Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Promoting Voluntary Post-Award Disclosure of Defective Pricing (DFARS Case 2015-D030), 72669-72671 [2015-29555]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 224 / Friday, November 20, 2015 / Proposed Rules
Energy Effects
The Colorado Roadless Rule and the
North Fork Coal Mining Area exception
do not constitute a ‘‘significant energy
action’’ as defined by Executive Order
13211. No novel legal or policy issues
regarding adverse effects to supply,
distribution, or use of energy are
anticipated beyond what has been
addressed in the 2012 FEIS or the
Regulatory Impact Analysis prepared in
association with the final 2012 Colorado
Roadless Rule. The proposed
reinstatement of the North Fork Coal
Mining Area exception does not restrict
access to privately held mineral rights,
or mineral rights held through existing
claims or leases, and allows for disposal
of mineral materials. The proposed rule
does not prohibit future mineral claims
or mineral leasing in areas otherwise
open for such. The rulemaking provides
a regulatory mechanism for
consideration of requests for
modification of restriction if
adjustments are determined to be
necessary in the future.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federalism
USDA has determined the proposed
rule conforms with the Federalism
principles set out in Executive Order
13132 and does not have Federalism
implications. The rulemaking would not
impose any new compliance costs on
any State; and the rulemaking would
not have substantial direct effects on
States, on the relationship between the
national government and the states, nor
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
The proposed rule is based on a
petition submitted by the State of
Colorado under the Administrative
Procedure Act at 5 U.S.C. 553(e) and
pursuant to USDA regulations at 7 CFR
1.28. The State’s petition was developed
through a task force with local
government involvement. The State of
Colorado is a cooperating agency
pursuant to 40 CFR 1501.6 of the
Council on Environmental Quality
regulations for implementation of
NEPA.
Takings of Private Property
USDA analyzed the proposed rule in
accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in Executive Order
12630. The Agency determined the
proposed rule does not pose the risk of
a taking of private property.
Civil Justice Reform
USDA reviewed the proposed rule in
context of Executive Order 12988. The
Agency has not identified any State or
local laws or regulations that are in
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Nov 19, 2015
Jkt 238001
conflict with this proposed rule or
would impede full implementation of
this proposed rule. However, if this
proposed rule were adopted, (1) all State
and local laws and regulations that
conflict with this rulemaking or would
impede full implementation of this
rulemaking would be preempted; (2) no
retroactive effect would be given to this
proposed rule; and (3) this rulemaking
would not require the use of
administrative proceedings before
parties could file suit in court.
Tribal Consultation
USDA provided an introductory letter
and the Notice of Intent for the Colorado
Roadless Rule and the supplemental
draft EIS to the Ute, Ute Mountain Ute,
and Southern Ute Indian Tribes in
context of Executive Order 13175. No
specific requests from any tribes were
made for additional information or
meetings. No letters from any tribes
have been received concerning the
proposed action.
Unfunded Mandates
USDA has assessed the effects of the
Colorado Roadless Rule on State, local,
and Tribal governments and the private
sector. This proposed rule does not
compel the expenditure of $100 million
or more by State, local, or Tribal
governments, or anyone in the private
sector. Therefore, a statement under
section 202 of title II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 is not
required.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rulemaking does not call for any
additional recordkeeping, reporting
requirements, or other information
collection requirements as defined in 5
CFR 1320 that are not already required
by law or not already approved for use.
The proposed rule imposes no
additional paperwork burden on the
public. Therefore the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 does not apply to
this proposal.
List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 294
National Forests, Recreation areas,
Navigation (air), and State petitions for
inventoried roadless area management.
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the Forest Service proposes to
amend part 294 of Title 36 of the Code
of Federal Regulations by reinstating 36
CFR 294.43(c)(1)(ix) to read as follows:
PART 294—SPECIAL AREAS
Subpart D—Colorado Roadless Area
Management
1. The authority citation for part 294,
subpart D continues to read as follows:
■
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
72669
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 472, 529, 551, 1608,
1613; 23 U.S.C. 201, 205.
2. Amend § 294.43 by revising
paragraph (c)(1)(ix) to read as follows:
■
§ 294.43 Prohibition on road construction
and reconstruction.
