarring or suspending a contractor, AM will gather appropriate information and refer the matter to the debarment/suspension official. All such referrals will include a recommendation by the Director of AM as to a proposed course of action. Likewise, AM will have responsibility for recommending to the Comptroller General whether or not to continue current contracts with, solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. Given its central role in GAO’s procurement process, AM, in consultation with GAO’s Office of General Counsel, will also be responsible for establishing written procedures that address the key aspects of GAO’s debarment/suspension program. Accordingly, the Government Accountability Office has adopted the following policy and will incorporate it into GAO’s Procurement Order: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 GAO will follow the policies and procedures contained at FAR Subpart 9.4—Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility. GAO will not solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with contractors who are listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), except as otherwise provided for in FAR Subpart 9.4. GAO will report to the EPLS any contractor GAO debars, suspends, or proposes for debarment. Such action will have mandatory application only to GAO. Notwithstanding the debarment, suspension, or proposed debarment of a contractor, GAO may continue contracts or subcontracts in existence at the time the contractor was debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, unless the Comptroller General (CG) directs otherwise. The CG or a designee will serve as the debarring official and suspending official (debarment/suspension official). The CG will also decide whether to solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with contractors who have been debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment and whether to terminate a current contract or subcontract in existence at the time the contractor was debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. Acquisition Management (AM) will have primary responsibility for investigating and referring potential debarment/suspension actions to the debarment/suspension official for consideration. As such, any person who believes that there may be grounds to debar or suspend a person or entity from contracting with GAO should contact AM and provide them with all relevant information. AM will also have responsibility for recommending to the CG whether or not to continue current contracts with, solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. In consultation with the Office of General Counsel, AM will establish and maintain written procedures for: (1) The prompt reporting, investigation, and referral to the debarment/suspension official of matters appropriate for that official’s consideration. All debarment/ suspension referrals shall include a recommendation by the Director of AM as to a proposed course of action; (2) The debarment decisionmaking process, which shall afford the contractor (and any specifically named affiliates) an opportunity to submit, in person, in writing, or through a representative, information and argument in opposition to the proposed debarment; E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1 7581 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2012 / Notices (3) The suspension decisionmaking process, which shall afford the contractor (and any specifically named affiliates) an opportunity, following the imposition of suspension, to submit, in person, in writing, or through a representative, information and argument in opposition to the suspension; (4) Recommending to the CG whether or not to solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment; and (5) Recommending to the CG whether or not to continue current contracts with a contractor or subcontractor who is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. OGC will review for legal sufficiency: (1) Referrals by AM to the debarment/ suspension official; (2) Recommendations by AM to the CG that GAO solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment; (3) Recommendations by AM to the CG to terminate a current contract because a contractor or subcontractor was subsequently debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment; and (4) Notices of proposed debarment, notices of suspension, or any other communication to a contractor To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and OS document identifier, to Sherette.funncoleman@hhs.gov, or call the Reports Clearance Office on (202) 690–6162. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be directed to the OS Paperwork Clearance Officer at the above email address within 60days. Proposed Project: Survey of Primary Care Physicians on Oral Health for the Office on Women’s Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (New)—OMB No. 0990– NEW. Abstract: The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) at the Department of Health and Human Services is requesting OMB approval to conduct a new, one time survey of primary care physicians regarding oral health. This survey will provide the agency with information on oral health knowledge, attitudes, and professional experience among practicing physicians throughout the U.S. The study will explore physicians’ level of understanding of oral disease and what constitutes health for the oral cavity, oral health training and support needs, current practices and barriers to further involvement. OWH is requesting two years of OMB approval to enable sampling, screening, and survey implementation. regarding that contractor’s potential or actual suspension or debarment. Lynn H. Gibson, General Counsel, U.S. Government Accountability Office. [FR Doc. 2012–3307 Filed 2–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1610–02–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES [Document Identifier: OS–0990–New] Agency Information Collection Request; 60-Day Public Comment Request Office of the Secretary, HHS. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, is publishing the following summary of a proposed information collection request for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency’s functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden. AGENCY: ESTIMATED ANNUALIZED BURDEN TABLE Number of respondents Number responses per respondent Average burden per response (in hours) Total burden (in hours) Type of respondent Form name Medical Secretary ............................. Physician ........................................... Screener ........................................... Survey .............................................. 1,300 600 1 1 5/60 30/60 108 300 Total ........................................... ........................................................... ........................ ........................ ........................ 408 Keith A. Tucker, Office of the Secretary, Paperwork Reduction Act Reports Clearance Officer. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES [FR Doc. 2012–3210 Filed 2–10–12; 8:45 am] Food and Drug Administration erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 4150–33–P [Docket No. FDA–2011–P–0292] Determination That KAPVAY (Clonidine Hydrochloride) ExtendedRelease Tablets, 0.2 Milligram, Was Not Withdrawn From Sale for Reasons of Safety or Effectiveness AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:46 Feb 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: Notice. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that KAPVAY (clonidine hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets, 0.2 milligram (mg), was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. This determination will allow FDA to approve abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) for clonidine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, 0.2 mg, if all other requirements are met. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM 13FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 29 (Monday, February 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7579-7581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3307]


