Federal Acquisition Regulation; Updates to Contract Reporting and Central Contractor Registration, 69715-69720 [2012-27904]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69715-69720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27904]



[[Page 69715]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 1, 4, 13, 19, 32, and 52

[FAC 2005-62; FAR Case 2010-014; Item I; Docket 2010-0014, Sequence 01]
RIN 9000-AL99


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Updates to Contract Reporting and 
Central Contractor Registration

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to limit the use of generic 
substitutes instead of Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) numbers, 
and update the policies and procedures associated with reporting in the 
Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). Additionally, this final rule 
changes the clauses requiring contractor registration in the Central 
Contractor Registration (CCR) database and DUNS number reporting.

DATES: Effective: December 20, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Edward Loeb, Procurement Analyst, 
at 202-501-0650, for clarification of content. For information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory 
Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-62, FAR Case 2010-
014.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    For decades, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number 
provided by Dun & Bradstreet has been the Federal Government's unique 
identifier for contractors. It is used (1) to uniquely identify a 
contractor entity, and (2) to roll-up Government procurements to the 
ultimate parent organization to show the corporate family receiving 
U.S. obligations. Furthermore, the DUNS number is the identifier for 
the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and for the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act) 
reporting to https://www.usaspending.gov/.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register at 76 FR 73564 on November 29, 2011, to revise the practice 
for use of generic DUNS numbers and to update the CCR clause. Due to 
legitimate challenges encountered with overseas contracting, a practice 
existed using a generic DUNS number, such as ``Miscellaneous Foreign 
Vendor'' to enable accounting of the obligation without explicit 
identification of the vendor, i.e., foreign local contractors where Dun 
& Bradstreet registration is impracticable, or foreign contractors when 
identification may endanger the contractor.
    When a generic DUNS number is used, the identity of the contractor 
is masked beyond the local contracting office. The contractor's 
identification for all downstream reporting processes is the name of 
the generic DUNS number, for example, ``Miscellaneous Foreign Vendor''.
    The practice of using generic DUNS numbers adversely affects the 
transparency of the Government's data, including Transparency Act 
contract reporting. Also, the contractor is not able to access and 
perform its own reporting requirements, such as Transparency Act 
subcontract reporting, because the contract is not associated with the 
contractor in Federal-wide processes. As such, the use of a generic 
DUNS number should be limited to those actions where it is truly 
necessary. The rule includes requirements intended to more strictly 
limit the use of the generic DUNS number to foreign contract actions 
valued at or below $25,000.
    For greater transparency and clarification, updates or 
corresponding changes in procedures and clauses in FAR parts 1, 4, 19, 
32, and 52 are related to the use of the DUNS number, and CCR and FPDS 
reporting.
    This rule uses the existing term ``Central Contractor 
Registration'' rather than ``System for Award Management,'' because FAR 
Case 2012-033 will address the terminology update to ``System for Award 
Management'' throughout the FAR.
    Six respondents submitted comments on the proposed rule.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition 
Regulations Council (the Councils) reviewed the comments in the 
development of the final rule. A discussion of the comments and the 
changes made to the rule as a result of those comments are provided as 
follows:

A. Summary of Significant Changes

    There are no significant changes in the final rule as a result of 
public comments. There are some minor changes as addressed in section 
II.B. of this preamble.

B. Analysis of Public Comments

1. Foreign Vendor Considerations
    Comment: Several respondents suggested revisions to the threshold 
for application to foreign vendors.
    Response: The Transparency Act requires the collection of specific 
contractor identification information, as well as executive 
compensation for any vendor receiving a Federal award valued greater 
than $25,000 (with certain exceptions). The Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has issued guidance stating that the DUNS number is the 
identifier for the Transparency Act, so a specific DUNS number is 
required.
    Comment: Several respondents recommended revision to the CCR 
registration process for foreign vendors.
    Response: The FAR requires that contractors address whether or not 
they are required to provide specific executive compensation 
information via CCR. There are no exceptions for foreign vendors in the 
Transparency Act. Thus, obtaining a DUNS number and CCR registration is 
required for contracts greater than $25,000. There is no flexibility 
available beyond that outlined in the rule. In addition, the new System 
for Award Management will facilitate the registration of foreign 
vendors by eliminating the need to address registration issues not 
applicable to foreign vendors.
2. Contract Reporting Policy, FAR 4.603
    Comment: One respondent questioned the need to change the FPDS data 
field title from ``Funding Agency'' to ``Program/Funding Agency'' at 
FAR 4.603(c).
    Response: The term has been ``Program/Funding Agency'' in all 
reports generated by FPDS since 2003. The change will synchronize the 
FAR with the FPDS data dictionary. No change to the language is 
required.
3. Contract Reporting Responsibilities, FAR 4.604
    Comment: One respondent sought clarity on whether the procedural 
changes at FAR 4.604(b)(1) and (2) indicated that the draft or error 
record cannot remain in that status for more than three days. The 
respondent also sought clarity regarding whether, if the FPDS report is 
completed by someone other than the contracting officer,

