Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, 1950-1961 [2017-28242]

Download as PDF 1950 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda 48 CFR Ch. 1 FR 9339 (2017), EO 13777, ‘‘Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,’’ 82 FR 12285, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 to 612. The purpose of publishing this agenda is to give notice of regulatory activity being undertaken by FAR Council in order to provide the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. Semiannual Regulatory Agenda FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. AGENCY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of regulations being developed by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council pursuant to Executive Order 12866 ‘‘Regulatory Planning and Review,’’ 58 FR 51735 (1993), with particular adherence to EO 13771, ‘‘Reducing Regulation and Controlling Costs,’’ 82 SUMMARY: Lois Mandell, Division Director, Regulatory Secretariat Division, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20405–0001, 202–501–2735. DoD, GSA, and NASA, under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Act (41 U.S.C. 1303) and the agencies’ several statutory authorities, jointly issue and maintain the FAR through periodic issuance of changes published in the Federal Register and produced electronically as Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs). The electronic version of the FAR, including changes, can be accessed on SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: the FAR website at https:// www.acquisition.gov/far. The information provided in the Unified Agenda (Agenda) previews the rulemaking activities that we expect to undertake in the immediate future. The Agenda focuses primarily on those actions expected to result in publication of Advanced Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, or Final Rules within the next 12 months. A fully searchable e-Agenda is available for viewing in its entirety at www.reginfo.gov. Agenda information is also available at www.regulations.gov, the government-wide website for submission of comments on proposed regulations. Our fall 2017 agenda follows. Dated: November 29, 2017. William F. Clark, Director, Office of Government-wide, Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy. DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)—PRERULE STAGE Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 348 .................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–014, Use of Acquisition 360 to Encourage Vendor Feedback. 9000–AN43 DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)—PROPOSED RULE STAGE Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 349 .................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–021; Determination of Fair and Reasonable Prices on Orders Under Multiple Award Contracts. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–014; Prohibition on Providing Funds to the Enemy FAR Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–038, Reverse Auction Guidance ................................. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–005, Whistleblower Protection for Contractor Employees. Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2016–002, Applicability of Small Business Regulations Outside the United States. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–013, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurement ............ Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–003; Individual Sureties ......................................... Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); FAR Case 2015–002, Requirements for DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–013, Breaches of Personally Identifiable Information. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–011, Section 508-Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–012, Incremental Funding of Fixed-Price Contracting Actions. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–037, Definition of ‘‘Information Technology’’ .......... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–028, Performance-Based Payments ...................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); Far Case 2015–004, Provisions and Clauses for Acquisitions of Commercial Items and Acquisitions That do not Exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–006, Exception From Certified Cost or Pricing Data Requirements-Adequate Price Competition. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–010, Evaluation Factors for Multiple-Award Contracts. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–016, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) ..... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–018, Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements with the United States. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR 2017–020, Ombudsman for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts ........ Federal Regulation Acquisition (FAR); FAR Case 2017–019, Policy on Joint Ventures ................................ 350 .................... 351 .................... 352 .................... 353 .................... 354 .................... 355 .................... 356 .................... 357 .................... 358 .................... 359 .................... sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 360 .................... 361 .................... 362 .................... 363 .................... 364 .................... 365 .................... 366 .................... 367 .................... 368 .................... VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 9000–AM94 9000–AN03 9000–AN31 9000–AN32 9000–AN34 9000–AN38 9000–AN39 9000–AN40 9000–AN44 9000–AN46 9000–AN47 9000–AN48 9000–AN49 9000–AN51 9000–AN53 9000–AN54 9000–AN56 9000–AN57 9000–AN58 9000–AN59 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda 1951 DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)—PROPOSED RULE STAGE—Continued Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 369 .................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018–003, Credit for Lower-Tier Small Business Subcontracting. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018–002, Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (Reg Plan Seq No. 136). 370 .................... 9000–AN61 9000–AN62 References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)—FINAL RULE STAGE Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 371 .................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013–002; Reporting of Nonconforming Items to the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–015; Strategic Sourcing Documentation ................ Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013–018; Clarification of Requirement for Justifications for 8(a) Sole Source Contracts. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2014–002; Set-Asides Under Multiple Award Contracts Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–017; Combating Trafficking in Persons—Definition of ‘‘Recruitment Fees’’. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–007, Non-Retaliation for Disclosure of Compensation Information. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–005, System for Award Management Registration Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–039, Audit of Settlement Proposals ....................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–001, Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors ...... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–033, Sustainable Acquisition .................................. Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case 2016–005; Effective Communication Between Government and Industry. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–011, (S) Revision of Limitations on Subcontracting Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–004, Rate Adjustment of Liquidated Damages ...... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–007, Task- and Delivery-Order Protests ................ Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–009, Special Emergency Procurement Authority ... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–012, Increased Micro-Purchase Threshold for Certain Procurement Activities. 372 .................... 373 .................... 374 .................... 375 .................... 376 .................... 377 378 379 380 381 .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 382 383 384 385 386 .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 9000–AM58 9000–AM89 9000–AM90 9000–AM93 9000–AN02 9000–AN10 9000–AN19 9000–AN26 9000–AN27 9000–AN28 9000–AN29 9000–AN35 9000–AN37 9000–AN41 9000–AN45 9000–AN50 DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)—COMPLETED ACTIONS Regulation Identifier No. Sequence No. Title 387 .................... 388 .................... Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–031, Policy on 8(a) Joint Ventures ........................ Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–015, Removal of Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Rule. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/ GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR) sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Prerule Stage 348. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–014, Use of Acquisition 360 To Encourage Vendor Feedback E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the solicitation of contractor feedback on both contract formation and contract administration activities. Agencies would consider this feedback, as appropriate, to improve the efficiency VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 and effectiveness of their acquisition activities. The rule would create FAR policy to encourage regular feedback in accordance with agency practice (both on contract formation and administration activities) and a standard FAR solicitation provision to support a sustainable model for broadened use of Acquisition 360 survey to elicit feedback on the pre-award and debriefing processes in a consistent and standardized manner. Agencies would be able to use the solicitation provision to notify interested sources that a procurement is part of the Acquisition 360 survey and encourage stakeholders to voluntarily provide feedback on their experiences on the pre-award process. Timetable: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Action ANPRM ............... ANPRM Comment Period End. Date 9000–AN33 9000–AN52 FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501–1448, Email: curtis.glover@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN43 E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 1952 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/ GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR) Proposed Rule Stage 349. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–021; Determination of Fair and Reasonable Prices on Orders Under Multiple Award Contracts E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to direct ordering activity contracting officers to make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing when placing an order against using GSA’s Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 established a preference for the types of information used to assess price reasonableness. This rule establishes a practice that will ensure that prices are fair and reasonable at the time the order is placed under the GSA’s Federal Supply Schedules. This government-wide FAR rule will ensure uniform implementation of this FAR change across FAR-based contracts and avoid the proliferation of agency-wide rules and actions (e.g. revisions to FAR supplements or issuance of policy guidance) implementing this requirement. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 05/00/18 07/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501–1448, Email: curtis.glover@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AM94 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 350. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–014; Prohibition on Providing Funds to the Enemy E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement subtitle E of title VIII of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, which prohibits the Government from providing funds to the enemy. The Act requires the Secretary of Defense to notify executive agencies of persons or entities providing funds under certain contracts to persons or entities that are actively opposing the United States or coalition forces where the Armed Forces are actively engaged in a contingency operation; or has failed to exercise due diligence to ensure that none of the funds under certain contracts are provided to those persons or entities. After receiving such notification, the executive agency’s Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) may rescind, void the contract or terminate for default. The HCA’s decision is entered into the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), or other formal system of records. Since, review of FAPIIS is required before making certain award decision, this rule helps to prevent the flow of funds to such persons or entities. The statute does not apply to contracts that are equal to or less than $50,000, and contracts performed inside the United States or its outlying areas, or contracts subject to a national security exception. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 02/00/18 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219–0202, Email: cecelia.davis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN03 351. FAR Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–038, Reverse Auction Guidance E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement policies addressing the effective use of reverse auctions. Reverse auctions involve offerors lowering their pricing over rounds of bidding in order to win federal contracts. This change incorporates guidance from the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) memorandum, ‘‘Effective Use of Reverse Auctions,’’ which was issued in response to recommendations from the PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 GAO report, Reverse Auctions: Guidance is Needed to Maximize Competition and Achieve Cost Savings (GAO–14–108). Reverse auctions are one tool used by federal agencies to increase competition and reduce the cost of certain items. Reverse auctions differ from traditional auctions in that sellers compete against one another to provide the lowest price or highestvalue offer to a buyer. This change to the FAR will include guidance that will standardize agencies’ use of reverse auctions help agencies maximize competition and savings when using reverse auctions. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 02/00/18 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501–1448, Email: curtis.glover@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN31 352. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–005, Whistleblower Protection for Contractor Employees E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement 41 U.S.C. 4712, Enhancement of contractor protection from reprisal for disclosure of certain information and makes the pilot program permanent. The pilot was enacted on January 2, 2013, by section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. The rule makes clear that contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discharging, demoting, or otherwise discriminating against an employee as a reprisal for disclosing, to any of the entities such as agency Inspector Generals and Congress, information the employee reasonably believes is evidence of gross mismanagement of a Federal contract; a gross waste of Federal funds; an abuse of authority relating to a Federal contract; a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal contract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract. This rule enhances E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda whistleblower protections for contractor employees, by making permanent the protection for disclosure of the aforementioned information, and ensuring that the prohibition on reimbursement for legal fees accrued in defense against reprisal claims applies to subcontractors, as well as contractors. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 03/00/18 05/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219–0202, Email: cecelia.davis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN32 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 353. Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2016–002, Applicability of Small Business Regulations Outside the United States E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) consistent with SBA’s regulation at 13 CFR 125.2 as finalized in their rule Acquisition Process: Task and Delivery Order Contracts, Bundling, Consolidation’’ issued on October 2, 2013, to clarify that overseas contracting is not excluded from agency responsibilities to foster small business participation (78 FR 61113). In its final rule, SBA has clarified that, as a general matter, its small business contracting regulations apply regardless of the place of performance. In light of these changes, there is a need to amend the FAR both to bring its coverage into alignment with SBA’s regulation and to give agencies the tools they need especially the ability to use set-asides to maximize opportunities for small businesses overseas. SBA intends to include contracts performed outside of the United States in agencies’ prime contracting goals beginning in FY 2016. Although inclusion for goaling purposes is not dependent on FAR changes, amending FAR part 19 will allow agencies to take advantage of the tools authorized for providing small business opportunities for contracts awarded outside of the United States. This rule will allow agencies to take advantage of the tools authorized for providing small business opportunities VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 for contracts awarded outside of the United States. This will make it easier for small businesses to receive additional opportunities for contracts performed outside of the United States. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 02/00/18 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605–2868, Email: mahruba.uddowla@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN34 354. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–013, Tax on Certain Foreign Procurement E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 37; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement a final rule issued by the Department of the Treasury (published at 81 FR 55133) that implements section 301 of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Public Law 111347. This section imposes on any foreign person that receives a specified Federal procurement payment a tax equal to two percent of the amount such payment. This rule applies to Federal Government contracts for goods or services that are awarded to foreign persons. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405. Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN38 355. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–003; Individual Sureties E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD,GSA, and NASA are is proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to change PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 1953 the kinds of assets that individual sureties must use as security for their individual surety bonds. This change will implement section 874 of the NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 114–92), codified at 31 U.S.C. 9310, Individual Sureties. Individual sureties will no longer be able to pledge real property, corporate stocks, corporate bonds, or irrevocable letters of credit. The requirements of 31 U.S.C. 9310 are intended to strengthen the assets pledged by individual sureties, thereby mitigating risk to the Government. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN39 356. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); FAR Case 2015–002, Requirements for DD FORM 254, Contract Security Classification Specification E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require the use of Department of Defense (DoD) Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) for the electronic submission of the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. This form is used to convey security requirements regarding classified information to contractors and subcontractors and must be submitted to the Defense Security Services (DSS) when contractors or subcontractors require access to classified information under contracts awarded by agencies covered by the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). By changing the submittal process of the form from a manual process to an automated one, the government will reduce the cost of maintaining the forms, while also providing a centralized repository for classified contract security requirements and supporting data. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 Date 03/00/18 05/00/18 FR Cite 1954 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501–1448, Email: curtis.glover@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN40 357. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–013, Breaches of Personally Identifiable Information E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to create and implement appropriate contract clauses and regulatory coverage to address contractor requirements for breach response consistent with the requirements. This FAR change will implement the requirements outlined in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum, M–17–12 ‘‘Preparing for and Responding to a Breach of Personally Identifiable Information’’ section V part B. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 358. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–011, Section 508–Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate revisions and updates to standards in section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, developed by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also referred to as the ‘‘Access Board’’). This FAR change incorporates the U.S. Access Board’s final rule, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines, published on January 18, 2017 , which implemented revisions and updates to the section 508-based standards and section 255- 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 02/00/18 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN46 359. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–012, Incremental Funding of Fixed-Price Contracting Actions 03/00/18 05/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN44 VerDate Sep<11>2014 based guidelines. This rule is expected to impose additional costs on federal agencies. The purpose is to increase productivity for federal employees with disabilities, time savings due to improved accessibility of federal websites for members of the public with disabilities, and reduced call volumes to federal agencies. Additionally, this rule harmonizes standards with national and international consensus standards which would assist American ICT companies by helping to achieve economies of scale created by wider use of these technical standards. Timetable: Jkt 244001 E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to allow for incrementally funding of certain fixed-price contracting action to help minimize disruptions to agency operations, and provide Federal acquisition professionals with new funding flexibility for fixed-price contracting actions. The FAR addresses incremental funding on cost reimbursement contracts, however, does not provide coverage on fixed price contracts. Because the FAR is silent on the incremental funding of fixed-price contracts, contracting professionals endorse the full funding of fixed-price contracts as a best practice, however, in many cases full funding is not possible. Implementing this policy will provide the flexibility sought by several agencies. Although individual agencies have implemented policy changes for themselves, making this change to the FAR will provide consistency across Government agencies, from both policy and procedural perspectives. Timetable: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 02/00/18 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN47 360. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–037, Definition of ‘‘Information Technology’’ E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update the definition of ‘‘information technology,’’ as directed in the Office of Management and Budget Memo, M–15– 14, entitled Management Oversight of Federal Information Technology.’’ Specifically, the rule broadens the definition of information technology to include services such as cloud computing and to remove an exemption for information technology embedded in other systems. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 06/00/18 08/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN48 361. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–028, Performance-Based Payments E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR Clause 52.232–32, Performance-Based Payments, to include the text for subcontract flowdown addressed at FAR 32.504(f), but not currently specified in the clause itself. No new requirements are added. This rule takes guidance to prime contractors on the terms and conditions for flowdown of performance-based payments currently in the FAR text and places it in the E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda applicable contract clause so that the contractor can readily see what language is to be used in subcontracts authoring performance-based payments. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN49 362. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–004, Provisions and Clauses for Acquisitions of Commercial Items and Acquisitions That Do Not Exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) with an internal administrative change to support the use of automated contract writing systems and reduce FAR maintenance when clauses are updated. Currently, the FAR provides a single, consolidated list of all provisions and clauses applicable to the acquisition of commercial items. When new clauses applicable to commercial items are added the FAR, a manual process of cross checking and renumbering of the list is employed to conform the FAR, The process is cumbersome and inefficient, and challenging to maintain, especially for contract writing systems. The proposed rule would propose a change to each clause prescription and each clause flowdown for commercial items to specify required information within the prescription/clause itself, without having to cross-check another clause, list or other parts of the FAR. Timetable: Action Date sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN51 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 363. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–006, Exception From Certified Cost or Pricing Data Requirements—Adequate Price Competition E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: The proposed rule implements section 822 of the NDAA for FY 2017 (Pub. L . 114–328) to modify the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard to amend the FAR to implement exceptions from certified cost or pricing data requirements when price is based on adequate price competition at FAR 15.403(c)(1). This rule also limits the exception for price based on adequate price competition to circumstances in which there is adequate competition that results in at least two or more responsive and viable competing bids. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN53 364. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–010, Evaluation Factors for Multiple-Award Contracts E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 825 of the NDAA for FY 17 (Pub. L. 114–328). Section 825 amends 10 U.S.C. 2305(a)(3) to change the requirement regarding the consideration of cost or price to the Government as a factor in the evaluation of proposals for certain multiple-award task order contracts awarded by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard. At the Government’s discretion, solicitations for multiple-award contracts, which intend to award the same or similar services to each qualifying offeror, do not require price or cost as an evaluation factor for the base contract award. This will streamline the award of contracts for DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard because they won’t have to consider cost or price in the evaluation PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 1955 of the award decision. Relieving the requirement to account for cost or price when evaluating proposals for these types of contracts, which feature competitive orders, will enable procurement officials to focus their energy on establishing and evaluating the non-price factors that will result in more meaningful distinctions among offerors. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN54 365. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–016, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program of Executive Order 13556 of Nov 4, 2010. As the executive agent designated to oversee the Governmentwide CUI program, NARA issued implementing regulations in late 2016 designed to address agency policies for designating, safeguarding, disseminating, marking, decontrolling and disposing of CUI. The NARA rule affects contractors that handle, possess, use, share or receive CUI. The NARA regulation is codified at 32 CFR 2002. This FAR rule is necessary to ensure uniform implementation of the requirements of the CUI program in contracts across the government, thereby avoiding potentially inconsistent agency-level action. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 1956 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN56 366. • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–018, Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements With the United States E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1290(c)(3) of the NDAA for FY 2017, which requires the offeror to certify or any of its subsidiaries to certify that it does not engage in any activity that contributed to or is a significant factor in the determination that a country is not in full compliance with its obligations undertaken in all arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements or commitments to which the United States is a participating state. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 03/00/18 05/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219–0202, Email: cecelia.davis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN57 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 367. • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR 2017–020, Ombudsman for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by providing a new clause with contact information for the agency task and delivery order ombudsman as required by FAR.). Specifically, FAR 16.504(a)(4)(v) requires that the name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and email address of the agency task and delivery order ombudsman be included in solicitations and contracts for an indefinite quantity requirement, if multiple awards may be made for uniformity and consistency. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. VerDate Sep<11>2014 FR Cite 02/00/18 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 Action Date NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN58 368. • Federal Regulation Acquisition (FAR); FAR Case 2017–019, Policy on Joint Ventures E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes made by the Small Business Administration ´ ´ (SBA), Small Business Mentor Protege Programs, published on July 25, 2016 (81 FR 48557), regarding joint ventures and to clarify policy on 8(a) joint ventures. The regulatory changes provide industry with a new way to compete for small business or socioeconomic set-asides using a joint venture made up of a mentor and a ´ ´ protege. The 8(a) joint venture clarification prevents confusion on an 8(a) joint venture’s eligibility to compete for an 8(a) competitive procurement. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. FR Cite 06/00/18 08/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Janet Fry, Program Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605–3167, Email: janet.fry@ gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN59 369. • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018–003, Credit for Lower-Tier Small Business Subcontracting E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement section 1614 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2014, as implemented in the Small Business Administration’s final rule issued on December 23, 2016. Section 1614 allows PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 other than small prime contractors to receive small business subcontracting credit for subcontracts their subcontractors award to small businesses. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Date FR Cite 04/00/18 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Janet Fry, Program Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605–3167, Email: janet.fry@ gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN61 370. • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018–002, Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 136 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 9000–AN62 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/ GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR) Final Rule Stage 371. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013–002; Reporting of Nonconforming Items to the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to expand Government and contractor requirements for reporting of nonconforming items. This rule partially implements section 818 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 and implement requirements of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Policy Letter 91–3, entitled Reporting Nonconforming Products,’’ dated April 9, 1991. This change will help mitigate the growing threat that counterfeit items pose when used in systems vital to an agency’s mission. The primary benefit of this rule is to reduce the risk of counterfeit items entering the supply chain by ensuring that contractors report suspect items to a widely available database. This will allow the E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda contracting officer to provide disposition instructions for counterfeit or suspect counterfeit items in accordance with agency policy. In some cases, agency policy may require the contracting officer to direct the contractor to retain such items for investigative or evidentiary purposes. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 06/10/14 08/11/14 FR Cite 79 FR 33164 06/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AM58 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 372. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–015; Strategic Sourcing Documentation E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement a section of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. This section requires the contract file shall contain certain documentation if the Federal Government makes a purchase of supplies and services offered under the Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative (FSSI), but the FSSI is not used. The contract file for the purchase shall include a brief analysis of the comparative value, including price and non-price factors, between the supplies and services offered under the FSSI and those offered under the source(s) to be used for the purchase. The rule will raise the visibility of these strategic sourcing solutions, the analysis used when not using an FSSI contract vehicle, promote their use, and help to better leverage the Government’s buying power when using FSSI vehicles. Strategic Sourcing drives both dollar savings and process improvements. The Federal Government, suppliers and ultimately the U.S. taxpayers benefit when government can better articulate its requirements and provide committed purchase volumes, and in return, industry suppliers can provide better pricing and more valuable solutions. Timetable: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 06/20/16 08/19/16 FR Cite 81 FR 39883 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AM89 373. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013–018; Clarification of Requirement for Justifications for 8(a) Sole Source Contracts E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify the guidance for sole source 8(a) contract awards exceeding $22 million. This rule implements guidance from a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled Federal Contracting: Slow Start to Implementation of Justifications for 8(a) Sole-Source Contracts’’ (GA0–13–118, December 2012). Sole-source contracting regulations are statutory and are found in section 811 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Pub. L. 11184) (see 77 FR 23369). These clarifications improve the contracting officer’s ability to comply with the sole source contracts statutory requirements by providing guidance, including when justification is necessary, how contracting officers should comply, and when a separate sole-source justification is necessary for out-of-scope modifications to 8(a) solesource contracts. The GAO report indicates that the FAR needed additional clarification of the justification requirement to help ensure that agencies are applying the requirement consistently. Timetable: Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 11/15/16 01/17/17 FR Cite Frm 00009 03/00/18 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes regarding procedures for the use of small business partial set-asides, reserves, and orders placed under multiple-award contracts. This rule incorporates statutory requirements discussed at section 1331 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (15 U.S.C. 644(r)) and the Small Business Administration’s final rule at 78 FR 61114, dated October 2, 2013. Multiple-award contracts, due to their inherent flexibility, competitive nature, and administrative efficiency, are commonly used in Federal procurement. They have proven to be an effective means of contracting for large quantities of supplies and services for which the quantity and delivery requirements cannot be definitively determined at contract award. However, prior to 2011, the FAR was largely silent on the use of acquisition strategies to promote small business participation in conjunction with multiple-award contracts. This rule increases small business participation in Federal prime contracts by ensuring that small businesses have greater access to multiple award contracts and clarifying the procedures for partially setting aside and reserving multiple-award contracts for small business, and setting aside orders placed under multiple-award contracts for small business, thereby ensuring that small businesses have greater access to these commonly used vehicles. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ Date 12/06/16 02/06/17 FR Cite 81 FR 88072 03/00/18 81 FR 80012 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, PO 00000 DC 20405, Phone: 703 605–2868, Email: mahruba.uddowla@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AM90 374. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2014–002; Set-Asides Under Multiple Award Contracts 04/00/18 Action 1957 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605–2868, Email: mahruba.uddowla@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AM93 E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 1958 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda 375. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–017; Combating Trafficking in Persons—Definition of ‘‘Recruitment Fees’’ E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13627, Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts, and title XVII of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. The rule adds a definition of ‘‘recruitment fees’’ to FAR subpart 22.17, Combating Trafficking in Persons, and the associated clauses in order to clarify how the Government uses recruitment fees in the treatment of this prohibited practice that has been associated with labor trafficking under contracts and subcontracts. The purpose of the rule is to provide a standardized definition that clarifies prohibited recruitment to help fight against human trafficking. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 05/11/16 07/11/16 FR Cite 81 FR 29244 02/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219–0202, Email: cecelia.davis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN02 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS 376. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–007, NonRetaliation for Disclosure of Compensation Information E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13665, entitled ‘‘Non-Retaliation for Disclosure of Compensation Information,’’ (79 FR 20749) and the final rule issued by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) of the Department of Labor (DOL) at 80 FR 54934, entitled ‘‘Government Contractors, Prohibitions Against Pay Secrecy Policies and Actions.’’ This rule provides for a uniform policy for the Federal Government to prohibit Federal contractors from VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their own compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants. Timetable: Action Date Interim Final Rule Interim Final Rule Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 09/30/16 11/29/16 FR Cite 81 FR 67732 02/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN10 377. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–005, System for Award Management Registration E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update the instructions for System for Award Management (SAM) registration requirements and to correct an inconsistency with offeror representation and certification requirements. The language in the FAR was not consistent in terms of whether offerors need to register in SAM prior to submitting an offer or prior to award of a contract. This rule clarifies and makes the language consistent by requiring offerors’ registration in SAM prior to submitting an offer. The rule does not place any new requirements on businesses and is considered administrative because the only change is when the requirement for registering in SAM must occur. Registering in SAM eliminates the need for potential offerors to complete representations and certifications multiple times a year when responding to solicitations, which reduces the burden on both the contractor and the government. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 05/20/16 07/19/16 FR Cite 81 FR 31895 Frm 00010 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 378. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–039, Audit of Settlement Proposals E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amends the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to raise the dollar threshold requirement for the audit of prime contract settlement proposals and subcontract settlements from $100,000 to the Truth In Negotiation Act (TINA) threshold of $750,000 to help alleviate the backlog of contract close-outs and to enable contracting officers to more quickly deobligate excess funds from terminated contracts. Timetable: Action NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ Date 09/14/16 11/14/16 FR Cite 81 FR 63158 02/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN26 379. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–001, Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requiring Federal Government contractors to ensure that employees on those contracts can earn up to seven days or more of paid sick leave annually, including paid sick leave for family care. This rule implements the objective of Executive Order 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors and Department of Labor’s final rule (81 FR 91627). Timetable: Action 02/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA PO 00000 (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501–1448, Email: curtis.glover@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN19 Interim Final Rule Interim Final Rule Effective. Interim Final Rule Comment Period End. E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 Date 12/16/16 01/01/17 02/14/17 FR Cite 81 FR 91627 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda Action Date Final Rule ............ FR Cite 02/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN27 380. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–033, Sustainable Acquisition E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add a new definition for sustainable products and services and update several existing definitions germane to sustainable acquisition. This rule will also provide two new websites to help contractors understand the sustainable acquisition requirements and gain access to a listing of sustainable products and services as determined by the Federal Government. The rule implements Executive Order 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade (supersedes Executive Orders 13423 and 13514), and the biobased product acquisition provisions of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (also known as the 2014 Farm Bill). Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 01/18/17 03/20/17 FR Cite 82 FR 5490 04/00/18 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 795–6328, Email: chuck.gray@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN28 381. Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case 2016–005; Effective Communication Between Government and Industry E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 887 of the NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 114–92). This law provides that agency acquisition VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 personnel are permitted and encouraged to engage in responsible and constructive exchanges with industry. This change will permit and encourage government acquisition personnel to engage in responsible and constructive exchanges with industry as part of market research as long as those exchanges are consistent with existing laws, regulations, and promote a fair competitive environment. Timetable: Action Date NPRM .................. NPRM Comment Period End. Final Rule ............ 11/29/16 03/02/17 FR Cite 81 FR 85914 04/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN29 382. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016–011, (S) Revision of Limitations on Subcontracting E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise and standardize the limitations on subcontracting (LOS), including the nonmanufacturer rule (NMR), which apply to small business concerns under FAR part 19 procurements. This FAR change incorporates SBA’s final rule at 81 FR 34243, which implemented the statutory requirements of section 1651 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. This action is necessary to meet the Congressional intent of clarifying the limitations on subcontracting with which small businesses must comply, as well as the ways in which they can comply. The rule will benefits small businesses and agencies. Prompt implementation of this rule will allow small businesses to take advantage of subcontracts with similarly situated entities. As a result, these small businesses will be able to compete for larger contracts, which would positively affect their potential for growth as well as that of their potential subcontractors. Timetable: Action Date Interim Final Rule PO 00000 Frm 00011 01/00/18 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 FR Cite Action Interim Final Rule Comment Period End. Date 1959 FR Cite 03/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605–2868, Email: mahruba.uddowla@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN35 383. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–004, Rate Adjustment of Liquidated Damages E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to adjust the civil monetary penalties for inflation pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act. This Act requires agencies to adjust the levels of civil monetary penalties with an initial catch-up adjustment, followed by the annual adjustment for inflation. This rule implements the Department of Labor (DOL) interim final rule published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 43430 on July 1, 2016, finalized at 82 FR 5373 on January 18, 2017. The DOL rule adjusted the civil monetary penalties for inflation pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 as amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114–74). Timetable: Action Interim Final Rule Date FR Cite 01/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN37 384. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–007, Task– and Delivery–Order Protests E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to raise the threshold for task- and delivery-order protests from $10 million E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 1960 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda to $25 million for DoD and make permanent the General Accountability Office’s authority to hear protests on civilian task or delivery contracts valued in excess of $10 million. The rule implements sections 835 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (Pub. L. 114–328) and Public Law 114–260 835(a). Timetable: Action Date Final Rule ............ FR Cite 02/00/18 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 795–6328, Email: chuck.gray@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN41 385. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–009, Special Emergency Procurement Authority E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections 816 and 1641 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114–328). Section 816 adds international disaster assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and emergency or disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Section 1641 adds special emergency procurement authority to facilitate defense against or recovery from a cyber-attack. Adding these authorities enables a more effective and immediate response to emergency or major disasters, cyber attacks, and international disasters. For example, certain authorities would be available to the contracting officer based on agency procedures, the micropurchase threshold may be increased to $20,000 for any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made in support of the designated areas; and the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) may be increased to $750,000, or $13,000,000 for commercial items, for any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchased in support of the designated areas. Timetable: Action Date Interim Final Rule FR Cite 02/00/18 Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550–0935, Email: camara.francis@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN45 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/ GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR) 386. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–012, Increased Micro-Purchase Threshold for Certain Procurement Activities 387. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015–031, Policy on 8(A) Joint Ventures E.O. 13771 Designation: Other. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update the definition of micro-purchase threshold’’ in FAR 2.101 to implement the higher micro-purchase threshold provided by section 217(b) of the NDAA for FY 2017 (Pub. L. 114–328). Specifically, section 217(b) amends 41 U.S.C. 1902 to increase the micropurchase threshold for acquisitions from institutions of higher education or related or affiliated nonprofit entities, or from nonprofit research organizations or independent research institutes, to $10,000, or a higher amount as determined appropriate by the head of the relevant executive agency and consistent with clean audit findings under 31 U.S.C. chapter 75, an internal institutional risk assessment, or state law. As a result of this rule, affected contractors will no longer receive a written request for quote (RFQ) and/or a Government purchase order for requirements valued between $3,501 and $10,000. Instead, the order can be placed online, by phone, in person, or by fax via the Government purchase card (GPC). Therefore, the contractor will no longer be required to read the RFQ and/or purchase order for various Government-provided information. Timetable: Action Date Interim Final Rule 03/00/18 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208–4949, Email: michaelo.jackson@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN50 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 FR Cite PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4702 Completed Actions E.O. 13771 Designation: Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: This case has been merged into FAR Case 2017–019. DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to be consistent with the guidance in SBA regulations at 13 CFR 124 8(A) Business Development/ Small Disadvantaged Business Status Determinations (77 FR 28237). These clarifications are expected to relieve burden on both industry and government by reducing the number of protests related to inappropriate elimination from competition of offers from 8(a) joint ventures and inappropriate awards to ineligible 8(a) joint ventures. This will reduce the risk for fraud by clarifying the role of SBA as the authority for making eligibility determination. The rule is also expected to facilitate competition by clarifying the circumstances under which a joint venture is eligible for award under the 8(a) program. Completed: Reason Merged With Policy on Joint Ventures (2017–019). Date FR Cite 09/12/17 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Phone: 703 605–2868, Email: mahruba.uddowla@gsa.gov. RIN: 9000–AN33 388. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017–015, Removal of Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Rule E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory. Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113 Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA plan to issue a final rule to repeal the implementation of Executive Order 13673 on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces since Executive Order 13673 was officially nullified on March 27, 2017 (see Pub. L. 115–11). Additionally, Executive Order 13782 of March 30, 2017, revoked Executive Order 13673, section 3 of Executive Order 13683 of E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / Unified Agenda sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS December 11, 2014, and Executive Order 13738 of August 23, 2016. This action was made to have no force or effect by an enacted joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, H.J. Res.37 (Pub. L. 115– 11). Completed: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jan 11, 2018 Jkt 244001 Reason Date Final Rule, CRA Revocation. 11/06/17 FR Cite 82 FR 51773 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 9990 1961 Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Phone: 202 969–7207, Email: zenaida.delgado@gsa.gov/. RIN: 9000–AN52 [FR Doc. 2017–28242 Filed 1–11–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P E:\FR\FM\12JAP19.SGM 12JAP19