=======================================================================
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GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE


Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility of Contractors

AGENCY: Government Accountability Office.

ACTION: Policy statement.

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

SUMMARY: On September 30, 2011, the Government Accountability Office 
(GAO) provided notice of its proposed policy to adopt the policies and 
procedures contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 
regarding the debarment, suspension, and ineligibility of government 
contractors. Comments on GAO's policy were due on or before November 
14, 2011. GAO received two comments. Both comments expressed support 
for GAO's efforts to adopt policies and procedures regarding the 
debarment, suspension, and ineligibility of government contractors. 
Neither comment suggested any changes to GAO's policy statement. GAO is 
adopting, with minor changes, the policy statement published in the 
Federal Register on September 30, as set forth below.
    As a legislative branch agency, GAO is not subject to the 
requirements of the FAR. However, it is GAO's general policy to follow 
the FAR, as appropriate and applicable. Mandatory application of the 
FAR is not to be inferred from

[[Page 7580]]

GAO's adoption of this policy. Further, GAO's procurement rules are not 
contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, but instead are contained 
in an internal GAO document referred to as ``Government Accountability 
Office Procurement Guidelines'' (hereinafter, GAO's Procurement Order). 
As such, GAO's policy regarding debarment and suspension will be added 
as a chapter to GAO's Procurement Order.

