Federal Acquisition Regulation; Uniform Use of Line Items, 45408-45412 [2014-18509]

Agencies

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

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 5, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45408-45412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18509]



[[Page 45408]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, and 52

[FAR Case 2013-014; Docket No. 2013-0014; Sequence No. 1]
RIN 9000-AM73


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Uniform Use of Line Items

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

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to establish a uniform line item 
identification structure in Federal procurement. The system is designed 
to improve the accuracy, traceability, and usability of procurement 
data.

DATES: Interested parties should submit written comments to the 
Regulatory Secretariat at one of the addressees shown below on or 
before October 6, 2014 to be considered in the formation of the final 
rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in response to FAR Case 2013-014 by any of 
the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching for ``FAR Case 
2013-014''. Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds with ``FAR 
Case 2013-014.'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Comment 
Now'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and 
``FAR Case 2013-014'' on your attached document.
     Fax: 202-501-4067.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat (MVCB), ATTN: Ms. Flowers, 1800 F Street NW., 2nd Floor, 
Washington, DC 20405.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAR Case 2013-
014, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments received 
will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including 
any personal and/or business confidential information provided.

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 FAR Case 2013-014.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to establish a uniform line item identification 
structure for the Federal procurement system, planned for 
implementation during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 timeframe. The uniform 
line item identification structure is designed to improve the accuracy, 
traceability, and usability of procurement data. This case continues 
Federal procurement efforts to more robustly implement the objectives 
of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, 
including promoting achievement of rigorous accountability of 
procurement dollars and processes.
    Currently, funding traceability is limited to contract-level 
information in agency contract writing systems which limits the 
capability to implement and effectively conduct and benefit from 
initiatives, such as strategic sourcing, on a Federal-wide basis. Use 
of such a line item identification structure will support efficiency in 
the tracking of goods and services through identification of key 
attributes, such as unit pricing on fixed price contracts, which will 
support tracing of funding from obligation through expenditure.
    With this proposed rule, the Federal procurement community 
continues to improve standardization of a unique instrument identifier, 
moving the procurement community in the direction of enhancing the 
uniformity and consistency of data. This, in turn, will promote the 
achievement of rigorous accountability of procurement dollars and 
processes previously mentioned and compliance with regulatory and 
statutory acquisition requirements such as those of the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. The proposed FAR coverage 
is adapted and revised from the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 
Supplement, 48 CFR subpart 204.71, Uniform Contract Line Item Numbering 
System.

II. Proposed Changes to FAR

    The coverage dealing with uniform line item identification has been 
significantly expanded. The rule provides for the following:
    (1) Definitions of ``line item'' and ``subline item'' have been 
added to FAR subpart 2.1.
    (2) At FAR 4.1001, a revised policy statement has been added to 
require the use of line items, and as necessary, subline items, in 
order to improve the accuracy, traceability and usability of 
procurement data.
    (3) At FAR 4.1002, a section on applicability of the policies on 
line item identification to virtually all contract actions has been 
added.
    (4) At FAR 4.1003, a section on establishing line items was added. 
The policy is that deliverables with the following characteristics 
should have separate line or subline items; separately identifiable, 
single unit price or total price; single accounting classification 
citation; separate delivery schedule, destination, period or place of 
performance, and same or different contract pricing types.
    (5) At FAR 4.1004, a section on establishing subline items was 
formulated. The coverage distinguishes between deliverable and 
informational subline items and identifies the circumstances when each 
should be used.
    (6) At FAR 4.1005-1, the required data elements for inclusion with 
each line item or subline item in the procurement instrument are 
identified. At 4.1005-2, circumstances are identified when certain 
required data elements are not necessary.
    (7) At FAR 4.1006, coverage is included regarding modifications.
    (8) FAR 4.1007 discusses allowing offerors to propose an 
alternative line item structure.
    (9) At FAR 4.1008, the prescription for the solicitation provision 
allowing an alternative line item structure is detailed.
    (10) At FAR parts 5, 7, 14, and 15, cross references to contract 
line items (CLINS) and subline items are conformed with this rule.
    (11) At FAR subpart 8.4, coverage is revised to address application 
of line items and subline items to Federal Supply Schedules.
    (12) At FAR 16.505, coverage is revised to address line items for 
indefinite-delivery contracts.
    (13) At FAR 52.204-YY, the proposed provision prescribed at 4.1008 
is delineated.
    (14) At 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors Commercial Items, and 
52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, the provision 
for commercial items has been revised to address alternative line item 
identification structure.

