NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Parts (NFS Case 2017-N010), 663-668 [2019-27714]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 4 / Tuesday, January 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
shall send a copy of this Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, including the
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis,
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the
Small Business Administration.
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 76
Cable Television, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
Proposed Rules
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Federal Communications
Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR
part 76 as follows:
PART 76—MULTICHANNEL VIDEO
AND CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE
1. The authority citation for part 76
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 153, 154,
301, 302, 302a, 303, 303a, 307, 308, 309, 312,
315, 317, 325, 338, 339, 340, 341, 503, 521,
522, 531, 532, 534, 535, 536, 537, 543, 544,
544a, 545, 548, 549, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560,
561, 571, 572, 573.
■
2. Revise § 76.1601 to read as follows:
§ 76.1601 Deletion or repositioning of
broadcast signals.
A cable operator shall provide written
notice to any broadcast television
station at least 30 days prior to either
deleting from carriage or repositioning
that station.
■ 3. Amend § 76.1603 by revising
paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows,
removing paragraphs (d) and (e), and
redesignating paragraph (f) as paragraph
(d):
§ 76.1603 Customer service—rate and
service changes.
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[FR Doc. 2019–28430 Filed 1–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 1812, 1831, 1846, and
1852
RIN 2700–AE38
NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation
Supplement: Detection and Avoidance
of Counterfeit Parts (NFS Case 2017–
N010)
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
NASA is proposing to amend
the NASA Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (NFS) to add
new text that requires covered
contractors and subcontractors at all
tiers to use electronic parts that are
currently in production and purchased
from the original manufacturers of the
parts, their authorized dealers, or
suppliers who obtain such parts
exclusively from the original
manufacturers of the parts or their
authorized dealers. If the contractor
does not purchase electronic parts as
described above, they must purchase the
parts from a NASA identified supplier
or contractor-approved supplier. The
contractor will then assume
responsibility and be required to
inspect, test and validate authentication
of the parts. The contractor will also be
required to obtain traceability
information and provide this
SUMMARY:
*
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*
(b) Cable operators shall provide
written notice to subscribers of any
changes in rates, services, or any of the
other information required to be
provided to subscribers by § 76.1602
using any reasonable written means at
the operator’s sole discretion. Notice
shall be provided to subscribers at least
30 days in advance of the change, unless
the change results from circumstances
outside of the cable operator’s control
(including failed retransmission consent
or program carriage negotiations during
the last 30 days of a contract), in which
case notice shall be provided as soon as
possible. Notice of rate changes shall
include the precise amount of the rate
change and explain the reason for the
change in readily understandable terms.
Notice of changes involving the addition
or deletion of channels shall
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individually identify each channel
affected.
(c) Upon the request of the local
franchising authority, cable operators
shall provide written notice to local
franchising authorities of any changes in
rates or services using any reasonable
written means at the operator’s sole
discretion. Notice shall be provided to
local franchising authorities 30 days in
advance of the change, unless the
change results from circumstances
outside of the cable operator’s control
(including failed retransmission consent
or program carriage negotiations during
the last 30 days of a contract), in which
case notice shall be provided as soon as
possible. Notice of rate changes shall
include the precise amount of the rate
change and explain the reason for the
change in readily understandable terms.
Notice of changes involving the addition
or deletion of channels shall
individually identify each channel
affected.
*
*
*
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663
information to the contracting officer
upon request. The selection of
contractor-approved suppliers is subject
to review and audit by the contracting
officer.
DATES: Comments on the proposed rule
should be submitted in writing to the
address shown below on or before
March 9, 2020, to be considered in the
formation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments
identified by NFS Case 2017–N010,
using any of the following methods:
Æ Regulations.gov: https://
www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by
entering ‘‘NFS Case 2017–N010’’ under
the heading ‘‘Enter keyword or ID’’ and
selecting ‘‘Search.’’ Select the link
‘‘Submit a Comment’’ that corresponds
with ‘‘NFS Case 2017–N010’’ Follow the
instructions provided at the ‘‘Submit a
Comment’’ screen. Please include your
name, company name (if any), and
‘‘NFS Case 2017–N010’’ on your
attached document.
Æ Email: Dorice.M.Kenely@nasa.gov.
Include NFS Case 2017–N010 in the
subject line of the message.
Æ Mail: National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, Headquarters,
Office of Procurement, Policy, Training
and Pricing Division, Attn: Dorice
Kenely, LP–011, 300 E Street SW,
Washington, DC 20546–0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dorice Kenely, NASA HQ, Office of
Procurement, Policy, Training and
Pricing Division, LP–011, 300 E Street
SW, Washington, DC 20456–0001.
Telephone 202–358–0443; facsimile
202–358–3082.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
This proposed rule implements
section 823(c)(2)(B) of Public Law 115–
10, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017. In this
Section Congress stated it found in a
2012 Investigation by the Committee on
Armed Services counterfeit electronic
parts in the Department of Defense
supply chain. From 2009 through 2010
the investigation uncovered 1,800 cases
and over 1,000,000 counterfeit parts.
This exposed the threat counterfeit parts
pose to service members and national
security. Since 2010, the Comptroller
General of the United States has
discussed in three reports the risks and
challenges associated with counterfeit
parts and counterfeit prevention at both
the Department of Defense and NASA,
including inconsistent definitions of
counterfeit parts, poorly targeted quality
control practices, and other potential
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barriers to improvements to these
practices.