(c) * * *
(1) * * *
(ix) A temporary road is needed for
coal exploration and/or coal-related
surface activities for certain lands with
Colorado Roadless Areas in the North
Fork Coal Mining Area of the Grand
Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison
National Forests as defined by the North
Fork Coal Mining Area displayed on the
final Colorado Roadless Areas map.
Such roads may also be used for
collecting and transporting coal mine
methane. Any buried infrastructure,
including pipelines, needed for the
capture, collection, and use of coal mine
methane, will be located within the
rights-of-way of temporary roads that
are otherwise necessary for coal-related
surface activities including the
installation and operation of methane
venting wells.
*
*
*
*
*
Dated: November 6, 2015.
Robert Bonnie,
Under Secretary, Natural Resources and
Environment.
[FR Doc. 2015–29592 Filed 11–19–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Acquisition Regulations
System
48 CFR Part 215
[Docket DARS–2015–0051]
RIN 0750–AI75
Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement: Promoting
Voluntary Post-Award Disclosure of
Defective Pricing (DFARS Case 2015–
D030)
Defense Acquisition
Regulations System, Department of
Defense (DoD).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
DoD is proposing to amend
the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to
stipulate that DoD contracting officers
shall request a limited-scope audit,
unless a full-scope audit is appropriate
for the circumstances, in the interest of
promoting voluntary contractor
disclosure of defective pricing identified
by the contractor after contract award.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\20NOP1.SGM
20NOP1
72670
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 224 / Friday, November 20, 2015 / Proposed Rules
Comments on the proposed rule
should be submitted in writing to the
address shown below on or before
January 19, 2016, to be considered in
the formation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments
identified by DFARS Case 2015–D030,
using any of the following methods:
Æ Regulations.gov: https://
www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by
entering ‘‘DFARS Case 2015–D030’’
under the heading ‘‘Enter keyword or
ID’’ and selecting ‘‘Search.’’ Select the
link ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ that
corresponds with ‘‘DFARS Case 2015–
D030.’’ Follow the instructions provided
at the ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ screen.
Please include your name, company
name (if any), and ‘‘DFARS Case 2015–
D030’’ on your attached document.
Æ Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include
DFARS Case 2015–D030 in the subject
line of the message.
Æ Fax: 571–372–6094.
Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition
Regulations System, Attn: Mr. Mark
Gomersall, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP/DARS,
Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon,
Washington, DC 20301–3060.
Comments received generally will be
posted without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. To
confirm receipt of your comment(s),
please check www.regulations.gov,
approximately two to three days after
submission to verify posting (except
allow 30 days for posting of comments
submitted by mail).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Mark Gomersall, telephone 571–372–
6176.
DATES:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
DoD is proposing to revise the DFARS
to stipulate that DoD contracting officers
shall request a limited-scope audit when
a contractor voluntarily discloses
defective pricing after contract award,
unless a full-scope audit is appropriate
for the circumstances. In response to the
Better Buying Power 2.0 initiative on
‘‘Eliminating Requirements Imposed on
Industry where Costs Outweigh
Benefits,’’ contractors recommended
several changes to 41 U.S.C. chapter 35,
Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (formerly
the Truth in Negotiations Act) and to
the related DFARS guidance.
Specifically, contractors recommended
that DoD clarify policy guidance to
reduce repeated submissions of certified
cost or pricing data. Frequent
submissions of such data are used as a
defense against defective pricing claims
by DoD after contract award, since data
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:58 Nov 19, 2015
Jkt 238001
that are frequently updated are less
likely to be considered outdated or
inaccurate and, therefore, defective.
Better Buying Power 3.0 called for a
revision of regulatory guidance
regarding the requirement for
contracting officers to request an audit
even if a contractor voluntarily discloses
defective pricing after contract award.
II. Discussion and Analysis
This proposed rule amends DFARS
215.407–1(c) to—
• Require DoD contracting officers to
request a limited-scope unless a fullscope audit is appropriate for the
circumstances, when contractors
voluntarily disclose defective pricing
after contract award;
• Indicate that to determine the
appropriate scope of the audit, the
contracting officer should consult with
Defense Contract Audit Agency; and
• Clarify that voluntary disclosure of
defective pricing does not waive
Government entitlement to the recovery
of any overpayment plus interest on the
overpayments, or rights to pursue
defective pricing claims.