III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs

[[Page 45409]]

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 not a 
significant regulatory action under section 6(a)(3)(A) of E.O. 12866, 
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. Therefore, 
this rule was not subject to Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs review under section 6(b) of E.O. 12866. This rule is not a 
major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

III. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The change may 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. The Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) is summarized as follows:

    The proposed rule establishes a uniform line item identification 
structure for the Federal procurement system. The uniform line item 
identification structure is designed to improve the accuracy, 
traceability, and usability of procurement data. This proposed rule 
continues Federal procurement efforts to more robustly implement the 
objectives of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency 
Act of 2006, including promoting achievement of rigorous 
accountability of procurement dollars and processes.
    The requirements in the proposed rule have the potential to have 
an impact on any entity, small or large, that does business with the 
Federal Government because the proposed rule would apply to 
purchases of items, including commercial items and commercially 
available off-the-shelf items, and purchases under the simplified 
acquisition threshold. However, line item pricing is a common 
commercial practice, therefore the impact on a number of entities 
may not be significant.
    Any small business that contracts with a Federal agency could be 
impacted to at least some extent. Using data from the Federal 
Procurement Data System (FPDS), there were 107,172 such small 
entities in FY 2010, 97,626 in FY 2011, 85,749 in FY 2012, and 
73,987 small entities in FY 2013, doing business with the Federal 
Government.
    The proposed rule could require some contractors to restructure 
their proposal pricing process as well as their systems to 
accommodate the line item identification system. This change may 
also require contractors to make changes to their pricing and 
electronic systems. Contractors may also have to develop more 
extensive pricing data to conform to a new line item structure. 
However, this consistent line item identification policy should be 
beneficial to contractors doing business with executive branch 
agencies. This is especially true if contractors already have 
contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD), because these 
identification standards are already in use. Accordingly, 
contractors that currently contract with DoD will not be impacted. 
The FAR system does not have data at this time as to the net cost/
benefit to contractors in making this change.

    The Regulatory Secretariat has submitted a copy of the IRFA to the 
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. A copy 
of the IRFA may be obtained from the Regulatory Secretariat. 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 (FAR Case 2013-014), 
in correspondence.

V. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This 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).

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, and 
52

    Government procurement.

    Dated: July 31, 2014.
William Clark,
Acting Director, Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy, Office 
of Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA proposes to amend 48 CFR parts 2, 3, 
4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, and 52 as set forth below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 
16, and 52 continues to read as follows:

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

PART 2--DEFINITION OF WORDS AND TERMS

0
2. Amend section 2.101 in paragraph (b)(2) by adding, in alphabetical 
order, the definitions ``Line item'' and ``Subline'' to read as 
follows:


2.101  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    Line item means the basic structural element in a procurement 
instrument that describes and organizes the required product or service 
for pricing, delivery, inspection, acceptance, invoicing, and payment.
* * * * *
    Subline item means a subset of a line item.
* * * * *

PART 3--IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF 
INTEREST


3.302  [Amended]

0
3. Amend section 3.302 by removing the definition ``Line item''.

PART 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

0
4. Revise subpart 4.10 to read as follows:
Subpart 4.10--UNIFORM USE OF LINE ITEMS
Sec.
4.1000 Scope of subpart.
4.1001 Policy.
4.1002 Applicability.
4.1003 Establishing line items.
4.1004 Establishing subline items.
4.1005 Data elements for line items and subline items.
4.1005-1 Required schedules.
4.1005-2 Exceptions.
4.1006 Modifications.
4.1007 Solicitation alternative line item structure.
4.1008 Solicitation provision.


4.1000  Scope of subpart.

    This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for assigning line 
item and subline items and their identifiers.


4.1001   Policy.

    In order to improve the accuracy, traceability, and usability of 
procurement data, procurement instruments shall identify the supplies 
or services to be acquired as separately identified line items and, as 
needed, subline items.
    (a) Line items are established to define deliverables or organize 
information about deliverables. Each line item describes 
characteristics for the item purchased, e.g., pricing, delivery, and 
funding information.
    (b) Each line item may be subdivided into separate unique subsets 
(called subline items) to ease administration. If a line item has 
deliverable subline items, the line item is informational. Subline 
items differentiate between or among certain characteristics of the 
line item, such as colors or sizes, dates of delivery, destinations, or 
places of performance. Subline items are established to define 
deliverables or organize information about deliverables.

