Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification of DFARS Clause, “Advanced Payment Pool” (DFARS Case 2019-D013), 58364-58366 [2019-23803]

Download as PDF 58364 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2019 / Proposed Rules a. In paragraph (b)(3)(iii), removing ‘‘subsection’’ and adding ‘‘section’’ in its place; ■ b. Revising paragraph (b)(3)(iv). The revision reads as follows: (End of clause) ■ 204.7104–1 252.204–7006 Criteria for establishing. * * * * * (b) * * * (3) * * * (iv) When the price for items not separately priced is included in the price of another contract line or subline item, it may be necessary to withhold payment on the priced contract line or subline item until the included line or subline items that are not separately priced have been delivered. See the clause at 252.204–7002, Payment for Contract Line or Subline Items Not Separately Priced. ■ 3. Revise section 204.7109 to read as follows: 204.7109 Contract clauses. (a) Use the clause at 252.204–7002, Payment for Contract Line or Subline Items Not Separately Priced, in solicitations and contracts when the price for items not separately priced is included in the price of another contract line or subline item. (b) Use the clause at 252.204–7006, Billing Instructions, in solicitations and contracts if Section G includes— (1) Any of the standard payment instructions at PGI 204.7108(b)(2); or (2) Other payment instructions, in accordance with PGI 204.7108(d)(12), that require contractor identification of the contract line item(s) on the payment request. PART 252—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES 4. Revise section 252.204–7002 to read as follows: ■ 252.204–7002 Payment for Contract Line or Subline Items Not Separately Priced. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS As prescribed in 204.7109(a), use the following clause: Payment for Contract Line or Subline Items Not Separately Priced (Date) (a) If the schedule in this contract contains any contract line or subline items identified as not separately priced (NSP), it means that the unit price for the NSP line or subline item is included in the unit price of another, related line or subline item. (b) The Contractor shall not invoice the Government for an item that includes in its price an NSP item until— (1) The Contractor has also delivered the NSP item included in the price of the item being invoiced; and (2) The Government has accepted the NSP item. (c) This clause does not apply to technical data. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Oct 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 [Amended] 5. Amend section 252.204–7006 introductory text by removing ‘‘204.7109’’ and adding ‘‘204.7109(b)’’ in its place. ■ [FR Doc. 2019–23801 Filed 10–30–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense Acquisition Regulations System 48 CFR Parts 232 and 252 [Docket DARS–2019–0059] RIN 0750–AK50 Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification of DFARS Clause, ‘‘Advanced Payment Pool’’ (DFARS Case 2019–D013) Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to modify the text of an existing DFARS clause to include the text of another DFARS clause on the same subject in an effort to streamline contract terms and conditions for contractors. DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to the address shown below on or before December 30, 2019, to be considered in the formation of a final rule. ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2019–D013, using any of the following methods: Æ Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Search for ‘‘DFARS Case 2019–D013.’’ Select ‘‘Comment Now’’ and follow the instructions to submit a comment. Please include ‘‘DFARS Case 2019– D013’’ on any attached documents. Æ Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include DFARS Case 2019–D013 in the subject line of the message. Æ Fax: 571–372–6094. Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Carrie Moore, OUSD(A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–3060. Comments received generally will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carrie Moore, telephone 571–372–6093. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background This rule proposes to modify the clause at DFARS 252.232–7000, Advance Payment Pool, to incorporate the information currently included in DFARS clause 252.232–7001, Disposition of Payments, and make minor changes to simplify the clause text. Combining these clauses will result in 252.232–7001 being removed from the DFARS. II. Discussion and Analysis When applying for advance payments under a contract in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 32.408, contractors must provide the name and address of the financial institution, also referred to as the ‘‘disbursing office,’’ at which the contractor will establish a special account to serve as the depository for the advance payments. FAR 32.406(b) requires the Government to use either a letter of credit or a direct Treasury check to make advance payments to a contractor, unless a waiver is obtained from the Treasury Department. A letter of credit is issued by the Government when the contract and the contractor meet certain criteria. The letter of credit enables the contractor to withdraw Government funds from the special account to cover the contractor’s own disbursements of cash for contract performance. If the contract and/or contractor cannot meet the criteria, a letter of credit is not issued, and the contractor must submit a properly certified invoice or voucher to the Government for approval. Upon approval of the invoice or voucher, a dual Treasury check is issued to the disbursing office for dissemination to the contractor’s special account. Prior to contract award and in accordance with FAR 32.4, the Government executes a determination supported by a written findings, authorization for the use of advance payment, and an agreement identifying the terms and conditions for advance payment under the contract. FAR clause 52.232–12, Advanced Payments, is included in all solicitations and contracts under which the Government will provide advance payments. The FAR clause advises contractors that advance payment will be made via a letter of credit or