[[Page 69716]]

agencies can assume this is an acceptable practice.
    Response: The rule clarifies previously ambiguous language. The 
draft or error record must be corrected and completed within the three 
business day deadline. Agency standards dictate that errors must be 
corrected in a timely fashion and agency systems are utilized to 
monitor corrections. The contracting officer is ultimately responsible 
for the contract action report being completed (whether or not the 
contracting officer is the person that inputs the report). Only the 
data from completed reports is included in FPDS reports. Drafts and 
reports containing errors are not considered complete. No change to the 
proposed language is required.
4. Contract Reporting Procedures, FAR 4.605
    Comment: One respondent commented that FAR 4.605(c)(2)(i)(C) and 
4.605(c)(2)(ii) seem to overlap with regard to overseas performance.
    Response: Presently, FAR 4.605(c)(2)(i) is clear on authorized use 
of generic DUNS numbers for contract actions valued at or below the 
simplified acquisition threshold. FAR 4.605(c)(2)(ii) was revised to 
clarify authorized use of generic DUNS numbers for contract actions 
valued above $25,000. FAR 4.605(c)(2)(ii) has been revised to clarify 
that it applies to individuals located outside the United States and 
its outlying areas for work to be performed outside the United States 
and its outlying areas.
    Comment: One respondent noted that the current language at FAR 
4.605(c)(2)(iii) could be misinterpreted. The respondent suggested 
specifying what decision must be documented as part of the 
determination.
    Response: FAR 4.605(c) has been revised to provide guidance to 
contracting officers on proper documentation of the decision to 
authorize a generic DUNS number.
5. Reporting Data, FAR 4.606
    Comment: One respondent noted that the new reporting requirements 
at 4.606(b) that restrict reporting actions with both appropriated and 
nonappropriated funding to only report the fully appropriated portion 
of the contract action needs to be revised to provide relief, 
exception, or waiver to agencies that cannot identify and segregate the 
separate funding types.
    Response: Subsequent conversations with the Federal agency that 
submitted the public comment indicate that the issue identified is not 
a reporting problem for the circumstances identified; the funding was 
determined to be appropriated.
    Comment: One respondent noted that where FAR 4.606(d) addresses 
actions not subject to the FAR that are required to be reported by 
other authority, it is not clear whether this applies to FAR covered 
agencies.
    Response: The title of FAR 4.606(d) has been revised to reflect the 
word ``agencies''.
6. Solicitation Provision and Contract Clause, FAR 4.1202
    Comment: One respondent noted that the prescription in FAR 4.1202 
for FAR 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration needs to be revised 
as it is no longer a clause.
    Response: FAR 4.1202 has been revised to read ``provision'' instead 
of ``clause'' when it references 52.204-7. A search of the FAR 
identified additional references to 52.204-7 that have been revised in 
the same manner.

III. Executive Order 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
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.

IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    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 FAR amendments 
affect internal Government procedures, or clarify existing procedures. 
Additionally, the requirement for the contractor to report any changes 
to their DUNS number to the contracting officer throughout the life of 
the contract may be rare, but should it occur, the impact is minimal.

V. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The final rule does not contain any information collection 
requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and 
Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). 
Existing OMB clearances 9000-0145, Use of Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) as Primary Contractor Identification, and 9000-0159, 
Central Contractor Registration, reflect current information collection 
burdens. This rule removes from existing CCR provision language covered 
by the cited OMB clearance that, per the FAR Drafting Guide, should be 
contained in a clause. This action creates no new collection 
requirement. Accordingly, FAR 1.106 will be amended to reflect two new 
clauses, 52.204-12 and 52.204-13, containing language instructing 
contractors to maintain their DUNS number and Central Contractor 
Registration, respectively.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1, 4, 13, 19, 32, and 52

    Government procurement.

    Dated: November 9, 2012.
Laura Auletta,
Director, Office of Governmentwide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Governmentwide Policy.