[[Page 45410]]

4.1002  Applicability.

    The policies of this subpart shall apply to the following 
procurement instruments, to include amendments, modifications, and 
change orders thereto:
    (a) Solicitations.
    (b) Contracts, including, but not limited to, Government-wide 
Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts (MACs), Federal 
Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts, agency indefinite-delivery contracts, 
and purchase orders.
    (c) Agreements that include pre-priced supplies or services.
    (d) Task and delivery orders.


4.1003  Establishing line items.

    Characteristics. Establish separate line items for deliverables 
that have the following characteristics. A deliverable line item or 
deliverable subline item must have each characteristic except as 
provided at 4.1005-2:
    (a) Separately identifiable. (1) A supply is separately 
identifiable if it has its own identification (e.g., national stock 
number (NSN), item description, manufacturer's part number).
    (2) Services are separately identifiable if they have no more than 
one statement of work or performance work statement.
    (3) If the procurement instrument involves a first article (see 
subpart 9.3), establish a separate line item for each item that will be 
approved separately. If the first article consists of a lot composed of 
a mixture of items that will be approved as a lot, a single line item 
may be used.
    (b) Single unit price or total price.
    (c) Single accounting classification citation.
    (d) Separate delivery schedule, destination, period of performance, 
or place of performance.
    (e) Single contract pricing type (e.g., fixed price or cost 
reimbursement.


4.1004  Establishing subline items.

    Subline items may be used to facilitate tracking of performance and 
deliverables, payment, contract funds accounting or for other 
management purposes. Subline items may be either deliverable or 
informational. A line item with subline items shall contain only that 
information that is common to all subline items thereunder. All subline 
items under one line item shall be the same contract type as the line 
item.
    (a) Deliverable subline items. Deliverable subline items may be 
used for several related items that require separate identification. 
For example, instead of establishing multiple separate line items, 
subline items may be established for--
    (1) Items that are basically the same, except for minor variations 
such as--
    (i) Size or color;
    (ii) Accounting classification but see also 4.1005-1(a);
    (iii) Date of delivery, destination, period or place of 
performance;
    (2) Separately priced collateral functions that relate to the 
primary product, such as packaging and handling, or transportation;
    (3) Items to be separately identified at the time of shipment or 
performance.
    (b) Informational subline items.
    (1) Informational subline items may be used by agencies for 
administrative purposes. This type of subline item identifies 
information that relates directly to the line item and is an integral 
part of it (e.g., parts of an assembly or parts of a kit).
    (2) Position informational subline items within the line item 
description, not in the quantity or price fields. Informational subline 
items shall not have prices or delivery schedules.


4.1005  Data elements for line items and subline items.


4.1005-1  Required data elements.

    (a) Except as provided in subsection 4.1005-2, each line item or 
subline item shall include in the schedule (described at 14.201-2, 
15.204-2, Block 20 of the SF 1449 (see 12.303(b)(4) or in a comparable 
section of the procurement instrument), at a minimum, the following 
information as separate, distinct data elements:
    (1) Line item or subline item numeric or alphanumeric unique 
identifier established in accordance with agency procedures.
    (2) Short description of what is being purchased.
    (3) Product or Service Code (PSC).
    (4) Accounting classification citation. Multiple accounting 
classifications may be identified using informational subline items. If 
there are multiple accounting classification citations for a single 
item, include the dollar amount by accounting classification in the 
schedule (or a comparable section of the procurement instrument).
    (5)(i) For fixed-price line items:
    (A) Unit of measure.
    (B) Quantity.
    (C) Unit price.
    (D) Total price.
    (ii) For cost-reimbursement line items:
    (A) Unit of measure.
    (B) Quantity.
    (C) Estimated cost.
    (D) Fee (if any).
    (E) Total estimated cost plus any fee.
    (b) If a contract contains a combination of fixed-price, time-and-
materials, labor-hour, or cost-reimbursable line items, identify the 
contract type for each line item in the schedule (or a comparable 
section of the procurement instrument) to facilitate payment.
    (c) Each deliverable line item or deliverable subline item shall 
have its own delivery schedule, destination, period of performance, or 
place of performance expressly stated in the appropriate section of the 
procurement instrument. (``As required'' constitutes an expressly 
stated delivery term.) When a line item has deliverable subline items, 
the delivery schedule, destination, period of performance, or place of 
performance should be identified at the subline item level, rather than 
the line item level.
    (d) Terms and conditions in other sections of the contract (such as 
contract clauses, or payment instructions) shall also specify 
applicability to individual line items if not applicable to the 
contract as a whole.