submission of a properly certified and approved invoice. E:\FR\FM\31OCP1.SGM 31OCP1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2019 / Proposed Rules DFARS clause 252.232–7000 is included in all contracts that will be subject to an advance payment pool agreement with a nonprofit organization or educational institution. The DFARS clause supplements the FAR clause by notifying contractors that advance payments will also be made in accordance with the findings, determinations, and authorization for advance payment and the terms and conditions of the advance payment pool agreement. DFARS clause 252.232–7001, Disposition of Payments, is also included in contracts that will be subject to an advanced payment pool agreement with a nonprofit organization or educational institution, but only when advance payments will not be made by the disbursing office (i.e., when a letter of credit has not been issued under the contract and the contractor must submit an invoice of voucher in accordance with the FAR clause). The DFARS clause supplements the FAR clause by clarifying for contractors that advance payments will be made via a dual Treasury check forwarded to the disbursing office for distribution to the contractor. This rule proposes to combine both DFARS clauses, by adding text to DFARS clause 252.232–7000 to clarify for contractors when a dual Treasury check will be used to make payment under the contract. This information was previously included in DFARS clause 252.232–7001 and the associated prescription. By combining these clauses, DFARS clause 252.232–7001 may be removed from the DFARS. This rule does not change any existing processes or add any new requirements for either DoD or the public. Both DFARS clauses supplement the FAR clause and clarify the terms and conditions that apply when advance payment pool agreements are authorized under the contract. As such, these DFARS clauses can be combined to streamline and consolidate the information provided to contractors regarding advanced payment pool agreements. The modification of this DFARS text supports a recommendation from the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force. On February 24, 2017, the President signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13777, ‘‘Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,’’ which established a Federal policy ‘‘to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens’’ on the American people. In accordance with E.O. 13777, DoD established a Regulatory Reform Task Force to review and validate DoD regulations, including the DFARS. A public notice of the establishment of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Oct 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 DFARS Subgroup to the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force, for the purpose of reviewing DFARS provisions and clauses, was published in the Federal Register at 82 FR 35741 on August 1, 2017, and requested public input. No public comments were received on these clauses. Subsequently, the DoD Task Force reviewed the requirements of DFARS clauses 252.232–7000 and 252.232–7001 and determined that the clauses could be combined. III. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and for Commercial Items, Including Commercially Available Offthe-Shelf Items This proposed rule does not create any new provisions or clauses. The rule combines two clauses on the same topic into a single clause and makes minor modifications to simplify clause text. This rule does not change the applicability of the affected clauses, which are not included in solicitations and contracts that are valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold or for commercial items, including commercially available off-the-shelf items. IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not subject to review under section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. V. Executive Order 13771 This rule is not subject to E.O. 13771, because this rule is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act DoD does not expect this proposed rule to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because the rule is not creating any new requirements or changing any existing requirements for contractors. However, an initial regulatory flexibility PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 58365 analysis has been performed and is summarized as follows: DoD is proposing to modify the DFARS clause 252.232–7000, Advance Payment Pool, to incorporate the information currently included in DFARS clause 252.232–7001, Disposition of Payments, and make minor changes to simplify the clause text. Combining these clauses will result in 252.232–7001 being removed from the DFARS. This rule is pursuant to action taken by the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force. The objective of this proposed rule is to streamline and consolidate the information provided to contractors regarding advanced payment pool agreements. DoD does not collect data on the number of contracts awarded to small business entities that involve advanced payment pool agreements with a nonprofit organization or educational institution; therefore, DoD is unable to estimate the number of small entities that will be impacted by this rule. However, DoD does not expect small businesses entities to be significantly impacted by this rule, because the rule does not change any existing processes or impose any additional burdens. Instead, the rule streamlines and clarifies the information currently provided under the two clauses. This proposed rule does not include any new reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements for small businesses. This rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other Federal rules. There are no known significant alternative approaches to the proposed rule that would meet the proposed objectives. DoD invites comments from small business concerns and other interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small entities. DoD will also consider comments from small entities concerning the existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (DFARS Case 2019–D013) in correspondence. VI. Paperwork Reduction Act The rule does not contain any information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). E:\FR\FM\31OCP1.SGM 31OCP1 58366 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2019 / Proposed Rules List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 232 and 252 Defense Acquisition Regulations System Government procurement. Jennifer Lee Hawes, Regulatory Control Officer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System. 