Federal Acquisition Regulation; Iran Threat Reduction, 73516-73520 [2012-29639]
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 237 / Monday, December 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
and National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Summary presentation of an
interim rule.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
This document summarizes
the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR) rule agreed to by the Civilian
Agency Acquisition Council and the
Defense Acquisition Regulations
Council (Councils) in this Federal
Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005–63. A
companion document, the Small Entity
Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this
FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is
available via the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
SUMMARY:
48 CFR Chapter 1
[Docket FAR 2012–0080, Sequence 6]
Federal Acquisition Regulation;
Federal Acquisition Circular 2005–63;
Introduction
Department of Defense (DoD),
General Services Administration (GSA),
AGENCIES:
For effective date and comment
date, see separate document which
follows.
DATES:
The
analyst whose name appears in the table
below. Please cite FAC 2005–63 and the
specific FAR case number. For
information pertaining to status or
publication schedules, contact the
Regulatory Secretariat at 202–501–4755.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
RULE IN FAC 2005–63
Subject
FAR
Case
Iran Threat Reduction .................................................................................................................................................................
2012–030
A
summary for the FAR rule follows. For
the actual revisions and/or amendments
made by this FAR case, refer to the
document following this item summary.
FAC 2005–63 amends the FAR as
specified below:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Iran Threat Reduction (FAR Case 2012–
030) (Interim)
This interim rule amends the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require
certifications that implement the
expansion of sanctions relating to the
energy sector of Iran and sanctions with
respect to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Corps, as contained in Titles II and III
of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012. This interim
rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with
Dated: December 3, 2012.
Laura Auletta,
Director, Office of Governmentwide
Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition
Policy, Office of Governmentwide Policy.
Dated: December 4, 2012.
Linda W. Neilson,
Deputy Director, Defense Procurement and
Acquisition Policy (Defense Acquisition
Regulations System).
Dated: December 3, 2012.
Laura Auletta,
Acting Senior Procurement Executive, Office
of Acquisition Policy, U.S. General Services
Administration.
Dated: December 3, 2012.
William P. McNally,
Assistant Administrator for Procurement,
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2012–29638 Filed 12–7–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 4, 25, and 52
Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)
2005–63 is issued under the authority of
the Secretary of Defense, the
Administrator of General Services, and
the Administrator for the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Unless otherwise specified, all
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
and other directive material contained
in FAC 2005–63 is effective December
10, 2012.
[FAC 2005–63; FAR Case 2012–030; Docket
2012–0030, Sequence 1]
RIN 9000–AM44
Federal Acquisition Regulation; Iran
Threat Reduction
Department of Defense (DoD),
General Services Administration (GSA),
and National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Interim rule.
AGENCY:
DoD, GSA, and NASA are
issuing an interim rule amending the
SUMMARY:
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Analyst
Davis.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to
require certifications that implement the
expansion of sanctions relating to the
energy sector of Iran and sanctions with
respect to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Corps, as contained in Titles II and III
of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012.
DATES: Effective Date: December 10,
2012.
Comment Date: Interested parties
should submit written comments to the
Regulatory Secretariat on or before
February 8, 2013 to be considered in the
formulation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments
identified by FAC 2005–63, FAR Case
2012–030, by any of the following
methods:
• Regulations.gov: https://
www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by
searching ‘‘FAR Case 2012–030’’ select
the link ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ that
corresponds with ‘‘FAR Case 2012–
030.’’ Follow the instructions provided
at the ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ screen.
Please include your name, company
name (if any), and ‘‘FAR Case 2012–
030’’ on your attached document.
• Fax: 202–501–4067.
• Mail: General Services
Administration, Regulatory Secretariat
(MVCB), ATTN: Hada Flowers, 1275
First Street NE., 7th Floor, Washington,
DC 20417.
Instructions: Please submit comments
only and cite FAC 2005–63, FAR Case
2012–030, in all correspondence related
to this case. All comments received will
be posted without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
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II. Discussion and Analysis
personal and/or business confidential
information provided.
Ms.
Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst,
at 202–219–0202, for clarification of
content. For information pertaining to
status or publication schedules, contact
the Regulatory Secretariat at 202–501–
4755. Please cite FAC 2005–63, FAR
Case 2012–030.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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I. Background
DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an
interim rule amending the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to
implement sections of Titles II and III of
the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–
158), enacted August 10, 2012.
Sections 201 and 202 expand
sanctions in the Iran Sanctions Act of
1996 (Pub. L. 104–72, 50 U.S.C. 1701
note) with respect to the energy sector
of Iran and impose sanctions with
respect to transport of crude oil from
Iran and evasion of sanctions by
shipping companies. Section 203
expands sanctions with respect to
development by Iran of weapons of
mass destruction.
Section 302 imposes sanctions with
respect to persons that support or
conduct certain transactions with Iran’s
Revolutionary Guard Corps or other
sanctioned persons.
Section 311 expands the procurement
prohibitions of the Iran Sanctions Act as
follows:
• Section 311 amends section 6(b)(1)
of the Iran Sanctions Act to require, in
addition to the certification relating to
activities described in section 5 of the
Iran Sanctions Act, a certification from
each prospective contractor that it, and
any person owned and controlled by the
prospective contractor, does not
knowingly engage in a significant
transaction or transactions with Iran’s
Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its
officials, agents or affiliates.
• In addition, section 311 amends the
remedies and waiver provisions at
section 6(b)(2) and (5), which are
applicable to both certifications now
required by section 6(b)(1).