4.1005-2  Exceptions.

    (a) Indefinite-delivery contracts. (1) General. The following 
required specific data elements are not known at time of issuance of an 
indefinite-delivery contract, and will be provided in each order at the 
time of issuance: accounting classification, delivery date and 
destination, or period and place of performance.
    (2) Indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity (IDIQ) and requirements 
contracts. IDIQ and requirements contracts may omit the quantity at the 
line item level for the base award provided that the total contract 
minimum and maximum, or the estimate, respectively, is stated.
    (b) Item description and PSC. These data elements are not required 
in the line item if there are associated deliverable subline items that 
include the actual detailed identification. When this exception 
applies, use a general narrative description for the line item.
    (c) Single unit price or single total price. The requirement for a 
single unit price or single total price at the line item level does not 
apply if any of the following conditions are present:
    (1) There are associated deliverable subline items that are priced.
    (2) The line item or subline item is not separately priced.
    (3) The supplies or services are being acquired on a cost-
reimbursement basis, time-and-materials, or labor-hour basis.
    (4) The procurement instrument is for services and firm prices have 
been established for elements of the total price but the actual number 
of the elements is not known until

[[Page 45411]]

performance (e.g., a labor-hour contract for maintenance/repair). The 
contracting officer may structure these procurement instruments to 
reflect a firm or estimated total amount for each line item.


4.1006  Modifications.

    (a) When a new item (such as an added quantity) is added to the 
procurement instrument, assign a new line or subline item identifier.
    (b) If the modification relates to existing line items, the 
modification shall refer to those items.


4.1007  Solicitation alternative line item structure.

    Solicitations should be structured to allow offerors to propose an 
alternative line item structure (see 4.1008 and 52.212-1(e)). For 
example, when soliciting certain items using units of measure such as 
kit, set, or lot, the offeror may not be able to group and deliver all 
items in a single shipment.


4.1008  Solicitation provision.

    Insert the provision at 52.204-YY, Alternative Line Item Structure, 
in all solicitations for supplies or services, including construction.

PART 5--PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS

0
5. Amend section 5.207 by revising paragraph (a)(13) to read as 
follows:


5.207  Preparation and transmittal of synopses.

    (a) * * *
    (13) Contract Line items and, if applicable subline items.
* * * * *

PART 7-ACQUISITION PLANNING

0
6. Amend section 7.105 by revising the second sentence of paragraph 
(b)(5)(iv) to read as follows:


7.105  Contents of written acquisition plans.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iv) * * * During the requirements development stage, consider 
structuring the contract requirements, e.g., line and subline items 
identifiers, in a manner that will permit some, if not all, of the 
requirements to be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis, either in the 
current contract, future option years, or follow-on contracts. * * *
* * * * *

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

0
7. Amend section 8.402 by revising paragraph (f)(3) to read as follows:


8.402  General.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (3) The line or subline items are clearly labeled on the order as 
items not on the Federal Supply Schedule and they conform to the rules 
for numbering line and subline items at subpart 4.10; and
* * * * *
0
8. Amend section 8.404 by adding paragraph (j) to read as follows:


8.404  Use of Federal Supply Schedules.

* * * * *
    (j) Line items. When placing orders or establishing BPAs, ordering 
activities shall reference the Special Item Number (SIN) and the 
corresponding line or subline item awarded (established per 4.1005) in 
the schedule. If an ordering activity contracting officer adds an item 
not on the Federal Supply Schedule in accordance with 8.402(f), 
establish a new line or subline item in accordance with subpart 4.10.
0
9. Amend section 8.406-1 by--
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (d)(8) through (d)(16) as paragraphs (d)(9) 
through (d)(17);
0
b. Adding a new paragraph (d)(8); and
0
c. Revising the newly redesignated paragraph (d)(9).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


8.406-1  Order placement.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (8) Line item or subline item unique identifier.
    (9) A statement of work for services, when required, or a brief, 
complete description of each line or subline item (when ordering by 
model number, features and options such as color, finish, and 
electrical characteristics, if available, must be specified).
0
10. Amend section 8.406-4 by revising paragraph (c)(3)(i)(C) to read as 
follows:


8.406-4  Termination for cause.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (i) * * *
    (C) National stock or special item number(s), line item or subline 
item unique identifier, and a brief description of the item(s).
* * * * *