III. Executive Orders 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 not a significant
regulatory action and, therefore, was not
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.
IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act
DoD does not expect this proposed
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. However, an initial regulatory
flexibility analysis has been performed
and is summarized as follows:
The objective of the proposed rule is
to stipulate that DoD contracting officers
shall request a limited-scope audit when
a contractor voluntarily discloses
defective pricing after contract award,
unless a full-scope audit is appropriate
for the circumstances. This rule will
apply to all DoD contractors, including
PO 00000
Frm 00063
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
small entities, who are required to
submit certified cost or pricing data. If
those small entities usually submit cost
or pricing data frequently in order to
avoid defective pricing claims, then this
rule may encourage them to reduce the
number of such submissions.
There is no change to reporting or
recordkeeping as a result of this rule.
The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with any other Federal rules.
There are no known significant
alternative approaches to the rule that
would meet the requirements.
DoD invites comments from small
business concerns and other interested
parties on the expected impact of this
rule on small entities.
DoD will also consider comments
from small entities concerning the
existing regulations in subparts affected
by this rule in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
610. Interested parties must submit such
comments separately and should cite 5
U.S.C. 610 (DFARS Case 2015–D030), in
correspondence.
V. Paperwork Reduction Act
The 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 Part 215
Government procurement.
Jennifer L. Hawes,
Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations
System.
Therefore, 48 CFR part 215 is
proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 215—CONTRACTING BY
NEGOTIATION
1. The authority citation for part 215
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR
chapter 1.
2. Add sections 215.407 and 215.407–
1 to subpart 215.4 to read as follows:
■
215.407
Special cost or pricing areas.
215.407–1 Defective certified cost or
pricing data.
(c)(i) When contractors voluntarily
disclose defective pricing after contract
award, contracting officers shall request
a limited-scope audit (e.g., limited to the
affected cost elements of the defective
pricing disclosure) unless a full-scope
audit is appropriate for the
circumstances (e.g., nature or dollar
amount of the defective pricing
disclosure). To determine the
appropriate scope of the audit, the
contracting officer should consult with
E:\FR\FM\20NOP1.SGM
20NOP1
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 224 / Friday, November 20, 2015 / Proposed Rules
Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA).
At a minimum, the contracting officer
shall request that DCAA evaluate—
(A) Completeness of the contractor’s
voluntary disclosure on the affected
contract;
(B) Accuracy of the contractor’s cost
impact calculation for the affected
contract; and
(C) Potential impact on existing
contracts, task or deliver orders, or other
proposals the contractor has submitted
to the Government.
(ii) Voluntary disclosure of defective
pricing is not a voluntary refund as
defined in 242.7100 and does not waive
the Government entitlement to the
recovery of any overpayment plus
interest on the overpayments in
accordance with FAR 15.407–1(b)(7).
(iii) Voluntary disclosure of defective
pricing does not waive the
Government’s rights to pursue defective
pricing claims on the affected contract
or any other Government contract.
[FR Doc. 2015–29555 Filed 11–19–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Acquisition Regulations
System
Ms.
Janetta Brewer, telephone: 571–372–
6104.
48 CFR Parts 217 and 234
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[Docket DARS–2015–0042]
RIN 0750–AI62
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement: Extension and
Modification of Contract Authority for
Advanced Component Development
and Prototype Units (DFARS Case
2015–D008)
Defense Acquisition
Regulations System, Department of
Defense (DoD).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
DoD is proposing to amend
the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to
implement a section of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2015, which amended a section of
the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2010, to extend and
modify contract authority for advanced
component development and prototype
units.
DATES: Comments on the proposed rule
should be submitted in writing to the
address shown below on or before
January 19, 2016, to be considered in
the formation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments
identified by DFARS Case 2015–D008,
using any of the following methods:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Æ Regulations.gov: https://
www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by
entering ‘‘DFARS Case 2015–D008’’
under the heading ‘‘Enter keyword or
ID’’ and selecting ‘‘Search.’’ Select the
link ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ that
corresponds with ‘‘DFARS Case 2015–
D008.’’ Follow the instructions provided
at the ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ screen.