48 CFR Parts 249 and 252 [Docket DARS–2019–0060] Therefore, 48 CFR parts 232 and 252 are proposed to be amended as follows: 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 232 and 252 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1. 2. Amend section 232.412–70 by— a. Removing paragraph (b); ■ b. Redesignating paragraph (c) as (b); and ■ c. In the newly redesignated paragraph (b), removing ‘‘(See subpart 219.71)’’ and adding ‘‘(see subpart 219.71)’’ in its place. ■ ■ PART 252—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES 3. Amend section 252.232–7000 by— a. Removing the clause date of ‘‘(DEC 1991)’’ and adding ‘‘(DATE)’’ in its place; ■ b. In paragraph (b), removing ‘‘(insert the name of the contractor)’’ and adding ‘‘[insert the name of the Contractor]’’ in its place; ■ c. Adding paragraph (c). The addition reads as follows: ■ ■ Advance payment pool. * * * * * (c) When a letter of credit has not been issued to the Contractor in conjunction with the contract, payment will be by a dual payee Treasury check made payable to the Contractor or the disbursing office in the Advance Payment Pool Agreement and will be forwarded to that disbursing office for appropriate disposition. * * * * * 252.232–700 [Removed and Reserved] 4. Remove and reserve section 252.232–7001. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ■ 252.232–7005 [Amended] 5. Amend section 252.232–7005 in the introductory text by removing ‘‘232.412–70(c)’’ and adding ‘‘232.412– 70(b)’’ in its place. ■ [FR Doc. 2019–23803 Filed 10–30–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:20 Oct 30, 2019 Jkt 250001 RIN 0750–AK56 Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification of DFARS Clause ‘‘Notification of Anticipated Contract Termination or Reduction’’ (DFARS Case 2019–D019) Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: PART 232—CONTRACT FINANCING 252.232–7000 I. Background DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to update legal and DFARS citations in an existing DFARS clause, conform the clause text to the current DFARS convention regarding the use of dollar thresholds in contract clauses, and remove clause text that is no longer needed to implement the underlying statutory language. DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to the address shown below on or before December 30, 2019, to be considered in the formation of a final rule. ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2019–D019, using any of the following methods: Æ Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Search for ‘‘DFARS Case 2018–D019.’’ Select ‘‘Comment Now’’ and follow the instructions to submit a comment. Please include ‘‘DFARS Case 2019– D019’’ on any attached documents. Æ Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include DFARS Case 2019–D019 in the subject line of the message. Æ Fax: 571–372–6094. Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Carrie Moore, OUSD(A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301–3060. Comments received generally will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov, approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carrie Moore, telephone 571–372–6093. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Within the DFARS, statutory acquisition-related dollar thresholds that are subject to inflation adjustment under 41 U.S.C. 1908 are identified in the applicable DFARS policy section. Any clause that relies on such a threshold will reference the threshold in the applicable DFARS policy section, instead of citing the actual dollar value. This drafting convention ensures that inflation adjustments of statutory acquisition-related thresholds apply to existing contracts and subcontracts in effect on the date of the adjustment. To conform to this drafting convention, this rule proposes to modify the DFARS subpart 249.70 to add the pertinent dollar thresholds of 10 U.S.C. 2501 note, Notice to Contractors and Employees Upon Proposed Termination or Substantial Reduction in Major Defense Programs, and modify DFARS clause 252.249–7002, Notification of Anticipated Contract Termination or Reduction, to add references to the statutory thresholds cited at DFARS subpart 249.70. In addition, DFARS clause 252.249– 7002 advises contractors of the benefits that may be available to affected employees through the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1661 and 1662; Pub. L. 97–300). The Job Training and Partnership Act was repealed and superseded by the Workforce Investment Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. chapter 30; Pub. L. 105–220), which was later repealed and superseded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. chapter 32; Pub. L. 113– 128). This rule proposes to modify DFARS clause 252.249–7002 to reflect the current statute associated with the 10 U.S.C. 2501 note and make other conforming changes. II. Discussion and Analysis DFARS clause 252.249–7002 is included in all contracts under a major defense program and implements the requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2501 note. The 10 U.S.C. 2501 note requires contractors, upon receiving notice of contract termination or a substantial reduction in funding resulting from an appropriations act, to provide notice of the anticipated termination or substantial reduction to first-tier subcontractors with a subcontract of $700,000 or more, and flow down the notification to lower-tier subcontractors with a subcontract of $150,000 or more. To implement the dollar thresholds of the 10 U.S.C. 2501 note in accordance with the current DFARS drafting convention, the rule adds the relevant dollar thresholds in DFARS 249.7003, E:\FR\FM\31OCP1.SGM 31OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58364-58366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-23803]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System