The exception for eligible products
from designated countries under the
Trade Agreements Act is specified at
section 302(f), which makes section 5(f)
of the Iran Sanctions Act applicable to
the new sanctions relating to
transactions with Iran’s Revolutionary
Guard Corps, and section 6(b)(3) of the
Iran Sanctions Act, which relates to the
certification requirement.
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This interim rule amends the FAR to
address the new sanctions and
certification requirement as follows:
• Certification relating to activities
described in section 5 of the Iran
Sanctions Act (FAR 25.703–2(a)(1))—
Replaces the list summarizing the
activities subject to sanctions with a
more top-level description of the types
of activities subject to sanctions,
because numerous activities that may be
subject to sanctions have been added to
section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act by
sections 201–203 of this new Act.
• Certification relating to transactions
with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps
(FAR 25.703–2(a)(2))—Adds a new
certification requirement to implement
section 311(a) of this new Act. Specifies
that a significant transaction, for
purposes of this rule, is any transaction
that exceeds $3,000, and uses the $3,000
threshold throughout the rule.
• Remedies (FAR 25.703–2(b))—
Amends paragraph (b)(3) to require
debarment period to be at least 2 years
to implement section 311(b)(1)(B)(i)(II)
of this new Act.
• Exceptions (25.703–2(c) and
25.703–3(c))—Simplifies and clarifies
the exception for acquisitions subject to
trade agreements.
• Waiver (FAR 25.703–4)—Amends
the waiver requirement to implement
changes required by section 311(b)(1)(C)
of this new Act. Waivers of the 25.703–
2 certification requirements must be
‘‘essential to the national security
interest of the United States.’’
• Solicitation provisions (FAR
52.212–3(o) and 52.225–25)—Adds the
new certification requirement to
implement section 311(a) of this new
Act to add the condition that, by
submission of its offer, the offeror
certifies that it, and any person owned
or controlled by it, does not knowingly
engage in any transaction that exceeds
$3,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Corps or any of its officials, agents, or
affiliates.
• Annual Representations and
Certifications (FAR 4.1202 and FAR
52.204–8)—Makes conforming changes
to revise references to title and date of
FAR 52.225–25.
III. Determinations
The Federal Acquisition Regulatory
(FAR) Council has made the following
determinations with respect to the rule’s
application of titles II and III of the Iran
Threat Reduction and Syria Human
Rights Act of 1012 (Pub. L. 112–158) to
contracts in amounts not greater than
the simplified acquisition threshold
(SAT), contracts for the acquisition of
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commercial items, and contracts for the
acquisition of commercially available
off-the-shelf (COTS) items.
A. Applicability to Contracts at or Below
the Simplified Acquisition Threshold
41 U.S.C. 1905 governs the
applicability of laws to contracts or
subcontracts in amounts not greater
than the SAT. It is intended to limit the
applicability of laws to them. If a
provision of law contains criminal or
civil penalties, or if the FAR Council
makes a written determination that it is
not in the best interest of the Federal
Government to exempt contracts or
subcontracts at or below the SAT, the
law will apply to them. Therefore, given
that the requirements of titles II and III
of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012 were enacted
to widen the sanctions against Iran, the
FAR Council has determined that it is
in the best interest of the Federal
Government to apply this rule to all
acquisitions including contracts at or
below the SAT, as defined at FAR 2.101.
An exception for acquisitions at or
below the SAT would exclude a
significant portion of Federal
contracting and the contractors who
provide these products and services,
thereby undermining the overarching
public policy purpose of the law.
B. Applicability to Contracts for the
Acquisition of Commercial Items
41 U.S.C. 1906 governs the
applicability of laws to contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items, and is
intended to limit the applicability of
laws to contracts for the acquisition of
commercial items. If a provision of law
contains criminal or civil penalties, or if
the FAR Council makes a written
determination that it is not in the best
interest of the Federal Government to
exempt commercial item contracts, the
provision of law will apply to contracts
for the acquisition of commercial items.
Therefore, given that the requirements
of titles II and III of the Iran Threat
Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act
of 2012 were enacted to widen the
sanctions against Iran, the FAR Council
has determined that it is in the best
interest of the Federal Government to
apply the rule to contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items, as
defined at FAR 2.101. An exception for
contracts for the acquisition of
commercial items would exclude a
significant portion of Federal
contracting and the contractors who
provide these products and services,
thereby undermining the overarching
public policy purpose of the law.
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C. Applicability to Contracts for the
Acquisition of Commercially Available
Off-the-Shelf Items
41 U.S.C. 1907 governs the
applicability of laws to contracts for the
acquisition of COTS items, and is
intended to limit the applicability of
laws to them. If a provision of law
contains criminal or civil penalties, or if
the Administrator for Federal
Procurement Policy makes a written
determination that it is not in the best
interest of the Federal Government to
exempt contracts for the acquisition of
COTS items, the provision of law will
apply. Therefore, given that the
requirements of titles II and III of the
Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human
Rights Act of 2012 were enacted to
widen the sanctions against Iran, the
Administrator for Federal Procurement
Policy has determined that it is in the
best interest of the Federal Government
to apply the rule to contracts for the
acquisition of COTS items, as defined at
FAR 2.101. An exception for contracts
for the acquisition of COTS items would
exclude a significant portion of Federal
contracting and the contractors who
provide these products and services,
thereby undermining the overarching
public policy purpose of the law.