    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 1, 4, 13, 19, 32, 
and 52 as set forth below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 1, 4, 13, 19, 32, and 52 is 
revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 51 
U.S.C. 20113.

PART 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SYSTEM


1.106  [Amended]

0
2. Amend section 1.106 in the table by adding in numerical sequence FAR 
segments ``52.204-12'' and ``52.204-13'' and their corresponding OMB 
Control Numbers ``9000-0145'' and ``9000-0159'', respectively.

PART 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

0
3. Revise section 4.603 to read as follows:


4.603  Policy.

    (a) In accordance with the Federal Funding Accountability and 
Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282), all unclassified Federal 
award data must be publicly accessible.
    (b) Executive agencies shall use FPDS to maintain publicly 
available information about all unclassified

[[Page 69717]]

contract actions exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, and any 
modifications to those actions that change previously reported contract 
action report data, regardless of dollar value.
    (c) Agencies awarding assisted acquisitions or direct acquisitions 
must report these actions and identify the Program/Funding Agency and 
Office Codes from the applicable agency codes maintained by each agency 
at FPDS. These codes represent the agency and office that has provided 
the predominant amount of funding for the contract action. For assisted 
acquisitions, the requesting agency will receive socioeconomic credit 
for meeting agency small business goals, where applicable. Requesting 
agencies shall provide the appropriate agency/bureau component code as 
part of the written interagency agreement between the requesting and 
servicing agencies (see 17.502-1(b)(1)).
    (d) Agencies awarding contract actions with a mix of appropriated 
and non-appropriated funding shall only report the full appropriated 
portion of the contract action in FPDS.

0
4. Amend section 4.604 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


4.604  Responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) The responsibility for the completion and accuracy of the 
individual contract action report (CAR) resides with the contracting 
officer who awarded the contract action. CARs in a draft or error 
status in FPDS are not considered complete.
    (2) The CAR must be confirmed for accuracy by the contracting 
officer prior to release of the contract award. The CAR must then be 
completed in FPDS within three business days after contract award.
    (3) For any action awarded in accordance with 6.302-2 or pursuant 
to any of the authorities listed at FAR subpart 18.2, the CAR must be 
completed in FPDS within 30 days after contract award.
    (4) When the contracting office receives written notification that 
a contractor has changed its size status in accordance with the clause 
at 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation, the 
contracting officer must submit a modification contract action report 
to ensure that the updated size status is entered in FPDS.
* * * * *

0
5. Amend section 4.605 by--
0
a. Revising paragraph (b);
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (d);
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (c); and
0
d. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (d).
0
The revisions and addition read as follows:


4.605  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (b) Data Universal Numbering System. The contracting officer must 
identify and report a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number 
(Contractor Identification Number) for the successful offeror on a 
contract action. The DUNS number reported must identify the successful 
offeror's name and address as stated in the offer and resultant 
contract, and as registered in the Central Contractor Registration 
(CCR) database in accordance with the provision at 52.204-7, Central 
Contractor Registration. The contracting officer must ask the offeror 
to provide its DUNS number by using either the provision at 52.204-6, 
Data Universal Numbering System Number, the provision at 52.204-7, 
Central Contractor Registration, or the provision at 52.212-1, 
Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Items.
    (c) Generic DUNS number. (1) The use of a generic DUNS number 
should be limited, and only used in the situations described in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Use of a generic DUNS number does not 
supersede the requirements of either provisions 52.204-6 or 52.204-7 
(if present in the solicitation) for the contractor to have a DUNS 
number assigned.
    (2) Authorized generic DUNS numbers, maintained by the Integrated 
Acquisition Environment (IAE) program office (https://www.acquisition.gov), may be used to report contracts in lieu of the 
contractor's actual DUNS number only for--
    (i) Contract actions valued at or below $25,000 that are awarded to 
a contractor that is--
    (A) A student;
    (B) A dependent of either a veteran, foreign service officer, or 
military member assigned outside the United States and its outlying 
areas (as defined in 2.101); or
    (C) Located outside the United States and its outlying areas for 
work to be performed outside the United States and its outlying areas 
and the contractor does not otherwise have a DUNS number;
    (ii) Contracts valued above $25,000 awarded to individuals located 
outside the United States and its outlying areas for work to be 
performed outside the United States and its outlying areas; or
    (iii) Contracts when specific public identification of the 
contracted party could endanger the mission, contractor, or recipients 
of the acquired goods or services. The contracting officer must include 
a written determination in the contract file of a decision applicable 
to authority under this paragraph (c)(2)(iii).
    (d) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act actions. The contracting 
officer, when entering data in FPDS, shall use the instructions at 
https://www.fpds.gov to identify any action funded in whole or in part 
by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111-5).