Please include your name, company
name (if any), and ‘‘DFARS Case 2015–
D008’’ on your attached document.
Æ Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include
DFARS Case 2015–D008 in the subject
line of the message.
Æ Fax: 571–372–6094.
Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition
Regulations System, Attn: Ms. Janetta
Brewer, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP/DARS,
Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon,
Washington, DC 20301–3060.
Comments received generally will be
posted without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. To
confirm receipt of your comment(s),
please check www.regulations.gov,
approximately two to three days after
submission to verify posting (except
allow 30 days for posting of comments
submitted by mail).
17:58 Nov 19, 2015
Jkt 238001
I. Background
DoD is proposing to revise the DFARS
to implement section 811 of the
National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (Pub.
L. 113–291). Section 811 entitled
‘‘Extension and Modification of Contract
Authority for Advanced Component
Development and Prototype Units’’
amends paragraphs (a) and (b) of section
819 of the NDAA for FY 2010 (10 U.S.C.
2302 note).
The rule proposes to amend DFARS
217.202(2) and 234.005–1(1) to add ‘‘or
initial production’’ to the text. This will
allow for the inclusion of a contract line
item (possibly an option) to go to initial
production without further competition.
However, there is no new impact on
contract cost because section 819(b) of
the NDAA for FY 2010 (which is
unchanged in 2015) continues to place
a limitation on costs associated with any
contract line item (option or otherwise)
for the delivery of initial or additional
items. The rule also extends this
authority at DFARS 234.005–1(2) to
September 30, 2019, from September 30,
2014.
PO 00000
Frm 00064
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
72671
II. Executive Orders 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 not a significant
regulatory action and, therefore, was not
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.
III. Regulatory Flexibility Act
DoD does not expect this 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 the rule primarily provides
greater flexibility to DoD when
contracting for major system
acquisitions. However, an initial
regulatory flexibility analysis has been
performed and is summarized as
follows:
The purpose of the rule is to
implement section 811 of the National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (Pub. L. 113–291).
Section 811 entitled ‘‘Extension and
Modification of Contract Authority for
Advanced Component Development and
Prototype Units’’ amends paragraphs (a)
and (b) of section 819 of the NDAA for
FY 2010 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note).
The rule proposes to amend DFARS
217.202(2) and 234.005–1(1) to add ‘‘or
initial production’’ to the text. This will
allow for the inclusion of a contract line
item (possibly an option) to go to initial
production without further competition.
The rule will apply to DoD major
defense acquisition program contractors
and subcontractors. Most major defense
acquisition programs are awarded to
large concerns as they are of a scope too
large for any small business to perform.
As such, it is not expected that this rule
will have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The rule does not impose any
additional reporting, recordkeeping, and
other compliance requirements. The
rule does not duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with any other Federal rules.
There are no alternatives available that
would meet the objectives of the statute.
DoD invites comments from small
business concerns and other interested
E:\FR\FM\20NOP1.SGM
20NOP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72669-72671]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29555]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Acquisition Regulations System
48 CFR Part 215
[Docket DARS-2015-0051]
RIN 0750-AI75
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Promoting
Voluntary Post-Award Disclosure of Defective Pricing (DFARS Case 2015-
D030)
AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense
(DoD).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to stipulate that DoD contracting
officers shall request a limited-scope audit, unless a full-scope audit
is appropriate for the circumstances, in the interest of promoting
voluntary contractor disclosure of defective pricing identified by the
contractor after contract award.
[[Page 72670]]
DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to
the address shown below on or before January 19, 2016, to be considered
in the formation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2015-D030, using
any of the following methods:
[cir] Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ``DFARS Case 2015-D030''
under the heading ``Enter keyword or ID'' and selecting ``Search.''
Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with ``DFARS Case
2015-D030.'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Submit a
Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and
``DFARS Case 2015-D030'' on your attached document.
[cir] Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include DFARS Case 2015-D030 in
the subject line of the message.
[cir] Fax: 571-372-6094.
[cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Mr. Mark
Gomersall, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon,
Washington, DC 20301-3060.