IV. 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
E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and
Review, dated September 30, 1993. This
rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C.
804.
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V. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of Defense, the
General Services Administration, and
the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration do not expect this
interim rule to 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 this
rule will only have significant impact
on an offeror that is engaging in an
activity for which sanctions may be
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imposed under section 5 of the Iran
Sanctions Act or certain transactions
with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Domestic entities generally do not
engage in activity that would cause
them to be subject to the procurement
bans described in this rule due to
current restrictions on trade with Iran
(see, e.g., Department of Treasury Office
of Foreign Assets Control regulations at
31 CFR part 560). Accordingly, it is
expected that the number of domestic
entities significantly impacted by this
rule will be minimal, if any. The
Regulatory Flexibility Act is for the
protection of United States small
entities, not foreign entities. Therefore,
an Initial Regulatory Flexibility
Analysis has not been performed. DoD,
GSA, and NASA invite comments from
small business concerns and other
interested parties on the expected
impact of this rule on small entities.
DoD, GSA, and NASA will also
consider comments from small entities
concerning the existing regulations in
subparts affected by the rule in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested
parties must submit such comments
separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610
(FAC 2005–63, FAR Case 2012–030), in
correspondence.
VI. Paperwork Reduction Act
The interim 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).
VII. Determination To Issue an Interim
Rule
A determination has been made under
the authority of the Secretary of Defense
(DoD), the Administrator of General
Services (GSA), and the Administrator
of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) that urgent and
compelling reasons exist to promulgate
this interim rule without prior
opportunity for public comment. This
action is necessary because the rule
implements titles II and III of the Iran
Threat Reduction and Syria Human
Rights Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–158),
which was signed on August 10, 2012.
The certification requirement of section
311 becomes effective 120 days after
enactment (December 8, 2012).
Implementation of these economic
sanctions through a certification
requirement is part of a comprehensive
policy directed towards the goal of
compelling Iran to abandon efforts to
acquire a nuclear weapons capability
and other threatening activities. This is
consistent with the objective of the
President and Congress to prevent Iran
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from getting a nuclear weapon.
However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707
and FAR 1.501–3(b), DoD, GSA, and
NASA will consider public comments
received in response to this interim rule
in the formation of the final rule.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 4, 25
and 52
Government procurement.
Dated: December 3, 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 4, 25 and 52 as set
forth below:
■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR
parts 4, 25, 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 4—ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
2. Amend section 4.1202 by revising
paragraph (y) to read as follows:
■
4.1202 Solicitation provision and contract
clause.
*
*
*
*
*
(y) 52.225–25, Prohibition on
Contracting with Entities Engaging in
Certain Activities or Transactions
Relating to Iran—Representation and
Certifications.
*
*
*
*
*
PART 25—FOREIGN ACQUISITION
3. Amend section 25.700 by revising
paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:
■
25.700
Scope of subpart.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) The Iran Sanctions Act of 1996
(Iran Sanctions Act) (Pub. L. 104–172;
50 U.S.C. 1701 note), including
amendments by the Iran Freedom
Support Act (Pub. L. 109–293), section
102 of the Comprehensive Iran
Sanctions, Accountability, and
Divestment Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–
195), and Titles II and III of the Iran
Threat Reduction Act and Syria Human
Rights Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–158);
and
(d) Prohibition against contracting
with entities that export sensitive
technologies to Iran (22 U.S.C. 8515).
■ 4. Amend section 25.703 by revising
the section heading to read as follows:
25.703 Prohibition on contracting with
entities that engage in certain activities or
transactions relating to Iran.
*
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5. Revise section 25.703–2 to read as
follows:
■
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25.703–2
Iran Sanctions Act.
(a) Certification—(1) Certification
relating to activities described in section
5 of the Iran Sanctions Act. As required
by section 6(b)(1)(A) of the Iran
Sanctions Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 note),
unless an exception applies in
accordance with paragraph (c) of this
subsection, or a waiver is granted in
accordance with 25.703–4, each offeror
must certify that the offeror, and any
person owned or controlled by the
offeror, does not engage in any activity
for which sanctions may be imposed
under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions
Act. Such activities, which are
described in detail in section 5 of the
Iran Sanctions Act, relate to the energy
sector of Iran and development by Iran
of weapons of mass destruction or other
military capabilities.
(2) Certification relating to
transactions with Iran’s Revolutionary
Guard Corps. As required by section
6(b)(1)(B) of the Iran Sanctions Act (50
U.S.C. 1701 note), unless an exception
applies in accordance with paragraph
(c) of this subsection, or a waiver is
granted in accordance with 25.703–4,
each offeror must certify that the offeror,
and any person owned or controlled by
the offeror, does not knowingly engage
in any significant transaction (i.e., a
transaction that exceeds $3,000) with
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps or any
of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the
property and interests in property of
which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic
Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see
OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals
and Blocked Persons List at https://
www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/
t11sdn.pdf).
(b) Remedies. Upon the determination
of a false certification under paragraph
(a) of this subsection, the agency shall
take one or more of the following
actions:
(1) The contracting officer terminates
the contract in accordance with
procedures in part 49, or for commercial
items, see 12.403.
(2) The suspending official suspends
the contractor in accordance with the
procedures in subpart 9.4.
(3) The debarring official debars the
contractor for a period of at least two
years in accordance with the procedures
in subpart 9.4.
(c) Exception for trade agreements.