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 9 (Friday, January 12, 2018)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 1950-1961]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28242]



[[Page 1949]]

Vol. 83

Friday,

No. 9

January 12, 2018

Part XIX





Department of Defense





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General Services Administration





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National Aeronautics and Space Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 9 / Friday, January 12, 2018 / 
Unified Agenda

[[Page 1950]]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Ch. 1


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of regulations being 
developed by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council pursuant to Executive Order 12866 
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (1993), with particular 
adherence to EO 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Costs,'' 
82 FR 9339 (2017), EO 13777, ``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform 
Agenda,'' 82 FR 12285, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 
to 612. The purpose of publishing this agenda is to give notice of 
regulatory activity being undertaken by FAR Council in order to provide 
the public an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Mandell, Division Director, 
Regulatory Secretariat Division, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd Floor, 
Washington, DC 20405-0001, 202-501-2735.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DoD, GSA, and NASA, under the Office of 
Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Act (41 U.S.C. 1303) and the 
agencies' several statutory authorities, jointly issue and maintain the 
FAR through periodic issuance of changes published in the Federal 
Register and produced electronically as Federal Acquisition Circulars 
(FACs).
    The electronic version of the FAR, including changes, can be 
accessed on the FAR website at https://www.acquisition.gov/far.
    The information provided in the Unified Agenda (Agenda) previews 
the rulemaking activities that we expect to undertake in the immediate 
future. The Agenda focuses primarily on those actions expected to 
result in publication of Advanced Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, 
Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, or Final Rules within the next 12 
months.
    A fully searchable e-Agenda is available for viewing in its 
entirety at www.reginfo.gov. Agenda information is also available at 
www.regulations.gov, the government-wide website for submission of 
comments on proposed regulations. Our fall 2017 agenda follows.