Comments received generally will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. To
confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov,
approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting
(except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mark Gomersall, telephone 571-372-
6176.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
DoD is proposing to revise the DFARS to stipulate that DoD
contracting officers shall request a limited-scope audit when a
contractor voluntarily discloses defective pricing after contract
award, unless a full-scope audit is appropriate for the circumstances.
In response to the Better Buying Power 2.0 initiative on ``Eliminating
Requirements Imposed on Industry where Costs Outweigh Benefits,''
contractors recommended several changes to 41 U.S.C. chapter 35,
Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (formerly the Truth in Negotiations Act)
and to the related DFARS guidance. Specifically, contractors
recommended that DoD clarify policy guidance to reduce repeated
submissions of certified cost or pricing data. Frequent submissions of
such data are used as a defense against defective pricing claims by DoD
after contract award, since data that are frequently updated are less
likely to be considered outdated or inaccurate and, therefore,
defective. Better Buying Power 3.0 called for a revision of regulatory
guidance regarding the requirement for contracting officers to request
an audit even if a contractor voluntarily discloses defective pricing
after contract award.
II. Discussion and Analysis
This proposed rule amends DFARS 215.407-1(c) to--
Require DoD contracting officers to request a limited-
scope unless a full-scope audit is appropriate for the circumstances,
when contractors voluntarily disclose defective pricing after contract
award;
Indicate that to determine the appropriate scope of the
audit, the contracting officer should consult with Defense Contract
Audit Agency; and
Clarify that voluntary disclosure of defective pricing
does not waive Government entitlement to the recovery of any
overpayment plus interest on the overpayments, or rights to pursue
defective pricing claims.
III. Executive Orders 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 not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not
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.
IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act
DoD does not expect this proposed 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.
However, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis has been performed
and is summarized as follows:
The objective of the proposed rule is to stipulate that DoD
contracting officers shall request a limited-scope audit when a
contractor voluntarily discloses defective pricing after contract
award, unless a full-scope audit is appropriate for the circumstances.
This rule will apply to all DoD contractors, including small entities,
who are required to submit certified cost or pricing data. If those
small entities usually submit cost or pricing data frequently in order
to avoid defective pricing claims, then this rule may encourage them to
reduce the number of such submissions.
There is no change to reporting or recordkeeping as a result of
this rule. The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any
other Federal rules.
There are no known significant alternative approaches to the rule
that would meet the requirements.
DoD invites comments from small business concerns and other
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small
entities.
DoD will also consider comments from small entities concerning the
existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments
separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (DFARS Case 2015-D030), in
correspondence.
V. Paperwork Reduction Act
The 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 Part 215
Government procurement.
Jennifer L. Hawes,
Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.
Therefore, 48 CFR part 215 is proposed to be amended as follows:
PART 215--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION
0
1. The authority citation for part 215 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.
0
2. Add sections 215.407 and 215.407-1 to subpart 215.4 to read as
follows:
215.407 Special cost or pricing areas.
215.407-1 Defective certified cost or pricing data.
(c)(i) When contractors voluntarily disclose defective pricing
after contract award, contracting officers shall request a limited-
scope audit (e.g., limited to the affected cost elements of the
defective pricing disclosure) unless a full-scope audit is appropriate
for the circumstances (e.g., nature or dollar amount of the defective
pricing disclosure). To determine the appropriate scope of the audit,
the contracting officer should consult with
[[Page 72671]]
Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). At a minimum, the contracting
officer shall request that DCAA evaluate--
(A) Completeness of the contractor's voluntary disclosure on the
affected contract;
(B) Accuracy of the contractor's cost impact calculation for the
affected contract; and
(C) Potential impact on existing contracts, task or deliver orders,
or other proposals the contractor has submitted to the Government.
(ii) Voluntary disclosure of defective pricing is not a voluntary
refund as defined in 242.7100 and does not waive the Government
entitlement to the recovery of any overpayment plus interest on the
overpayments in accordance with FAR 15.407-1(b)(7).
(iii) Voluntary disclosure of defective pricing does not waive the
Government's rights to pursue defective pricing claims on the affected
contract or any other Government contract.
[FR Doc. 2015-29555 Filed 11-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P