The certification requirements of
paragraph (a) of this subsection do not
apply if the acquisition is subject to
trade agreements and the offeror
certifies that all the offered products are
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designated country end products or
designated country construction
material (see subpart 25.4).
■ 6. Amend section 25.703–3 by
revising the section heading, and
paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:
25.703–3 Prohibition on contracting with
entities that export sensitive technology to
Iran.
(a) The head of an executive agency
may not enter into or extend a contract
for the procurement of goods or services
with a person that exports certain
sensitive technology to Iran, as
determined by the President and listed
on the Excluded Parties List System via
https://www.acquisition.gov (22 U.S.C.
8515).
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Exception for trade agreements.
The representation requirement of
paragraph (b) of this subsection does not
apply if the acquisition is subject to
trade agreements and the offeror
certifies that all the offered products are
designated country end products or
designated country construction
material (see subpart 25.4).
■ 7. Revise section 25.703–4 to read as
follows:
25.703–4
Waiver.
(a) An agency or contractor seeking a
waiver of the requirements of 25.703–2
or 25.703–3, consistent with section
6(b)(5) of the Iran Sanctions Act or 22
U.S.C. 8551(b), respectively, and the
Presidential Memorandum of September
23, 2010 (75 FR 67025), shall submit the
request to the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy, allowing sufficient
time for review and approval.
(b) Agencies may request a waiver on
an individual or class basis; however,
waivers are not indefinite and can be
cancelled, if warranted.
(1) A class waiver may be requested
only when the class of supplies or
equipment is not available from any
other source and it is in the national
interest.
(2) Prior to submitting the waiver
request, the request must be reviewed
and cleared by the agency head.
(c) In general, all waiver requests
should include the following
information:
(1) Agency name, complete mailing
address, and point of contact name,
telephone number, and email address.
(2) Offeror’s name, complete mailing
address, and point of contact name,
telephone number, and email address.
(3) Description/nature of product or
service.
(4) The total cost and length of the
contract.
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(5) Justification, with market research
demonstrating that no other offeror can
provide the product or service and
stating why the product or service must
be procured from this offeror.
(i) If the offeror exports sensitive
technology to the government of Iran or
any entities or individuals owned or
controlled by, or acting on behalf or at
the direction of, the government of Iran,
provide rationale why it is in the
national interest for the President to
waive the prohibition on contracting
with this offeror, as required by 22
U.S.C. 8551(b).
(ii) If the offeror conducts activities
for which sanctions may be imposed
under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions
Act or engages in any transaction that
exceeds $3,000 with Iran’s
Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its
officials, agents, or affiliates, the
property and interests in property of
which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic
Powers Act, provide rationale why it is
essential to the national security
interests of the United States for the
President to waive the prohibition on
contracting with this offeror, as required
by section 6(b)(5) of the Iran Sanctions
Act.
(6) Documentation regarding the
offeror’s past performance and integrity
(see the Past Performance Information
Retrieval System and the Federal
Awardee Performance Information and
Integrity System at www.ppirs.gov, and
any other relevant information).
(7) Information regarding the offeror’s
relationship or connection with other
firms that—
(i) Export sensitive technology to the
government of Iran or any entities or
individuals owned or controlled by, or
acting on behalf or at the direction of,
the government of Iran;
(ii) Conduct activities for which
sanctions may be imposed under section
5 of the Iran Sanctions Act; or
(iii) Conduct any transaction that
exceeds $3,000 with Iran’s
Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its
officials, agents, or affiliates, the
property and interests in property of
which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic
Powers Act.
(8) Describe— (i) The sensitive
technology and the entity or individual
to which it was exported (i.e., the
government of Iran or an entity or
individual owned or controlled by, or
acting on behalf or at the direction of,
the government of Iran);
(ii) The activities in which the offeror
is engaged for which sanctions may be
imposed under section 5 of the Iran
Sanctions Act; or
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(iii) The transactions that exceed
$3,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
Corps or any of its officials, agents, or
affiliates, the property and interests in
property of which are blocked pursuant
to the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act.
■ 8. Amend section 25.1103 by revising
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
25.1103
Other provisions and clauses.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) The contracting officer shall
include in all solicitations the provision
at 52.225–25, Prohibition on Contracting
with Entities Engaging in Certain
Activities or Transactions Relating to
Iran—Representation and Certifications.
PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS
AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
9. Amend section 52.204–8 by
revising the date of the provision and
paragraph (c)(1)(xx) to read as follows:
■
52.204–8 Annual Representations and
Certifications.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
(c)(1) * * *
(xx) 52.225–25, Prohibition on Contracting
with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities
or Transactions Relating to Iran—
Representation and Certifications. This
provision applies to all solicitations.
*
*
*
*
*
10. Amend section 52.212–3 by
revising the date of the provision and
paragraph (o) to read as follows:
52.212–3 Offeror Representations and
Certifications—Commercial Items.
*
*
*
*
OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND
CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS
(DEC 2012)
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with
*
*
*
*
*
(o) Prohibition on contracting with entities
engaging in certain activities or transactions
relating to Iran. (1) The offeror shall email
questions concerning sensitive technology to
the Department of State at
CISADA106@state.gov.
(2) Representation and certifications.