48 CFR Parts 232 and 252

[Docket DARS-2019-0059]
RIN 0750-AK50


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification 
of DFARS Clause, ``Advanced Payment Pool'' (DFARS Case 2019-D013)

AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition 
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to modify the text of an existing DFARS 
clause to include the text of another DFARS clause on the same subject 
in an effort to streamline contract terms and conditions for 
contractors.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to 
the address shown below on or before December 30, 2019, to be 
considered in the formation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2019-D013, using 
any of the following methods:
    [cir] Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Search for ``DFARS Case 2019-D013.'' Select ``Comment Now'' and follow 
the instructions to submit a comment. Please include ``DFARS Case 2019-
D013'' on any attached documents.
    [cir] Email: [email protected]. Include DFARS Case 2019-D013 in 
the subject line of the message.
    [cir] Fax: 571-372-6094.
    [cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Carrie 
Moore, OUSD(A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, 
Washington, DC 20301-3060.
    Comments received generally will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. To 
confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov, 
approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting 
(except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carrie Moore, telephone 571-372-
6093.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    This rule proposes to modify the clause at DFARS 252.232-7000, 
Advance Payment Pool, to incorporate the information currently included 
in DFARS clause 252.232-7001, Disposition of Payments, and make minor 
changes to simplify the clause text. Combining these clauses will 
result in 252.232-7001 being removed from the DFARS.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    When applying for advance payments under a contract in accordance 
with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 32.408, contractors must 
provide the name and address of the financial institution, also 
referred to as the ``disbursing office,'' at which the contractor will 
establish a special account to serve as the depository for the advance 
payments. FAR 32.406(b) requires the Government to use either a letter 
of credit or a direct Treasury check to make advance payments to a 
contractor, unless a waiver is obtained from the Treasury Department.
    A letter of credit is issued by the Government when the contract 
and the contractor meet certain criteria. The letter of credit enables 
the contractor to withdraw Government funds from the special account to 
cover the contractor's own disbursements of cash for contract 
performance. If the contract and/or contractor cannot meet the 
criteria, a letter of credit is not issued, and the contractor must 
submit a properly certified invoice or voucher to the Government for 
approval. Upon approval of the invoice or voucher, a dual Treasury 
check is issued to the disbursing office for dissemination to the 
contractor's special account.
    Prior to contract award and in accordance with FAR 32.4, the 
Government executes a determination supported by a written findings, 
authorization for the use of advance payment, and an agreement 
identifying the terms and conditions for advance payment under the 
contract. FAR clause 52.232-12, Advanced Payments, is included in all 
solicitations and contracts under which the Government will provide 
advance payments. The FAR clause advises contractors that advance 
payment will be made via a letter of credit or submission of a properly 
certified and approved invoice.

[[Page 58365]]

    DFARS clause 252.232-7000 is included in all contracts that will be 
subject to an advance payment pool agreement with a nonprofit 
organization or educational institution. The DFARS clause supplements 
the FAR clause by notifying contractors that advance payments will also 
be made in accordance with the findings, determinations, and 
authorization for advance payment and the terms and conditions of the 
advance payment pool agreement.
    DFARS clause 252.232-7001, Disposition of Payments, is also 
included in contracts that will be subject to an advanced payment pool 
agreement with a nonprofit organization or educational institution, but 
only when advance payments will not be made by the disbursing office 
(i.e., when a letter of credit has not been issued under the contract 
and the contractor must submit an invoice of voucher in accordance with 
the FAR clause). The DFARS clause supplements the FAR clause by 
clarifying for contractors that advance payments will be made via a 
dual Treasury check forwarded to the disbursing office for distribution 
to the contractor.
    This rule proposes to combine both DFARS clauses, by adding text to 
DFARS clause 252.232-7000 to clarify for contractors when a dual 
Treasury check will be used to make payment under the contract. This 
information was previously included in DFARS clause 252.232-7001 and 
the associated prescription. By combining these clauses, DFARS clause 
252.232-7001 may be removed from the DFARS.
    This rule does not change any existing processes or add any new 
requirements for either DoD or the public. Both DFARS clauses 
supplement the FAR clause and clarify the terms and conditions that 
apply when advance payment pool agreements are authorized under the 
contract. As such, these DFARS clauses can be combined to streamline 
and consolidate the information provided to contractors regarding 
advanced payment pool agreements.
    The modification of this DFARS text supports a recommendation from 
the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force. On February 24, 2017, the 
President signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13777, ``Enforcing the 
Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' which established a Federal policy ``to 
alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens'' on the American people. In 
accordance with E.O. 13777, DoD established a Regulatory Reform Task 
Force to review and validate DoD regulations, including the DFARS. A 
public notice of the establishment of the DFARS Subgroup to the DoD 
Regulatory Reform Task Force, for the purpose of reviewing DFARS 
provisions and clauses, was published in the Federal Register at 82 FR 
35741 on August 1, 2017, and requested public input. No public comments 
were received on these clauses. Subsequently, the DoD Task Force 
reviewed the requirements of DFARS clauses 252.232-7000 and 252.232-
7001 and determined that the clauses could be combined.

III. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition 
Threshold and for Commercial Items, Including Commercially Available 
Off-the-Shelf Items

    This proposed rule does not create any new provisions or clauses. 
The rule combines two clauses on the same topic into a single clause 
and makes minor modifications to simplify clause text. This rule does 
not change the applicability of the affected clauses, which are not 
included in solicitations and contracts that are valued at or below the 
simplified acquisition threshold or for commercial items, including 
commercially available off-the-shelf items.

IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not 
subject to review under section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning 
and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule 
under 5 U.S.C. 804.

V. Executive Order 13771

    This rule is not subject to E.O. 13771, because this rule is not a 
significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD does not expect this proposed rule to have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., 
because the rule is not creating any new requirements or changing any 
existing requirements for contractors. However, an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis has been performed and is summarized as follows:
    DoD is proposing to modify the DFARS clause 252.232-7000, Advance 
Payment Pool, to incorporate the information currently included in 
DFARS clause 252.232-7001, Disposition of Payments, and make minor 
changes to simplify the clause text. Combining these clauses will 
result in 252.232-7001 being removed from the DFARS. This rule is 
pursuant to action taken by the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force.
    The objective of this proposed rule is to streamline and 
consolidate the information provided to contractors regarding advanced 
payment pool agreements.
    DoD does not collect data on the number of contracts awarded to 
small business entities that involve advanced payment pool agreements 
with a nonprofit organization or educational institution; therefore, 
DoD is unable to estimate the number of small entities that will be 
impacted by this rule. However, DoD does not expect small businesses 
entities to be significantly impacted by this rule, because the rule 
does not change any existing processes or impose any additional 
burdens. Instead, the rule streamlines and clarifies the information 
currently provided under the two clauses.
    This proposed rule does not include any new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements for small businesses.
    This rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other 
Federal rules.
    There are no known significant alternative approaches to the 
proposed rule that would meet the proposed objectives.
    DoD invites comments from small business concerns and other 
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small 
entities. DoD will also consider comments from small entities 
concerning the existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such 
comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (DFARS Case 2019-D013) 
in correspondence.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The rule does not contain any information collection requirements 
that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

[[Page 58366]]

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 232 and 252

    Government procurement.

Jennifer Lee Hawes,
Regulatory Control Officer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 232 and 252 are proposed to be amended as 
follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 232 and 252 continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority:  41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.

PART 232--CONTRACT FINANCING

0
2. Amend section 232.412-70 by--
0
a. Removing paragraph (b);
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (c) as (b); and
0
c. In the newly redesignated paragraph (b), removing ``(See subpart 
219.71)'' and adding ``(see subpart 219.71)'' in its place.

PART 252--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
3. Amend section 252.232-7000 by--
0
a. Removing the clause date of ``(DEC 1991)'' and adding ``(DATE)'' in 
its place;
0
b. In paragraph (b), removing ``(insert the name of the contractor)'' 
and adding ``[insert the name of the Contractor]'' in its place;
0
c. Adding paragraph (c).
    The addition reads as follows:


252.232-7000  Advance payment pool.

* * * * *
    (c) When a letter of credit has not been issued to the Contractor 
in conjunction with the contract, payment will be by a dual payee 
Treasury check made payable to the Contractor or the disbursing office 
in the Advance Payment Pool Agreement and will be forwarded to that 
disbursing office for appropriate disposition.
* * * * *


252.232-700   [Removed and Reserved]

0
4. Remove and reserve section 252.232-7001.


252.232-7005   [Amended]

0
5. Amend section 252.232-7005 in the introductory text by removing 
``232.412-70(c)'' and adding ``232.412-70(b)'' in its place.

[FR Doc. 2019-23803 Filed 10-30-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P


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