DATES: This policy is effective February 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Questions concerning this policy can be addressed to 
Government Accountability Office, Office of the General Counsel, Attn: 
Legal Services, Room 7838, 441 G Street NW., Washington, DC 20548.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John A. Bielec, Assistant General 
Counsel, 202-512-2846 or email, bielecj@gao.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under GAO's policy, GAO will follow FAR 
Subpart 9.4. GAO's Procurement Order, GAO Order 0625.1, states that it 
is GAO's policy to follow the FAR and GAO has long-maintained 
procedures, consistent with FAR Subpart 9.4, that ensure that it 
contracts only with those entities and individuals (hereinafter, 
contractors) who are responsible. However, GAO's Procurement Order does 
not explicitly reference the debarment and suspension procedures 
contained in FAR Subpart 9.4. To make clear that FAR Subpart 9.4 
applies, GAO will amend its Procurement Order to formally and 
explicitly adopt FAR Subpart 9.4.
    Except as provided in FAR Subpart 9.4, GAO will not solicit offers 
from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with, contractors 
who are listed on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), which is 
maintained by the General Services Administration. Further, if GAO 
debars, proposes for debarment, or suspends a contractor, GAO will, 
consistent with FAR Subpart 9.4, list that contractor in the EPLS. 
Given that GAO is a legislative branch agency, the listing of a 
contractor in the EPLS by GAO will have mandatory effect only as to 
GAO. Consistent with FAR 9.405-1, GAO may continue an existing contract 
with a contractor who is later debarred, proposed for debarment, or 
suspended.
    Consistent with the definitions of ``debarring official'' and 
``suspending official'' contained at FAR 9.403, the Comptroller 
General, as the head of GAO, will serve as the debarring official and 
suspending official (hereinafter, debarment/suspension official). The 
Comptroller General may designate another GAO official to serve as the 
debarment/suspension official. The Comptroller General will also be 
responsible for deciding whether to solicit offers from, award 
contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with contractors who have been 
debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, and whether to 
terminate a current contract or subcontract in existence at the time 
the contractor was debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment.
    GAO's Acquisition Management office (AM), which is responsible for 
the majority of GAO's contracting activities, will be the GAO unit with 
primary responsibility for investigating and referring potential 
debarment and suspension actions to the debarment/suspension official 
for his or her consideration. GAO's procurement activities are largely 
centralized in AM, which is staffed by contracting officers and other 
acquisition professionals. As such, AM staff has the required technical 
knowledge to handle debarment and suspension referrals and is in the 
best position to learn of matters that may warrant debarment and/or 
suspension. Moreover, AM is the first point of contact for Contracting 
Officers' Representatives, who have direct knowledge of any problems 
with contractor performance. Thus, individuals--including GAO employees 
and members of the public--who believe that there may be grounds to 
debar or suspend a contractor should contact AM and provide them with 
all relevant information. Whenever AM learns of information that 
indicates there may be grounds for debarring or suspending a 
contractor, AM will gather appropriate information and refer the matter 
to the debarment/suspension official. All such referrals will include a 
recommendation by the Director of AM as to a proposed course of action. 
Likewise, AM will have responsibility for recommending to the 
Comptroller General whether or not to continue current contracts with, 
solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts 
with a contractor who is debarred, suspended, or proposed for 
debarment.
    Given its central role in GAO's procurement process, AM, in 
consultation with GAO's Office of General Counsel, will also be 
responsible for establishing written procedures that address the key 
aspects of GAO's debarment/suspension program.
    Accordingly, the Government Accountability Office has adopted the 
following policy and will incorporate it into GAO's Procurement Order:
    GAO will follow the policies and procedures contained at FAR 
Subpart 9.4--Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility. GAO will not 
solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts 
with contractors who are listed on the Excluded Parties List System 
(EPLS), except as otherwise provided for in FAR Subpart 9.4. GAO will 
report to the EPLS any contractor GAO debars, suspends, or proposes for 
debarment. Such action will have mandatory application only to GAO. 
Notwithstanding the debarment, suspension, or proposed debarment of a 
contractor, GAO may continue contracts or subcontracts in existence at 
the time the contractor was debarred, suspended, or proposed for 
debarment, unless the Comptroller General (CG) directs otherwise.
    The CG or a designee will serve as the debarring official and 
suspending official (debarment/suspension official). The CG will also 
decide whether to solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent 
to subcontracts with contractors who have been debarred, suspended, or 
proposed for debarment and whether to terminate a current contract or 
subcontract in existence at the time the contractor was debarred, 
suspended, or proposed for debarment.
    Acquisition Management (AM) will have primary responsibility for 
investigating and referring potential debarment/suspension actions to 
the debarment/suspension official for consideration. As such, any 
person who believes that there may be grounds to debar or suspend a 
person or entity from contracting with GAO should contact AM and 
provide them with all relevant information. AM will also have 
responsibility for recommending to the CG whether or not to continue 
current contracts with, solicit offers from, award contracts to, or 
consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is debarred, suspended, 
or proposed for debarment.
    In consultation with the Office of General Counsel, AM will 
establish and maintain written procedures for:
    (1) The prompt reporting, investigation, and referral to the 
debarment/suspension official of matters appropriate for that 
official's consideration. All debarment/suspension referrals shall 
include a recommendation by the Director of AM as to a proposed course 
of action;
    (2) The debarment decisionmaking process, which shall afford the 
contractor (and any specifically named affiliates) an opportunity to 
submit, in person, in writing, or through a representative, information 
and argument in opposition to the proposed debarment;

[[Page 7581]]

    (3) The suspension decisionmaking process, which shall afford the 
contractor (and any specifically named affiliates) an opportunity, 
following the imposition of suspension, to submit, in person, in 
writing, or through a representative, information and argument in 
opposition to the suspension;
    (4) Recommending to the CG whether or not to solicit offers from, 
award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is 
debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment; and
    (5) Recommending to the CG whether or not to continue current 
contracts with a contractor or subcontractor who is debarred, 
suspended, or proposed for debarment.
    OGC will review for legal sufficiency:
    (1) Referrals by AM to the debarment/suspension official;
    (2) Recommendations by AM to the CG that GAO solicit offers from, 
award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with a contractor who is 
debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment;
    (3) Recommendations by AM to the CG to terminate a current contract 
because a contractor or subcontractor was subsequently debarred, 
suspended, or proposed for debarment; and
    (4) Notices of proposed debarment, notices of suspension, or any 
other communication to a contractor regarding that contractor's 
potential or actual suspension or debarment.

Lynn H. Gibson,
General Counsel, U.S. Government Accountability Office.
[FR Doc. 2012-3307 Filed 2-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1610-02-P
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