Unless a waiver is granted or an exception
applies as provided in paragraph (o)(3) of this
provision, by submission of its offer, the
offeror—
(i) Represents, to the best of its knowledge
and belief, that the offeror does not export
any sensitive technology to the government
of Iran or any entities or individuals owned
or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the
direction of, the government of Iran;
(ii) Certifies that the offeror, or any person
owned or controlled by the offeror, does not
engage in any activities for which sanctions
may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran
Sanctions Act; and
VerDate Mar<15>2010
20:08 Dec 07, 2012
Jkt 229001
*
*
*
*
■ 11. Amend section 52.225–25 by—
■ a. Revising the section heading and
date of the provision; and
■ b. Revising paragraph (c) and the
introductory text of paragraph (d) to
read as follows:
*
*
*
*
*
PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH
ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN
ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS
RELATING TO IRAN—REPRESENTATION
AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2012)
*
■
*
*
52.225–25 Prohibition on Contracting with
Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or
Transactions Relating to Iran—
Representation and Certifications.
ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND
CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2012)
*
(iii) Certifies that the offeror, and any
person owned or controlled by the offeror,
does not knowingly engage in any transaction
that exceeds $3,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary
Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or
affiliates, the property and interests in
property of which are blocked pursuant to
the International Emergency Economic
Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see
OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and
Blocked Persons List at https://
www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/
t11sdn.pdf).
(3) The representation and certification
requirements of paragraph (o)(2) of this
provision do not apply if—
(i) This solicitation includes a trade
agreements certification (e.g., 52.212–3(g) or
a comparable agency provision); and
(ii) The offeror has certified that all the
offered products to be supplied are
designated country end products.
*
*
*
*
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of
this provision or if a waiver has been granted
in accordance with 25.703–4, by submission
of its offer, the offeror—
(1) Represents, to the best of its knowledge
and belief, that the offeror does not export
any sensitive technology to the government
of Iran or any entities or individuals owned
or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the
direction of, the government of Iran;
(2) Certifies that the offeror, or any person
owned or controlled by the offeror, does not
engage in any activities for which sanctions
may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran
Sanctions Act. These sanctioned activities
are in the areas of development of the
petroleum resources of Iran, production of
refined petroleum products in Iran, sale and
provision of refined petroleum products to
Iran, and contributing to Iran’s ability to
acquire or develop certain weapons or
technologies; and
(3) Certifies that the offeror, and any
person owned or controlled by the offeror,
does not knowingly engage in any transaction
that exceeds $3,000 with Iran’s Revolutionary
Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or
affiliates, the property and interests in
property of which are blocked pursuant to
the International Emergency Economic
Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see
OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and
Blocked Persons List at https://
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4700
www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/
t11sdn.pdf).
(d) Exception for trade agreements. The
representation requirement of paragraph
(c)(1) and the certification requirements of
paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this provision
do not apply if—
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2012–29639 Filed 12–7–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Chapter 1
[Docket FAR 2012–0081, Sequence 8]
Federal Acquisition Regulation;
Federal Acquisition Circular 2005–63;
Small Entity Compliance Guide
Department of Defense (DoD),
General Services Administration (GSA),
and National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Small Entity Compliance Guide.
AGENCY:
This document is issued
under the joint authority of DOD, GSA,
and NASA. This Small Entity
Compliance Guide has been prepared in
accordance with section 212 of the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996. It consists of a
summary of the rule appearing in
Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)
2005–63, which amends the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR). An
asterisk (*) next to a rule indicates that
a regulatory flexibility analysis has been
prepared. Interested parties may obtain
further information regarding this rule
by referring to FAC 2005–63, which
precedes this document. These
documents are also available via the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
DATES: December 10, 2012.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
clarification of content, contact the
analyst whose name appears in the table
below. Please cite FAC 2005–63 and the
FAR case number. For information
pertaining to status or publication
schedules, contact the Regulatory
Secretariat at 202–501–4755.
SUMMARY:
RULE IN FAC 2005–63
Subject
FAR
Case
Iran Threat Reduction ..
2012–030
E:\FR\FM\10DER2.SGM
10DER2
Analyst
Davis.
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 237 (Monday, December 10, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73516-73520]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29639]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 4, 25, and 52
[FAC 2005-63; FAR Case 2012-030; Docket 2012-0030, Sequence 1]
RIN 9000-AM44
Federal Acquisition Regulation; Iran Threat Reduction
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Interim rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require certifications that
implement the expansion of sanctions relating to the energy sector of
Iran and sanctions with respect to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, as
contained in Titles II and III of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012.
DATES: Effective Date: December 10, 2012.
Comment Date: Interested parties should submit written comments to
the Regulatory Secretariat on or before February 8, 2013 to be
considered in the formulation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FAC 2005-63, FAR Case 2012-
030, by any of the following methods:
Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov. Submit
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching ``FAR Case
2012-030'' select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with
``FAR Case 2012-030.'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Submit
a Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any),
and ``FAR Case 2012-030'' on your attached document.
Fax: 202-501-4067.
Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory
Secretariat (MVCB), ATTN: Hada Flowers, 1275 First Street NE., 7th
Floor, Washington, DC 20417.
Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2005-63, FAR
Case 2012-030, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments
received will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov,
including any
[[Page 73517]]
personal and/or business confidential information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement
Analyst, at 202-219-0202, for clarification of content. For information
pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory
Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-63, FAR Case 2012-
030.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing an interim rule amending the Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to implement sections of Titles II and
III of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012
(Pub. L. 112-158), enacted August 10, 2012.