PART 14--SEALED BIDDING

0
11. Amend section 14.201-2 by revising the last sentence of paragraph 
(b) to read as follows:


14.201-2  Part 1--The Schedule

* * * * *
    (b) * * * Include a brief description of the supplies or services; 
e.g., line item or subline item unique identifier, national stock 
number/part number if applicable, title or name identifying the 
supplies or services, and quantities (see Part 11). * * *
* * * * *
0
12. Amend section 14.201-9 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


14.201-9  Simplified contract format.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Line item or subline item unique identifier.
* * * * *

PART 15--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION


15.203  [Amended]

0
13. Amend section 15.203 by removing from paragraph (a)(2)(ii) 
``alternative CLIN'' and adding ``alternative line and subline item'' 
in its place.


15.204-2  [Amended]

0
14. Amend section 15.204-2 by removing from paragraph (b) ``e.g., item 
number'' and adding ``e.g., line item or subline item unique 
identifiers,'' in its place.


15.408  [Amended]

0
15. Amend section 15.408 in Table 15-2, which follows paragraph (n), 
by--
0
1. Revising paragraph D. of the I. General Instructions and removing 
from paragraph E. ``contract'';
0
2. Removing from the first sentence of paragraph A. of the II. Cost 
Elements, ``contract''; and
0
3. Adding to the second sentence of paragraph B.(3) of the III. Formats 
for Submission of Line Item Summaries.
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


15.408  Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

* * * * *

Table 15-2--Instructions for Submitting Cost/Price Proposals When 
Certified Cost or Pricing Data Are Required

* * * * *

I. General Instructions

* * * * *

[[Page 45412]]

    D. You must show the relationship between line or subline item 
prices and the total contract price. You must attach cost-element 
breakdowns for each proposed line or subline item, using the 
appropriate format prescribed in the ``Formats for Submission of Line 
Item Summaries'' section of this table. You must furnish supporting 
breakdowns for each cost element, consistent with your cost accounting 
system.
* * * * *

III. Formats for Submission of Line Item Summaries

* * * * *
    B. * * *
* * * * *
    (3) * * * Attach a detailed inventory of work, materials, parts, 
components, and hardware already purchased, manufactured, or performed 
and deleted by the change, indicating the cost and proposed disposition 
of each line or subline item.
* * * * *

PART 16--TYPES OF CONTRACTS

0
16. Amend section 16.505 by revising paragraph (a)(7)(iii) to read as 
follows:


16.505  Ordering.

    (a) * * *
    (7) * * *
    (iii) For supplies and services, contract line item number unique 
identifier(s), subline item unique identifier, if applicable, and 
description, quantity, and unit price or estimated cost or fee. The 
corresponding line item unique identifier(s) and subline item unique 
identifier(s) from the base contract shall also be included.
* * * * *

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES.

0
17. Add section 52.204-YY to read as follows:


52.204-YY  Alternative Line Item Structure.

    As prescribed in 4.1008, insert the following provision:

Alternative Line Item Structure (Date)

    (a) Line items are the basic structural elements in a 
solicitation or contract that provide for the organization of 
contract requirements to facilitate pricing, delivery, inspection, 
acceptance and payment. Line items are organized into line and 
subline items. Separate line items should be established to account 
for separate pricing, identification, deliveries, or funding. The 
Government recognizes that the line item structure in this 
solicitation may not conform to the Offeror's practices. Failure to 
correct these issues can result in difficulties in accounting for 
deliveries and processing payments. Therefore, the Offeror is 
invited to propose an alternative line item structure for items on 
which bids, proposals, or quotes are requested in this solicitation 
to ensure that the resulting contract line item structure is 
economically and administratively advantageous to the Government and 
the Offeror.
    (b) The Offeror may propose one or more additional, alternative 
line item structures provided that each structure is consistent with 
subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. However, 
acceptance of the alternative structure is a unilateral decision 
made solely at the discretion of the Government. Offers that do not 
comply with the line item structure specified in this solicitation 
may be determined to be nonresponsive or unacceptable.


(End of provision)

0
18. Amend section 52.212-1 by revising the date of the provision; and 
paragraph (e) to read as follows:


52.212-1  Instructions to Offerrors--Commercial Items.

* * * * *

Instructions to Offerrors--Commercial Items (Date)

* * * * *
    (e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple 
offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including 
alternative line item structures (provided that each line item 
structure is consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the 
requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be 
evaluated separately.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2014-18509 Filed 8-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P