0
6. Amend section 4.606 by--
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (b);
0
b. Removing paragraphs (b)(4) through (6);
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (b)(7) as paragraph (b)(4);
0
d. Removing paragraphs (b)(8) and (b)(9);
0
e. Adding paragraphs (c)(6) through (11); and
0
f. Revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:


4.606  Reporting data.

* * * * *
    (b) Reporting other actions. Agencies may submit actions other than 
those listed at paragraph (a)(1) of this section only if they are able 
to be segregated from FAR-based actions and this is approved in writing 
by the FPDS Program Office. Prior to the commencement of reporting, 
agencies must contact the FPDS Program Office if they desire to submit 
any of the following types of activity:
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (6) Contract actions in which the required data would constitute 
classified information.
    (7) Resale activity (i.e., commissary or exchange activity).
    (8) Revenue generating arrangements (i.e., concessions).
    (9) Training expenditures not issued as orders or contracts.
    (10) Interagency agreements other than inter-agency acquisitions 
required to be reported at 4.606(a)(1).
    (11) Letters of obligation used in the A-76 process.
    (d) Agencies not subject to the FAR. Agencies not subject to the 
FAR may be required by other authority (e.g., statute, OMB, or internal 
agency policy) to report certain information to FPDS. Those agencies 
not subject to the FAR must first receive approval from the FPDS 
Program Office prior to reporting to FPDS.

0
6. Amend section 4.607 by--

[[Page 69718]]

0
a. Revising the section heading;
0
b. Removing paragraph (a) and redesignating paragraph (b) as paragraph 
(a); and
0
c. Adding new paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:


4.607  Solicitation provisions and contract clause.

* * * * *
    (b) Insert the provision at 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering 
System Number, in solicitations that do not contain the provision at 
52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, or meet a condition at 
4.605(c)(2).
    (c) Insert the clause at 52.204-12, Data Universal Numbering System 
Number Maintenance, in solicitations and resulting contracts that 
contain the provision at 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System.


4.905  [Amended]

0
7. Amend section 4.905 by removing from paragraph (a) ``clause'' and 
adding ``provision'' in its place.

0
8. Amend section 4.1102 by--
0
a. Revising paragraph (a)(1);
0
b. Removing from paragraph (a)(3)(i) ``10 U.S.C. 2302(7); or'' and 
adding ``10 U.S.C. 2302(7);'' in its place;
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (a)(3)(ii) as paragraph (a)(3)(iii);
0
d. Adding a new paragraph (a)(3)(ii);
0
e. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(4) through (6) as paragraphs (a)(5) 
through (7);
0
f. Adding a new paragraph (a)(4);
0
g. Revising newly redesignated paragraph (a)(6);
0
h. Removing from paragraph (b) ``or (a)(4)''; and
0
i. Revising paragraph (c)(1)(ii).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


4.1102  Policy.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Purchases under the micro-purchase threshold that use a 
Governmentwide commercial purchase card as both the purchasing and 
payment mechanism, as opposed to using the purchase card for payment 
only;
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) Contracting officers located outside the United States and its 
outlying areas, as defined in 2.101, for work to be performed in 
support of diplomatic or developmental operations, including those 
performed in support of foreign assistance programs overseas, in an 
area that has been designated by the Department of State as a danger 
pay post (see https://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/danger_pay_all.asp); or
* * * * *
    (4) Contracts with individuals for performance outside the United 
States and its outlying areas;
* * * * *
    (6) Contract actions at or below $25,000 awarded to foreign vendors 
for work performed outside the United States, if it is impractical to 
obtain CCR registration; and
* * * * *
    (c)(1) * * *
    (ii) If the contractor fails to comply with the requirements of 
paragraph (c)(1)(i) of the clause at 52.204-13, Central Contractor 
Registration Maintenance, or fails to perform the agreement at 52.204-
13, paragraph (c)(1)(i)(C), and, in the absence of a properly executed 
novation or change-of-name agreement, the CCR information that shows 
the contractor to be other than the contractor indicated in the 
contract will be considered to be incorrect information within the 
meaning of the ``Suspension of Payment'' paragraph of the EFT clause of 
the contract.
* * * * *