Sections 201 and 202 expand sanctions in the Iran Sanctions Act of
1996 (Pub. L. 104-72, 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) with respect to the energy
sector of Iran and impose sanctions with respect to transport of crude
oil from Iran and evasion of sanctions by shipping companies. Section
203 expands sanctions with respect to development by Iran of weapons of
mass destruction.
Section 302 imposes sanctions with respect to persons that support
or conduct certain transactions with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps
or other sanctioned persons.
Section 311 expands the procurement prohibitions of the Iran
Sanctions Act as follows:
Section 311 amends section 6(b)(1) of the Iran Sanctions
Act to require, in addition to the certification relating to activities
described in section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act, a certification from
each prospective contractor that it, and any person owned and
controlled by the prospective contractor, does not knowingly engage in
a significant transaction or transactions with Iran's Revolutionary
Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents or affiliates.
In addition, section 311 amends the remedies and waiver
provisions at section 6(b)(2) and (5), which are applicable to both
certifications now required by section 6(b)(1).
The exception for eligible products from designated countries under
the Trade Agreements Act is specified at section 302(f), which makes
section 5(f) of the Iran Sanctions Act applicable to the new sanctions
relating to transactions with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, and
section 6(b)(3) of the Iran Sanctions Act, which relates to the
certification requirement.
II. Discussion and Analysis
This interim rule amends the FAR to address the new sanctions and
certification requirement as follows:
Certification relating to activities described in section
5 of the Iran Sanctions Act (FAR 25.703-2(a)(1))--Replaces the list
summarizing the activities subject to sanctions with a more top-level
description of the types of activities subject to sanctions, because
numerous activities that may be subject to sanctions have been added to
section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act by sections 201-203 of this new
Act.
Certification relating to transactions with Iran's
Revolutionary Guard Corps (FAR 25.703-2(a)(2))--Adds a new
certification requirement to implement section 311(a) of this new Act.
Specifies that a significant transaction, for purposes of this rule, is
any transaction that exceeds $3,000, and uses the $3,000 threshold
throughout the rule.
Remedies (FAR 25.703-2(b))--Amends paragraph (b)(3) to
require debarment period to be at least 2 years to implement section
311(b)(1)(B)(i)(II) of this new Act.
Exceptions (25.703-2(c) and 25.703-3(c))--Simplifies and
clarifies the exception for acquisitions subject to trade agreements.
Waiver (FAR 25.703-4)--Amends the waiver requirement to
implement changes required by section 311(b)(1)(C) of this new Act.
Waivers of the 25.703-2 certification requirements must be ``essential
to the national security interest of the United States.''
Solicitation provisions (FAR 52.212-3(o) and 52.225-25)--
Adds the new certification requirement to implement section 311(a) of
this new Act to add the condition that, by submission of its offer, the
offeror certifies that it, and any person owned or controlled by it,
does not knowingly engage in any transaction that exceeds $3,000 with
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or
affiliates.
Annual Representations and Certifications (FAR 4.1202 and
FAR 52.204-8)--Makes conforming changes to revise references to title
and date of FAR 52.225-25.
III. Determinations
The Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council has made the
following determinations with respect to the rule's application of
titles II and III of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights
Act of 1012 (Pub. L. 112-158) to contracts in amounts not greater than
the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items, and contracts for the acquisition of
commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) items.
A. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold
41 U.S.C. 1905 governs the applicability of laws to contracts or
subcontracts in amounts not greater than the SAT. It is intended to
limit the applicability of laws to them. If a provision of law contains
criminal or civil penalties, or if the FAR Council makes a written
determination that it is not in the best interest of the Federal
Government to exempt contracts or subcontracts at or below the SAT, the
law will apply to them. Therefore, given that the requirements of
titles II and III of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights
Act of 2012 were enacted to widen the sanctions against Iran, the FAR
Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the Federal
Government to apply this rule to all acquisitions including contracts
at or below the SAT, as defined at FAR 2.101. An exception for
acquisitions at or below the SAT would exclude a significant portion of
Federal contracting and the contractors who provide these products and
services, thereby undermining the overarching public policy purpose of
the law.
B. Applicability to Contracts for the Acquisition of Commercial Items
41 U.S.C. 1906 governs the applicability of laws to contracts for
the acquisition of commercial items, and is intended to limit the
applicability of laws to contracts for the acquisition of commercial
items. If a provision of law contains criminal or civil penalties, or
if the FAR Council makes a written determination that it is not in the
best interest of the Federal Government to exempt commercial item
contracts, the provision of law will apply to contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items. Therefore, given that the requirements
of titles II and III of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human
Rights Act of 2012 were enacted to widen the sanctions against Iran,
the FAR Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the
Federal Government to apply the rule to contracts for the acquisition
of commercial items, as defined at FAR 2.101. An exception for
contracts for the acquisition of commercial items would exclude a
significant portion of Federal contracting and the contractors who
provide these products and services, thereby undermining the
overarching public policy purpose of the law.
[[Page 73518]]
C. Applicability to Contracts for the Acquisition of Commercially
Available Off-the-Shelf Items
41 U.S.C. 1907 governs the applicability of laws to contracts for
the acquisition of COTS items, and is intended to limit the
applicability of laws to them. If a provision of law contains criminal
or civil penalties, or if the Administrator for Federal Procurement
Policy makes a written determination that it is not in the best
interest of the Federal Government to exempt contracts for the
acquisition of COTS items, the provision of law will apply. Therefore,
given that the requirements of titles II and III of the Iran Threat
Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 were enacted to widen the
sanctions against Iran, the Administrator for Federal Procurement
Policy has determined that it is in the best interest of the Federal
Government to apply the rule to contracts for the acquisition of COTS
items, as defined at FAR 2.101. An exception for contracts for the
acquisition of COTS items would exclude a significant portion of
Federal contracting and the contractors who provide these products and
services, thereby undermining the overarching public policy purpose of
the law.