    Dated: November 29, 2017.
 William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide, Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.

                    DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
348.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN43
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-014, Use of
                             Acquisition 360 to
                             Encourage Vendor Feedback.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
349.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM94
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-021;
                             Determination of Fair and
                             Reasonable Prices on
                             Orders Under Multiple
                             Award Contracts.
350.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN03
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-014;
                             Prohibition on Providing
                             Funds to the Enemy.
351.......................  FAR Acquisition Regulation         9000-AN31
                             (FAR); FAR Case 2015-038,
                             Reverse Auction Guidance.
352.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN32
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-005,
                             Whistleblower Protection
                             for Contractor Employees.
353.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN34
                             Regulation; FAR Case 2016-
                             002, Applicability of
                             Small Business
                             Regulations Outside the
                             United States.
354.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN38
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-013, Tax on
                             Certain Foreign
                             Procurement.
355.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN39
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-003; Individual
                             Sureties.
356.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN40
                             Regulations (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-002,
                             Requirements for DD Form
                             254, Contract Security
                             Classification
                             Specification.
357.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN44
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-013, Breaches
                             of Personally
                             Identifiable Information.
358.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN46
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-011, Section
                             508-Based Standards in
                             Information and
                             Communication Technology.
359.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN47
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-012,
                             Incremental Funding of
                             Fixed-Price Contracting
                             Actions.
360.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN48
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-037, Definition
                             of ``Information
                             Technology''.
361.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN49
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-028,
                             Performance-Based
                             Payments.
362.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN51
                             Regulation (FAR); Far
                             Case 2015-004, Provisions
                             and Clauses for
                             Acquisitions of
                             Commercial Items and
                             Acquisitions That do not
                             Exceed the Simplified
                             Acquisition Threshold.
363.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN53
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-006, Exception
                             From Certified Cost or
                             Pricing Data Requirements-
                             Adequate Price
                             Competition.
364.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN54
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-010, Evaluation
                             Factors for Multiple-
                             Award Contracts.
365.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN56
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-016, Controlled
                             Unclassified Information
                             (CUI).
366.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN57
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-018, Violation
                             of Arms Control Treaties
                             or Agreements with the
                             United States.
367.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN58
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             2017-020, Ombudsman for
                             Indefinite-Delivery
                             Contracts.
368.......................  Federal Regulation                 9000-AN59
                             Acquisition (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-019, Policy on
                             Joint Ventures.

[[Page 1951]]

 
369.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN61
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-003, Credit for
                             Lower-Tier Small Business
                             Subcontracting.
370.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN62
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-002, Protecting
                             Life in Global Health
                             Assistance (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 136).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
371.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM58
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2013-002; Reporting
                             of Nonconforming Items to
                             the Government-Industry
                             Data Exchange Program.
372.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM89
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-015; Strategic
                             Sourcing Documentation.
373.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM90
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2013-018;
                             Clarification of
                             Requirement for
                             Justifications for 8(a)
                             Sole Source Contracts.
374.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM93
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2014-002; Set-Asides
                             Under Multiple Award
                             Contracts.
375.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN02
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-017; Combating
                             Trafficking in Persons--
                             Definition of
                             ``Recruitment Fees''.
376.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN10
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-007, Non-
                             Retaliation for
                             Disclosure of
                             Compensation Information.
377.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN19
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-005, System for
                             Award Management
                             Registration.
378.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN26
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-039, Audit of
                             Settlement Proposals.
379.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN27
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-001, Paid Sick
                             Leave for Federal
                             Contractors.
380.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN28
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-033,
                             Sustainable Acquisition.
381.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN29
                             Regulation: FAR Case 2016-
                             005; Effective
                             Communication Between
                             Government and Industry.
382.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN35
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-011, (S)
                             Revision of Limitations
                             on Subcontracting.
383.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN37
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-004, Rate
                             Adjustment of Liquidated
                             Damages.
384.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN41
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-007, Task- and
                             Delivery-Order Protests.
385.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN45
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-009, Special
                             Emergency Procurement
                             Authority.
386.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN50
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-012, Increased
                             Micro-Purchase Threshold
                             for Certain Procurement
                             Activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
387.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN33
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-031, Policy on
                             8(a) Joint Ventures.
388.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN52
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-015, Removal of
                             Fair Pay and Safe
                             Workplaces Rule.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Prerule Stage

348. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-014, Use of 
Acquisition 360 To Encourage Vendor Feedback

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the solicitation of contractor 
feedback on both contract formation and contract administration 
activities. Agencies would consider this feedback, as appropriate, to 
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their acquisition 
activities. The rule would create FAR policy to encourage regular 
feedback in accordance with agency practice (both on contract formation 
and administration activities) and a standard FAR solicitation 
provision to support a sustainable model for broadened use of 
Acquisition 360 survey to elicit feedback on the pre-award and 
debriefing processes in a consistent and standardized manner. Agencies 
would be able to use the solicitation provision to notify interested 
sources that a procurement is part of the Acquisition 360 survey and 
encourage stakeholders to voluntarily provide feedback on their 
experiences on the pre-award process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   04/00/18
ANPRM Comment Period End............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN43


[[Page 1952]]



DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Proposed Rule Stage

349. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-021; 
Determination of Fair and Reasonable Prices on Orders Under Multiple 
Award Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to direct ordering activity contracting 
officers to make a determination of fair and reasonable pricing when 
placing an order against using GSA's Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). 
The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 established a 
preference for the types of information used to assess price 
reasonableness.
    This rule establishes a practice that will ensure that prices are 
fair and reasonable at the time the order is placed under the GSA's 
Federal Supply Schedules. This government-wide FAR rule will ensure 
uniform implementation of this FAR change across FAR-based contracts 
and avoid the proliferation of agency-wide rules and actions (e.g. 
revisions to FAR supplements or issuance of policy guidance) 
implementing this requirement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM94

350. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-014; 
Prohibition on Providing Funds to the Enemy

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement subtitle E of title VIII of 
the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015, which prohibits the 
Government from providing funds to the enemy. The Act requires the 
Secretary of Defense to notify executive agencies of persons or 
entities providing funds under certain contracts to persons or entities 
that are actively opposing the United States or coalition forces where 
the Armed Forces are actively engaged in a contingency operation; or 
has failed to exercise due diligence to ensure that none of the funds 
under certain contracts are provided to those persons or entities. 
After receiving such notification, the executive agency's Head of the 
Contracting Activity (HCA) may rescind, void the contract or terminate 
for default. The HCA's decision is entered into the Federal Awardee 
Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), or other formal 
system of records. Since, review of FAPIIS is required before making 
certain award decision, this rule helps to prevent the flow of funds to 
such persons or entities. The statute does not apply to contracts that 
are equal to or less than $50,000, and contracts performed inside the 
United States or its outlying areas, or contracts subject to a national 
security exception.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219-0202, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN03

351. FAR Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-038, Reverse 
Auction Guidance

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement policies addressing the 
effective use of reverse auctions. Reverse auctions involve offerors 
lowering their pricing over rounds of bidding in order to win federal 
contracts. This change incorporates guidance from the Office of Federal 
Procurement Policy (OFPP) memorandum, ``Effective Use of Reverse 
Auctions,'' which was issued in response to recommendations from the 
GAO report, Reverse Auctions: Guidance is Needed to Maximize 
Competition and Achieve Cost Savings (GAO-14-108). Reverse auctions are 
one tool used by federal agencies to increase competition and reduce 
the cost of certain items. Reverse auctions differ from traditional 
auctions in that sellers compete against one another to provide the 
lowest price or highest-value offer to a buyer. This change to the FAR 
will include guidance that will standardize agencies' use of reverse 
auctions help agencies maximize competition and savings when using 
reverse auctions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN31

352. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-005, 
Whistleblower Protection for Contractor Employees

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement 41 U.S.C. 4712, Enhancement 
of contractor protection from reprisal for disclosure of certain 
information and makes the pilot program permanent. The pilot was 
enacted on January 2, 2013, by section 828 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. The rule makes 
clear that contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from 
discharging, demoting, or otherwise discriminating against an employee 
as a reprisal for disclosing, to any of the entities such as agency 
Inspector Generals and Congress, information the employee reasonably 
believes is evidence of gross mismanagement of a Federal contract; a 
gross waste of Federal funds; an abuse of authority relating to a 
Federal contract; a substantial and specific danger to public health or 
safety; or violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal 
contract (including the competition for or negotiation of a contract. 
This rule enhances

[[Page 1953]]

whistleblower protections for contractor employees, by making permanent 
the protection for disclosure of the aforementioned information, and 
ensuring that the prohibition on reimbursement for legal fees accrued 
in defense against reprisal claims applies to subcontractors, as well 
as contractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219-0202, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN32

353. Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2016-002, Applicability 
of Small Business Regulations Outside the United States

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) consistent with SBA's regulation at 13 CFR 
125.2 as finalized in their rule Acquisition Process: Task and Delivery 
Order Contracts, Bundling, Consolidation'' issued on October 2, 2013, 
to clarify that overseas contracting is not excluded from agency 
responsibilities to foster small business participation (78 FR 61113).
    In its final rule, SBA has clarified that, as a general matter, its 
small business contracting regulations apply regardless of the place of 
performance. In light of these changes, there is a need to amend the 
FAR both to bring its coverage into alignment with SBA's regulation and 
to give agencies the tools they need especially the ability to use set-
asides to maximize opportunities for small businesses overseas.
    SBA intends to include contracts performed outside of the United 
States in agencies' prime contracting goals beginning in FY 2016. 
Although inclusion for goaling purposes is not dependent on FAR 
changes, amending FAR part 19 will allow agencies to take advantage of 
the tools authorized for providing small business opportunities for 
contracts awarded outside of the United States.
    This rule will allow agencies to take advantage of the tools 
authorized for providing small business opportunities for contracts 
awarded outside of the United States. This will make it easier for 
small businesses to receive additional opportunities for contracts 
performed outside of the United States.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN34

354. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-013, Tax on 
Certain Foreign Procurement

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 37; 51 U.S.C. 20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement a final rule issued by the 
Department of the Treasury (published at 81 FR 55133) that implements 
section 301 of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 
2010, Public Law 111347. This section imposes on any foreign person 
that receives a specified Federal procurement payment a tax equal to 
two percent of the amount such payment. This rule applies to Federal 
Government contracts for goods or services that are awarded to foreign 
persons.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405. Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN38

355. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-003; 
Individual Sureties

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113
    Abstract: DoD,GSA, and NASA are is proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to change the kinds of assets that 
individual sureties must use as security for their individual surety 
bonds. This change will implement section 874 of the NDAA for FY 2016 
(Pub. L. 114-92), codified at 31 U.S.C. 9310, Individual Sureties. 
Individual sureties will no longer be able to pledge real property, 
corporate stocks, corporate bonds, or irrevocable letters of credit. 
The requirements of 31 U.S.C. 9310 are intended to strengthen the 
assets pledged by individual sureties, thereby mitigating risk to the 
Government.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN39

356. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); FAR Case 2015-002, 
Requirements for DD FORM 254, Contract Security Classification 
Specification

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require the use of Department of 
Defense (DoD) Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) for the electronic submission 
of the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification. 
This form is used to convey security requirements regarding classified 
information to contractors and subcontractors and must be submitted to 
the Defense Security Services (DSS) when contractors or subcontractors 
require access to classified information under contracts awarded by 
agencies covered by the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). By 
changing the submittal process of the form from a manual process to an 
automated one, the government will reduce the cost of maintaining the 
forms, while also providing a centralized repository for classified 
contract security requirements and supporting data.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 1954]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN40

357. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-013, Breaches 
of Personally Identifiable Information

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to create and implement appropriate 
contract clauses and regulatory coverage to address contractor 
requirements for breach response consistent with the requirements. This 
FAR change will implement the requirements outlined in Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum, M-17-12 ``Preparing for and 
Responding to a Breach of Personally Identifiable Information'' section 
V part B.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN44

358. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-011, Section 
508-Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate revisions and updates to 
standards in section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, developed 
by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (also 
referred to as the ``Access Board''). This FAR change incorporates the 
U.S. Access Board's final rule, Information and Communication 
Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines, published on January 18, 
2017 , which implemented revisions and updates to the section 508-based 
standards and section 255-based guidelines. This rule is expected to 
impose additional costs on federal agencies. The purpose is to increase 
productivity for federal employees with disabilities, time savings due 
to improved accessibility of federal websites for members of the public 
with disabilities, and reduced call volumes to federal agencies. 
Additionally, this rule harmonizes standards with national and 
international consensus standards which would assist American ICT 
companies by helping to achieve economies of scale created by wider use 
of these technical standards.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN46

359. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-012, 
Incremental Funding of Fixed-Price Contracting Actions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to allow for incrementally funding of 
certain fixed-price contracting action to help minimize disruptions to 
agency operations, and provide Federal acquisition professionals with 
new funding flexibility for fixed-price contracting actions. The FAR 
addresses incremental funding on cost reimbursement contracts, however, 
does not provide coverage on fixed price contracts. Because the FAR is 
silent on the incremental funding of fixed-price contracts, contracting 
professionals endorse the full funding of fixed-price contracts as a 
best practice, however, in many cases full funding is not possible. 
Implementing this policy will provide the flexibility sought by several 
agencies. Although individual agencies have implemented policy changes 
for themselves, making this change to the FAR will provide consistency 
across Government agencies, from both policy and procedural 
perspectives.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN47

360. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-037, 
Definition of ``Information Technology''

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update the definition of ``information 
technology,'' as directed in the Office of Management and Budget Memo, 
M-15-14, entitled Management Oversight of Federal Information 
Technology.'' Specifically, the rule broadens the definition of 
information technology to include services such as cloud computing and 
to remove an exemption for information technology embedded in other 
systems.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN48

361. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-028, 
Performance-Based Payments

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR Clause 
52.232-32, Performance-Based Payments, to include the text for 
subcontract flowdown addressed at FAR 32.504(f), but not currently 
specified in the clause itself. No new requirements are added. This 
rule takes guidance to prime contractors on the terms and conditions 
for flowdown of performance-based payments currently in the FAR text 
and places it in the

[[Page 1955]]

applicable contract clause so that the contractor can readily see what 
language is to be used in subcontracts authoring performance-based 
payments.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN49

362. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-004, 
Provisions and Clauses for Acquisitions of Commercial Items and 
Acquisitions That Do Not Exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) with an internal administrative change to 
support the use of automated contract writing systems and reduce FAR 
maintenance when clauses are updated. Currently, the FAR provides a 
single, consolidated list of all provisions and clauses applicable to 
the acquisition of commercial items. When new clauses applicable to 
commercial items are added the FAR, a manual process of cross checking 
and renumbering of the list is employed to conform the FAR, The process 
is cumbersome and inefficient, and challenging to maintain, especially 
for contract writing systems. The proposed rule would propose a change 
to each clause prescription and each clause flowdown for commercial 
items to specify required information within the prescription/clause 
itself, without having to cross-check another clause, list or other 
parts of the FAR.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN51

363. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-006, Exception 
From Certified Cost or Pricing Data Requirements--Adequate Price 
Competition

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: The proposed rule implements section 822 of the NDAA for 
FY 2017 (Pub. L . 114-328) to modify the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR) for DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard to amend the FAR to implement 
exceptions from certified cost or pricing data requirements when price 
is based on adequate price competition at FAR 15.403(c)(1). This rule 
also limits the exception for price based on adequate price competition 
to circumstances in which there is adequate competition that results in 
at least two or more responsive and viable competing bids.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN53

364. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-010, 
Evaluation Factors for Multiple-Award Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 825 of the NDAA for 
FY 17 (Pub. L. 114-328). Section 825 amends 10 U.S.C. 2305(a)(3) to 
change the requirement regarding the consideration of cost or price to 
the Government as a factor in the evaluation of proposals for certain 
multiple-award task order contracts awarded by DoD, NASA, or the Coast 
Guard. At the Government's discretion, solicitations for multiple-award 
contracts, which intend to award the same or similar services to each 
qualifying offeror, do not require price or cost as an evaluation 
factor for the base contract award. This will streamline the award of 
contracts for DoD, NASA, and Coast Guard because they won't have to 
consider cost or price in the evaluation of the award decision. 
Relieving the requirement to account for cost or price when evaluating 
proposals for these types of contracts, which feature competitive 
orders, will enable procurement officials to focus their energy on 
establishing and evaluating the non-price factors that will result in 
more meaningful distinctions among offerors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN54

365. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-016, 
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 
program of Executive Order 13556 of Nov 4, 2010. As the executive agent 
designated to oversee the Governmentwide CUI program, NARA issued 
implementing regulations in late 2016 designed to address agency 
policies for designating, safeguarding, disseminating, marking, 
decontrolling and disposing of CUI. The NARA rule affects contractors 
that handle, possess, use, share or receive CUI. The NARA regulation is 
codified at 32 CFR 2002. This FAR rule is necessary to ensure uniform 
implementation of the requirements of the CUI program in contracts 
across the government, thereby avoiding potentially inconsistent 
agency-level action.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington,

[[Page 1956]]

DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN56

366.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-018, 
Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements With the United States

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1290(c)(3) of the 
NDAA for FY 2017, which requires the offeror to certify or any of its 
subsidiaries to certify that it does not engage in any activity that 
contributed to or is a significant factor in the determination that a 
country is not in full compliance with its obligations undertaken in 
all arms control, nonproliferation, and disarmament agreements or 
commitments to which the United States is a participating state.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219-0202, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN57

367.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR 2017-020, 
Ombudsman for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by providing a new clause with contact 
information for the agency task and delivery order ombudsman as 
required by FAR.). Specifically, FAR 16.504(a)(4)(v) requires that the 
name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, and email address of 
the agency task and delivery order ombudsman be included in 
solicitations and contracts for an indefinite quantity requirement, if 
multiple awards may be made for uniformity and consistency.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN58

368.  Federal Regulation Acquisition (FAR); FAR Case 2017-019, 
Policy on Joint Ventures

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes made by 
the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Mentor 
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Programs, published on July 25, 2016 (81 FR 
48557), regarding joint ventures and to clarify policy on 8(a) joint 
ventures. The regulatory changes provide industry with a new way to 
compete for small business or socioeconomic set-asides using a joint 
venture made up of a mentor and a prot[eacute]g[eacute]. The 8(a) joint 
venture clarification prevents confusion on an 8(a) joint venture's 
eligibility to compete for an 8(a) competitive procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Janet Fry, Program Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 
1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-3167, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN59

369.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-003, 
Credit for Lower-Tier Small Business Subcontracting

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation to implement section 1614 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2014, as implemented in the 
Small Business Administration's final rule issued on December 23, 2016. 
Section 1614 allows other than small prime contractors to receive small 
business subcontracting credit for subcontracts their subcontractors 
award to small businesses.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/18
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Janet Fry, Program Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 
1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-3167, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN61

370.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-002, 
Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 136 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 9000-AN62

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Final Rule Stage

371. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013-002; Reporting 
of Nonconforming Items to the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to expand Government and 
contractor requirements for reporting of nonconforming items. This rule 
partially implements section 818 of the National Defense Authorization 
Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 and implement requirements of the 
Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Policy Letter 91-3, 
entitled Reporting Nonconforming Products,'' dated April 9, 1991. This 
change will help mitigate the growing threat that counterfeit items 
pose when used in systems vital to an agency's mission. The primary 
benefit of this rule is to reduce the risk of counterfeit items 
entering the supply chain by ensuring that contractors report suspect 
items to a widely available database. This will allow the

[[Page 1957]]

contracting officer to provide disposition instructions for counterfeit 
or suspect counterfeit items in accordance with agency policy. In some 
cases, agency policy may require the contracting officer to direct the 
contractor to retain such items for investigative or evidentiary 
purposes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/10/14  79 FR 33164
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/11/14
Final Rule..........................   06/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM58

372. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-015; Strategic 
Sourcing Documentation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement a section of the Carl 
Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2015. This section requires the contract file shall 
contain certain documentation if the Federal Government makes a 
purchase of supplies and services offered under the Federal Strategic 
Sourcing Initiative (FSSI), but the FSSI is not used. The contract file 
for the purchase shall include a brief analysis of the comparative 
value, including price and non-price factors, between the supplies and 
services offered under the FSSI and those offered under the source(s) 
to be used for the purchase.
    The rule will raise the visibility of these strategic sourcing 
solutions, the analysis used when not using an FSSI contract vehicle, 
promote their use, and help to better leverage the Government's buying 
power when using FSSI vehicles. Strategic Sourcing drives both dollar 
savings and process improvements. The Federal Government, suppliers and 
ultimately the U.S. taxpayers benefit when government can better 
articulate its requirements and provide committed purchase volumes, and 
in return, industry suppliers can provide better pricing and more 
valuable solutions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/20/16  81 FR 39883
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/19/16
Final Rule..........................   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM89

373. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013-018; 
Clarification of Requirement for Justifications for 8(a) Sole Source 
Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify the guidance for sole 
source 8(a) contract awards exceeding $22 million. This rule implements 
guidance from a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled 
Federal Contracting: Slow Start to Implementation of Justifications for 
8(a) Sole-Source Contracts'' (GA0-13-118, December 2012). Sole-source 
contracting regulations are statutory and are found in section 811 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Pub. L. 
11184) (see 77 FR 23369). These clarifications improve the contracting 
officer's ability to comply with the sole source contracts statutory 
requirements by providing guidance, including when justification is 
necessary, how contracting officers should comply, and when a separate 
sole-source justification is necessary for out-of-scope modifications 
to 8(a) sole-source contracts. The GAO report indicates that the FAR 
needed additional clarification of the justification requirement to 
help ensure that agencies are applying the requirement consistently.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/15/16  81 FR 80012
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/17/17
Final Rule..........................   03/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM90

374. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2014-002; Set-
Asides Under Multiple Award Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes 
regarding procedures for the use of small business partial set-asides, 
reserves, and orders placed under multiple-award contracts. This rule 
incorporates statutory requirements discussed at section 1331 of the 
Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (15 U.S.C. 644(r)) and the Small 
Business Administration's final rule at 78 FR 61114, dated October 2, 
2013.
    Multiple-award contracts, due to their inherent flexibility, 
competitive nature, and administrative efficiency, are commonly used in 
Federal procurement. They have proven to be an effective means of 
contracting for large quantities of supplies and services for which the 
quantity and delivery requirements cannot be definitively determined at 
contract award. However, prior to 2011, the FAR was largely silent on 
the use of acquisition strategies to promote small business 
participation in conjunction with multiple-award contracts. This rule 
increases small business participation in Federal prime contracts by 
ensuring that small businesses have greater access to multiple award 
contracts and clarifying the procedures for partially setting aside and 
reserving multiple-award contracts for small business, and setting 
aside orders placed under multiple-award contracts for small business, 
thereby ensuring that small businesses have greater access to these 
commonly used vehicles.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/06/16  81 FR 88072
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/06/17
Final Rule..........................   03/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM93

[[Page 1958]]

375. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-017; Combating 
Trafficking in Persons--Definition of ``Recruitment Fees''

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order 
(E.O.) 13627, Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons 
in Federal Contracts, and title XVII of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. The rule adds a definition of 
``recruitment fees'' to FAR subpart 22.17, Combating Trafficking in 
Persons, and the associated clauses in order to clarify how the 
Government uses recruitment fees in the treatment of this prohibited 
practice that has been associated with labor trafficking under 
contracts and subcontracts. The purpose of the rule is to provide a 
standardized definition that clarifies prohibited recruitment to help 
fight against human trafficking.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/11/16  81 FR 29244
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/11/16
Final Rule..........................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 219-0202, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN02

376. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-007, Non-
Retaliation for Disclosure of Compensation Information

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order 
(E.O.) 13665, entitled ``Non-Retaliation for Disclosure of Compensation 
Information,'' (79 FR 20749) and the final rule issued by the Office of 
Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) of the Department of Labor 
(DOL) at 80 FR 54934, entitled ``Government Contractors, Prohibitions 
Against Pay Secrecy Policies and Actions.''
    This rule provides for a uniform policy for the Federal Government 
to prohibit Federal contractors from discriminating against employees 
and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their own 
compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   09/30/16  81 FR 67732
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      11/29/16
 End.
Final Rule..........................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN10

377. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-005, System 
for Award Management Registration

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update the instructions for 
System for Award Management (SAM) registration requirements and to 
correct an inconsistency with offeror representation and certification 
requirements. The language in the FAR was not consistent in terms of 
whether offerors need to register in SAM prior to submitting an offer 
or prior to award of a contract. This rule clarifies and makes the 
language consistent by requiring offerors' registration in SAM prior to 
submitting an offer. The rule does not place any new requirements on 
businesses and is considered administrative because the only change is 
when the requirement for registering in SAM must occur. Registering in 
SAM eliminates the need for potential offerors to complete 
representations and certifications multiple times a year when 
responding to solicitations, which reduces the burden on both the 
contractor and the government.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/20/16  81 FR 31895
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/19/16
Final Rule..........................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN19

378. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-039, Audit of 
Settlement Proposals

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amends the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to raise the dollar threshold 
requirement for the audit of prime contract settlement proposals and 
subcontract settlements from $100,000 to the Truth In Negotiation Act 
(TINA) threshold of $750,000 to help alleviate the backlog of contract 
close-outs and to enable contracting officers to more quickly 
deobligate excess funds from terminated contracts.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/14/16  81 FR 63158
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/14/16
Final Rule..........................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN26

379. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-001, Paid Sick 
Leave for Federal Contractors

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requiring Federal Government 
contractors to ensure that employees on those contracts can earn up to 
seven days or more of paid sick leave annually, including paid sick 
leave for family care. This rule implements the objective of Executive 
Order 13706, Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors and 
Department of Labor's final rule (81 FR 91627).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   12/16/16  81 FR 91627
Interim Final Rule Effective........   01/01/17
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      02/14/17
 End.

[[Page 1959]]

 
Final Rule..........................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN27

380. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-033, 
Sustainable Acquisition

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add a new definition for 
sustainable products and services and update several existing 
definitions germane to sustainable acquisition. This rule will also 
provide two new websites to help contractors understand the sustainable 
acquisition requirements and gain access to a listing of sustainable 
products and services as determined by the Federal Government. The rule 
implements Executive Order 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability 
in the Next Decade (supersedes Executive Orders 13423 and 13514), and 
the biobased product acquisition provisions of the Agricultural Act of 
2014 (also known as the 2014 Farm Bill).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/18/17  82 FR 5490
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/20/17
Final Rule..........................   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 795-6328, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN28

381. Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case 2016-005; Effective 
Communication Between Government and Industry

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 887 of the 
NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 114-92). This law provides that agency 
acquisition personnel are permitted and encouraged to engage in 
responsible and constructive exchanges with industry. This change will 
permit and encourage government acquisition personnel to engage in 
responsible and constructive exchanges with industry as part of market 
research as long as those exchanges are consistent with existing laws, 
regulations, and promote a fair competitive environment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/29/16  81 FR 85914
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/02/17
Final Rule..........................   04/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN29

382. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-011, (S) 
Revision of Limitations on Subcontracting

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise and standardize the 
limitations on subcontracting (LOS), including the nonmanufacturer rule 
(NMR), which apply to small business concerns under FAR part 19 
procurements. This FAR change incorporates SBA's final rule at 81 FR 
34243, which implemented the statutory requirements of section 1651 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. This 
action is necessary to meet the Congressional intent of clarifying the 
limitations on subcontracting with which small businesses must comply, 
as well as the ways in which they can comply. The rule will benefits 
small businesses and agencies. Prompt implementation of this rule will 
allow small businesses to take advantage of subcontracts with similarly 
situated entities. As a result, these small businesses will be able to 
compete for larger contracts, which would positively affect their 
potential for growth as well as that of their potential subcontractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   01/00/18
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      03/00/18
 End.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN35

383. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-004, Rate 
Adjustment of Liquidated Damages

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to adjust the civil monetary 
penalties for inflation pursuant to the Inflation Adjustment Act 
Improvements Act. This Act requires agencies to adjust the levels of 
civil monetary penalties with an initial catch-up adjustment, followed 
by the annual adjustment for inflation.
    This rule implements the Department of Labor (DOL) interim final 
rule published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 43430 on July 1, 2016, 
finalized at 82 FR 5373 on January 18, 2017. The DOL rule adjusted the 
civil monetary penalties for inflation pursuant to the Federal Civil 
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 as amended by the Federal 
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 
701 of Pub. L. 114-74).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   01/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN37

384. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-007, Task- and 
Delivery-Order Protests

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to raise the threshold for task- 
and delivery-order protests from $10 million

[[Page 1960]]

to $25 million for DoD and make permanent the General Accountability 
Office's authority to hear protests on civilian task or delivery 
contracts valued in excess of $10 million. The rule implements sections 
835 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (Pub. L. 114-
328) and Public Law 114-260 835(a).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Gray, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 795-6328, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN41

385. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-009, Special 
Emergency Procurement Authority

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections 816 and 1641 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 
114-328). Section 816 adds international disaster assistance under the 
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and emergency or disaster under the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 
Section 1641 adds special emergency procurement authority to facilitate 
defense against or recovery from a cyber-attack. Adding these 
authorities enables a more effective and immediate response to 
emergency or major disasters, cyber attacks, and international 
disasters. For example, certain authorities would be available to the 
contracting officer based on agency procedures, the micropurchase 
threshold may be increased to $20,000 for any contract to be awarded 
and performed, or purchase to be made in support of the designated 
areas; and the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) may be increased 
to $750,000, or $13,000,000 for commercial items, for any contract to 
be awarded and performed, or purchased in support of the designated 
areas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   02/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN45

386. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-012, Increased 
Micro-Purchase Threshold for Certain Procurement Activities

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update the definition of micro-
purchase threshold'' in FAR 2.101 to implement the higher micro-
purchase threshold provided by section 217(b) of the NDAA for FY 2017 
(Pub. L. 114-328). Specifically, section 217(b) amends 41 U.S.C. 1902 
to increase the micro-purchase threshold for acquisitions from 
institutions of higher education or related or affiliated nonprofit 
entities, or from nonprofit research organizations or independent 
research institutes, to $10,000, or a higher amount as determined 
appropriate by the head of the relevant executive agency and consistent 
with clean audit findings under 31 U.S.C. chapter 75, an internal 
institutional risk assessment, or state law. As a result of this rule, 
affected contractors will no longer receive a written request for quote 
(RFQ) and/or a Government purchase order for requirements valued 
between $3,501 and $10,000. Instead, the order can be placed online, by 
phone, in person, or by fax via the Government purchase card (GPC). 
Therefore, the contractor will no longer be required to read the RFQ 
and/or purchase order for various Government-provided information.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   03/00/18
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN50

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Completed Actions

387. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-031, Policy on 
8(A) Joint Ventures

    E.O. 13771 Designation:
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: This case has been merged into FAR Case 2017-019.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to be consistent with the guidance in SBA regulations 
at 13 CFR 124 8(A) Business Development/Small Disadvantaged Business 
Status Determinations (77 FR 28237). These clarifications are expected 
to relieve burden on both industry and government by reducing the 
number of protests related to inappropriate elimination from 
competition of offers from 8(a) joint ventures and inappropriate awards 
to ineligible 8(a) joint ventures. This will reduce the risk for fraud 
by clarifying the role of SBA as the authority for making eligibility 
determination. The rule is also expected to facilitate competition by 
clarifying the circumstances under which a joint venture is eligible 
for award under the 8(a) program.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merged With Policy on Joint Ventures   09/12/17
 (2017-019).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Phone: 703 605-2868, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN33

388. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-015, Removal 
of Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Rule

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA plan to issue a final rule to repeal 
the implementation of Executive Order 13673 on Fair Pay and Safe 
Workplaces since Executive Order 13673 was officially nullified on 
March 27, 2017 (see Pub. L. 115-11). Additionally, Executive Order 
13782 of March 30, 2017, revoked Executive Order 13673, section 3 of 
Executive Order 13683 of

[[Page 1961]]

December 11, 2014, and Executive Order 13738 of August 23, 2016. This 
action was made to have no force or effect by an enacted joint 
resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, H.J. 
Res.37 (Pub. L. 115-11).
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule, CRA Revocation..........   11/06/17  82 FR 51773
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Phone: 202 969-7207, Email: 
[email protected]/.
    RIN: 9000-AN52

[FR Doc. 2017-28242 Filed 1-11-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P

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