0
9. Amend section 4.1103 by--
0
a. Removing paragraph (a)(2)(ii) and redesignating paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii) as paragraph (a)(2)(ii);
0
b. Removing from paragraph (a)(3) ``clause at 52.204-7, or 52.212-
4(t)'' and adding ``provision at 52.204-7, or the clause at 52.212-4'' 
in its place;
0
c. Removing from paragraph (b)(2) ``officer.'' and adding ``officer; 
or'' in its place; and
0
d. Adding paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows:


4.1103  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) If the contract action is being awarded pursuant to 6.302-2, 
the contractor must be registered in CCR within 30 days after contract 
award, or at least three days prior to submission of the first invoice, 
whichever occurs first.
* * * * *

0
10. Revise section 4.1105 to read as follows:


4.1105  Solicitation provision and contract clauses.

    (a)(1) Except as provided in 4.1102(a), use the provision at 
52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, in solicitations.
    (2) If the solicitation is anticipated to be awarded in accordance 
with 4.1102(a)(5), the contracting officer shall use the provision at 
52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, with its Alternate I.
    (b) Insert the clause at 52.204-13, Central Contractor Registration 
Maintenance, in solicitations that contain the provision at 52.204-7, 
and resulting contracts.

0
11. Amend section 4.1202 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


4.1202  Solicitation provision and contract clause.

    Except for commercial item solicitations issued under FAR part 12, 
insert in solicitations the provision at 52.204-8, Annual 
Representations and Certifications. The contracting officer shall check 
the applicable provisions at 52.204-8(c)(2). When the provision at 
52.204-7, Central Contract Registration, is included in the 
solicitation, do not include the following representations and 
certifications:
* * * * *


4.1402  [Amended]

0
12. Amend section 4.1402 by removing from paragraph (b) ``FAR 
4.605(b)(2)'' and adding ``FAR 4.605(c)(2)'' in its place.

PART 13--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES


13.201  [Amended]

0
13. Amend section 13.201 by removing from paragraph (d) ``4.1105 and''.

PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

0
14. Amend section 19.708 by revising paragraph (b)(1)(iii) to read as 
follows:


19.708  Contract clauses.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) * * *
    (iii) The contract action will not be reported in the Federal 
Procurement Data System pursuant to 4.606(c)(5) or (c)(6), the 
contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate III.
* * * * *

PART 32--CONTRACT FINANCING


32.1110  [Amended]

0
15. Amend section 32.1110 by removing from both paragraph (a)(1) 
introductory text and paragraph (a)(2)(i) the words ``clause at'' and 
adding ``provision at'' in their places.

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES


52.204-5  [Amended]

0
16. Amend section 52.204-5 by removing from the introductory text

[[Page 69719]]

``4.607(b)'' and adding ``4.607(a)'' in its place.

0
17. Amend section 52.204-6 by--
0
a. Revising the section heading, introductory text, and the provision 
heading;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (a) and (b) as paragraphs (b) and (c), 
respectively; and
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (a) to read as follows:


52.204-6  Data Universal Numbering System Number.

    As prescribed in 4.607(b), insert the following provision:

Data Universal Numbering System Number (DEC 2012)

    (a) Definition. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, 
as used in this provision, means the 9-digit number assigned by Dun 
and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique business entities, 
which is used as the identification number for Federal Contractors.
* * * * *

0
18. Amend section 52.204-7 by--
0
a. Revising the introductory text and the provision heading;
0
b. Removing from the introductory text of paragraph (a) ``this clause'' 
and adding ``this provision'' in its place;
0
c. In paragraph (a), removing from paragraphs (1) and (2) in the 
definition for ``Registered in the CCR database'' in the words ``The 
Contractor'' and adding ``The offeror'' in their places;
0
d. Removing paragraphs (f) and (g);
0
e. Redesignating paragraph (h) as (f);
0
f. Revising the newly redesignated paragraph (f); and
0
g. Adding Alternate I.
    The revision and addition read as follows:


52.204-7  Central Contractor Registration.

    As prescribed in 4.1105(a)(1), use the following provision.

Central Contractor Registration (DEC 2012)

* * * * *
    (f) Offerors may obtain information on registration at https://www.acquisition.gov.