IV. 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 E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and
Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804.
V. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration do not expect this
interim rule to 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 this rule will only have
significant impact on an offeror that is engaging in an activity for
which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions
Act or certain transactions with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Domestic entities generally do not engage in activity that would cause
them to be subject to the procurement bans described in this rule due
to current restrictions on trade with Iran (see, e.g., Department of
Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations at 31 CFR part
560). Accordingly, it is expected that the number of domestic entities
significantly impacted by this rule will be minimal, if any. The
Regulatory Flexibility Act is for the protection of United States small
entities, not foreign entities. Therefore, an Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis has not been performed. DoD, GSA, and NASA invite
comments from small business concerns and other interested parties on
the expected impact of this rule on small entities.
DoD, GSA, and NASA will also consider comments from small entities
concerning the existing regulations in subparts affected by the rule in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such
comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (FAC 2005-63, FAR Case
2012-030), in correspondence.
VI. Paperwork Reduction Act
The interim 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).
VII. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule
A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary
of Defense (DoD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this
interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action
is necessary because the rule implements titles II and III of the Iran
Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-158),
which was signed on August 10, 2012. The certification requirement of
section 311 becomes effective 120 days after enactment (December 8,
2012). Implementation of these economic sanctions through a
certification requirement is part of a comprehensive policy directed
towards the goal of compelling Iran to abandon efforts to acquire a
nuclear weapons capability and other threatening activities. This is
consistent with the objective of the President and Congress to prevent
Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707
and FAR 1.501-3(b), DoD, GSA, and NASA will consider public comments
received in response to this interim rule in the formation of the final
rule.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 4, 25 and 52
Government procurement.
Dated: December 3, 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 4, 25 and 52 as
set forth below:
0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 4, 25, 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 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
0
2. Amend section 4.1202 by revising paragraph (y) to read as follows:
4.1202 Solicitation provision and contract clause.
* * * * *
(y) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in
Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran--Representation and
Certifications.
* * * * *
PART 25--FOREIGN ACQUISITION
0
3. Amend section 25.700 by revising paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as
follows:
25.700 Scope of subpart.
* * * * *
(c) The Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 (Iran Sanctions Act) (Pub. L.
104-172; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note), including amendments by the Iran Freedom
Support Act (Pub. L. 109-293), section 102 of the Comprehensive Iran
Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-
195), and Titles II and III of the Iran Threat Reduction Act and Syria
Human Rights Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-158); and
(d) Prohibition against contracting with entities that export
sensitive technologies to Iran (22 U.S.C. 8515).
0
4. Amend section 25.703 by revising the section heading to read as
follows:
25.703 Prohibition on contracting with entities that engage in
certain activities or transactions relating to Iran.
* * * * *
[[Page 73519]]
0
5. Revise section 25.703-2 to read as follows:
25.703-2 Iran Sanctions Act.
(a) Certification--(1) Certification relating to activities
described in section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act. As required by
section 6(b)(1)(A) of the Iran Sanctions Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 note),
unless an exception applies in accordance with paragraph (c) of this
subsection, or a waiver is granted in accordance with 25.703-4, each
offeror must certify that the offeror, and any person owned or
controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activity for which
sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act.
Such activities, which are described in detail in section 5 of the Iran
Sanctions Act, relate to the energy sector of Iran and development by
Iran of weapons of mass destruction or other military capabilities.
(2) Certification relating to transactions with Iran's
Revolutionary Guard Corps. As required by section 6(b)(1)(B) of the
Iran Sanctions Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 note), unless an exception applies
in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection, or a waiver is
granted in accordance with 25.703-4, each offeror must certify that the
offeror, and any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not
knowingly engage in any significant transaction (i.e., a transaction
that exceeds $3,000) with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of
its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and interests in
property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see OFAC's Specially
Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List at https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/t11sdn.pdf).
(b) Remedies. Upon the determination of a false certification under
paragraph (a) of this subsection, the agency shall take one or more of
the following actions:
(1) The contracting officer terminates the contract in accordance
with procedures in part 49, or for commercial items, see 12.403.
(2) The suspending official suspends the contractor in accordance
with the procedures in subpart 9.4.
(3) The debarring official debars the contractor for a period of at
least two years in accordance with the procedures in subpart 9.4.
(c) Exception for trade agreements. The certification requirements
of paragraph (a) of this subsection do not apply if the acquisition is
subject to trade agreements and the offeror certifies that all the
offered products are designated country end products or designated
country construction material (see subpart 25.4).
0
6. Amend section 25.703-3 by revising the section heading, and
paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:
25.703-3 Prohibition on contracting with entities that export
sensitive technology to Iran.
(a) The head of an executive agency may not enter into or extend a
contract for the procurement of goods or services with a person that
exports certain sensitive technology to Iran, as determined by the
President and listed on the Excluded Parties List System via https://www.acquisition.gov (22 U.S.C. 8515).
* * * * *
(c) Exception for trade agreements. The representation requirement
of paragraph (b) of this subsection does not apply if the acquisition
is subject to trade agreements and the offeror certifies that all the
offered products are designated country end products or designated
country construction material (see subpart 25.4).