    (End of provision)
    Alternate I (Dec 2012). As prescribed in 4.1105(a)(2), substitute 
the following paragraph (b)(1) for paragraph (b)(1) of the basic 
provision:

    (b)(1) By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the 
requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the 
CCR database prior to award, during performance, and through final 
payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, 
or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation. If 
registration prior to award is not possible, the awardee shall be 
registered in the CCR database within 30 days after award or before 
three days prior to submission of the first invoice, whichever 
occurs first.


0
19. Add section 52.204-12 to read as follows:


52.204-12  Data Universal Numbering System Number Maintenance.

    As prescribed in 4.607(c), insert the following clause:

Data Universal Numbering System Number Maintenance (DEC 2012)

    (a) Definition. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, 
as used in this clause, means the 9-digit number assigned by Dun and 
Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique business entities, which 
is used as the identification number for Federal Contractors.
    (b) The Contractor shall ensure that the DUNS number is 
maintained with Dun & Bradstreet throughout the life of the 
contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the DUNS 
number to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, 
so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on 
the contract. A change in the DUNS number does not necessarily 
require a novation be accomplished. Dun & Bradstreet may be 
contacted--
    (1) Via the internet at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or if the 
Contractor does not have internet access, it may call Dun and 
Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711 if located within the United States; or
    (2) If located outside the United States, by contacting the 
local Dun and Bradstreet office.

    (End of clause)

0
20. Add section 52.204-13 to read as follows:


52.204-13  Central Contractor Registration Maintenance.

    As prescribed in 4.1105(b), use the following clause:

Central Contractor Registration Maintenance (DEC 2012)

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

    Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database means the primary 
Government repository for Contractor information required for the 
conduct of business with the Government.
    Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number means the 9-digit 
number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique 
business entities, which is used as the identification number for 
Federal Contractors.
    Data Universal Numbering System+4 (DUNS+4) number means the DUNS 
number assigned by D&B plus a 4-character suffix that may be 
assigned by a business concern. (D&B has no affiliation with this 4-
character suffix.) This 4-character suffix may be assigned at the 
discretion of the business concern to establish additional CCR 
records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 
accounts (see the FAR at subpart 32.11) for the same concern.
    Registered in the CCR database means that--
    (1) The Contractor has entered all mandatory information, 
including the DUNS number or the DUNS+4 number, into the CCR 
database; and
    (2) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to 
include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with 
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and has marked the record 
``Active''. The Contractor will be required to provide consent for 
TIN validation to the Government as a part of the CCR registration 
process.
    (b) The Contractor is responsible for the accuracy and 
completeness of the data within the CCR database, and for any 
liability resulting from the Government's reliance on inaccurate or 
incomplete data. To remain registered in the CCR database after the 
initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and 
update on an annual basis, from the date of initial registration or 
subsequent updates, its information in the CCR database to ensure it 
is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in the CCR 
does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not 
a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.
    (c)(1)(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, 
doing business as name, or division name (whichever is shown on the 
contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the 
contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding 
novation and change-of-name agreements in subpart 42.12, the 
Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a 
minimum of one business day's written notification of its intention 
to--
    (A) Change the name in the CCR database;
    (B) Comply with the requirements of subpart 42.12 of the FAR; 
and
    (C) Agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by 
the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall provide 
with the notification sufficient documentation to support the 
legally changed name.
    (ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of 
paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the 
agreement at paragraph (c)(1)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the 
absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, 
the CCR information that shows the Contractor to be other than the 
Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be 
incorrect information within the meaning of the ``Suspension of 
Payment'' paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of 
this contract.
    (2) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT 
payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in the CCR record to 
reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see FAR 
subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately 
registered in the CCR database. Information provided to the 
Contractor's CCR record that indicates payments, including those 
made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor 
will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of 
the ``Suspension of Payment'' paragraph of the EFT clause of this 
contract.

[[Page 69720]]

    (3) The Contractor shall ensure that the DUNS number is 
maintained with Dun & Bradstreet throughout the life of the 
contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the DUNS 
number to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, 
so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on 
the contract. A change in the DUNS number does not necessarily 
require a novation be accomplished. Dun & Bradstreet may be 
contacted--
    (i) Via the internet at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or if the 
Contractor does not have internet access, it may call Dun and 
Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711 if located within the United States; or
    (ii) If located outside the United States, by contacting the 
local Dun and Bradstreet office.
    (d) Contractors may obtain additional information on 
registration and annual confirmation requirements at https://www.acquisition.gov.

    (End of clause)

[FR Doc. 2012-27904 Filed 11-19-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P