0
7. Revise section 25.703-4 to read as follows:
25.703-4 Waiver.
(a) An agency or contractor seeking a waiver of the requirements of
25.703-2 or 25.703-3, consistent with section 6(b)(5) of the Iran
Sanctions Act or 22 U.S.C. 8551(b), respectively, and the Presidential
Memorandum of September 23, 2010 (75 FR 67025), shall submit the
request to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, allowing
sufficient time for review and approval.
(b) Agencies may request a waiver on an individual or class basis;
however, waivers are not indefinite and can be cancelled, if warranted.
(1) A class waiver may be requested only when the class of supplies
or equipment is not available from any other source and it is in the
national interest.
(2) Prior to submitting the waiver request, the request must be
reviewed and cleared by the agency head.
(c) In general, all waiver requests should include the following
information:
(1) Agency name, complete mailing address, and point of contact
name, telephone number, and email address.
(2) Offeror's name, complete mailing address, and point of contact
name, telephone number, and email address.
(3) Description/nature of product or service.
(4) The total cost and length of the contract.
(5) Justification, with market research demonstrating that no other
offeror can provide the product or service and stating why the product
or service must be procured from this offeror.
(i) If the offeror exports sensitive technology to the government
of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or
acting on behalf or at the direction of, the government of Iran,
provide rationale why it is in the national interest for the President
to waive the prohibition on contracting with this offeror, as required
by 22 U.S.C. 8551(b).
(ii) If the offeror conducts activities for which sanctions may be
imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act or engages in any
transaction that exceeds $3,000 with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps
or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and
interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act, provide rationale why it
is essential to the national security interests of the United States
for the President to waive the prohibition on contracting with this
offeror, as required by section 6(b)(5) of the Iran Sanctions Act.
(6) Documentation regarding the offeror's past performance and
integrity (see the Past Performance Information Retrieval System and
the Federal Awardee Performance Information and Integrity System at
www.ppirs.gov, and any other relevant information).
(7) Information regarding the offeror's relationship or connection
with other firms that--
(i) Export sensitive technology to the government of Iran or any
entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or
at the direction of, the government of Iran;
(ii) Conduct activities for which sanctions may be imposed under
section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act; or
(iii) Conduct any transaction that exceeds $3,000 with Iran's
Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or
affiliates, the property and interests in property of which are blocked
pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
(8) Describe-- (i) The sensitive technology and the entity or
individual to which it was exported (i.e., the government of Iran or an
entity or individual owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at
the direction of, the government of Iran);
(ii) The activities in which the offeror is engaged for which
sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act; or
[[Page 73520]]
(iii) The transactions that exceed $3,000 with Iran's Revolutionary
Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the
property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
0
8. Amend section 25.1103 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:
25.1103 Other provisions and clauses.
* * * * *
(e) The contracting officer shall include in all solicitations the
provision at 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities
Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran--
Representation and Certifications.
PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
0
9. Amend section 52.204-8 by revising the date of the provision and
paragraph (c)(1)(xx) to read as follows:
52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications.
* * * * *
ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2012)
* * * * *
(c)(1) * * *
(xx) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities
Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran--
Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all
solicitations.
* * * * *
0
10. Amend section 52.212-3 by revising the date of the provision and
paragraph (o) to read as follows:
52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial
Items.
* * * * *
OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2012)
* * * * *
(o) Prohibition on contracting with entities engaging in certain
activities or transactions relating to Iran. (1) The offeror shall
email questions concerning sensitive technology to the Department of
State at CISADA106@state.gov.
(2) Representation and certifications. Unless a waiver is
granted or an exception applies as provided in paragraph (o)(3) of
this provision, by submission of its offer, the offeror--
(i) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that
the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the
government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or
controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the
government of Iran;
(ii) Certifies that the offeror, or any person owned or
controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for
which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions
Act; and
(iii) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or
controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any
transaction that exceeds $3,000 with Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property
and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)
(see OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List
at https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/t11sdn.pdf).
(3) The representation and certification requirements of
paragraph (o)(2) of this provision do not apply if--
(i) This solicitation includes a trade agreements certification
(e.g., 52.212-3(g) or a comparable agency provision); and
(ii) The offeror has certified that all the offered products to
be supplied are designated country end products.
* * * * *
0
11. Amend section 52.225-25 by--
0
a. Revising the section heading and date of the provision; and
0
b. Revising paragraph (c) and the introductory text of paragraph (d) to
read as follows:
52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain
Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran--Representation and
Certifications.
* * * * *
PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES
OR TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO IRAN--REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
(DEC 2012)
* * * * *
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this provision or if
a waiver has been granted in accordance with 25.703-4, by submission
of its offer, the offeror--
(1) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that
the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the
government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or
controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the
government of Iran;
(2) Certifies that the offeror, or any person owned or
controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for
which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions
Act. These sanctioned activities are in the areas of development of
the petroleum resources of Iran, production of refined petroleum
products in Iran, sale and provision of refined petroleum products
to Iran, and contributing to Iran's ability to acquire or develop
certain weapons or technologies; and
(3) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or
controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any
transaction that exceeds $3,000 with Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property
and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)
(see OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List
at https://www.treasury.gov/ofac/downloads/t11sdn.pdf).
(d) Exception for trade agreements. The representation
requirement of paragraph (c)(1) and the certification requirements
of paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this provision do not apply if--
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2012-29639 Filed 12-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P