With this rule, NASA is proposing to
revise the NASA Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (NFS) to add
new text requiring a covered contractor,
defined as a contractor supplying an
electronic part or a product that
contains an electronic part, and their
subcontractors at all tiers to use
electronic parts that are currently in
production and purchased from the
original manufacturers, their authorized
dealers, or suppliers who obtain such
parts exclusively from the original
manufacturers of the parts or their
authorized dealers. If the contractor
does not purchase electronic parts as
described above they must purchase the
parts from a NASA identified supplier
or contractor-approved supplier. The
contractor then assumes responsibility
and be required to inspect, test and
validate authentication of the part. The
contractor will also be required to
obtain traceability information and
provide this information to the
contracting officer upon request. The
selection of contractor-approved
suppliers is subject to review and audit
by the contracting officer.
II. Discussion
The following NFS subparts, 1812
‘‘Acquisition of Commercial Items’’,
1831 ‘‘Contract Cost Principles and
Procedures’’ and 1846 ‘‘Quality
Assurance’’ are being revised to add
language to implement the requirements
of the NASA Transition Authorization
Act of 2017 by: Defining the term
counterfeit electronic parts (1846
‘‘Quality Assurance’’); requiring covered
contractors and subcontractors at all
tiers to use parts that are currently in
production and purchased from the
original manufacturers of the parts, their
authorized dealers, or suppliers who
obtain such parts exclusively from the
original manufacturers of the parts or
their authorized dealers and identifying
requirements when the contractor
doesn’t use those electronic parts (1846
‘‘Quality Assurance’’); and making the
cost of corrective actions involving
counterfeit parts unallowable unless the
contractor meets the requirements stated
in the proposed policy (1831 ‘‘Contract
Cost Principles and Procedures’’).
The additional definitions within the
proposed policy to the NFS can be
found in the DFARS 252.246–7007 and
252.246–7008, addressing the same
subject, Detection and Avoidance of
Counterfeit Parts. The proposed changes
to the NFS will apply to all
procurements involving electronic parts,
end items, components, parts, or
assemblies containing electronic parts,
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or services, if the covered contractor
will supply electronic parts or
components, parts, or assemblies
containing electronic parts as part of the
service.
NASA is aware of one occurrence of
a suspect counterfeit part within the last
17 years, as reported in Government
Industry Data Exchange Program
(GIDEP). Given what appears to be a low
occurrence of counterfeit parts in NASA
procurements, NASA anticipates the
proposed rule will impose a limited
burden on NASA contractors.
III. Expected Impact of the Proposed
Rule and Differentiation From FAR
Council Rule on GIDEP
Both the FAR final rule entitled,
‘‘Federal Acquisition Regulation:
Reporting of Nonconforming Items to
the Government-Industry Data Exchange
Program (FAR Case 2013–002)’’
published at 84 FR 64680, and this NFS
rule pertain to the topic of counterfeit
parts and suspected counterfeit parts,
however discernable differences do
exist between the two rule as they are
implementing separate acts. The FAR
rule is implementing sections 818(c)(4)
and (c)(5) of the National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal
Year (FY) 2012 (Pub. L. 112–81, 10
U.S.C. 2302 Note) while the NFS rule is
implementing section 823 of the
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–
10).
The following highlights the
similarities and differences between
these two rules:
Applicability—Commercial/COTS and
SAT
The FAR Council determined that the
FAR rule does not apply to commercial
items, including commercially available
off-the-shelf (COTS) items, or to contract
at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold (SAT). NASA has determined
that the NFS rule applies to commercial
items, including COTS items, and to
contracts at or below the SAT. Section
823 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–
10) does not provide for any exemptions
to the requirements being implemented
via this rule.
Scope
While both rules pertain to the topic
of counterfeit parts and suspected
counterfeit parts, the rules differ in the
scope of items to which the regulations
apply. The FAR rule has a broader
application in the types of items that are
covered under the new requirements.
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Specifically, the FAR rule is applicable
to all items that are subject to higherlevel quality standards in accordance
with the clause at FAR 52.246–11,
Higher-Level Contract Quality
Requirement; all items that the
contracting officer, in consultation with
the requiring activity determines to be
critical items for which use of the clause
is appropriate; and for the acquisition of
services, if the contractor will furnish,
as part of the service, any items that
meet the criteria specified in paragraphs
(a)(1) through (a)(2) of this section. In
addition, the FAR rule covers
acquisitions that exceeds the simplified
acquisition threshold and are by, or for,
the Department of Defense for electronic
parts or end items, components, parts,
or materials containing electronic parts.
Based on the requirements of section
823 of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–
10), the NFS rule applies only to
electronic parts for use in a safety or
mission critical applications.
Reporting/Notification
The FAR rule requires two reporting
requirements which are currently
cleared under OMB Control number
9000–0187 titled Reporting of
Nonconforming Items to the
Government-Industry Data Exchange
Program (FAR Case 2013–002)—FAR
Sections affected: 52.246–26. One
requirement is the submission of a
report to GIDEP when the contractor
becomes aware or has reason to suspect,
such as through inspection, testing,
record review, or notification from
another source (e.g., seller, customer,
third party) that an item purchased by
the Contractor for delivery to, or for, the
Government is a counterfeit or suspect
counterfeit item or a common item that
has a major or critical nonconformance.
The second reporting requirement is a
notification to the contracting officer
after becoming aware or having reason
to suspect, such as through inspection,
testing, record review, or notification
from another source (e.g., seller,
customer, third party) that any end item,
component, subassembly, part, or
material contained in supplies
purchased by the Contractor for delivery
to, or for, the Government is counterfeit
or suspect counterfeit. While the NFS
rule does not include a GIDEP reporting
requirement, like the FAR rule, the NFS
rule does include a requirement to
notify the contracting officer when the
contractor becomes aware, or has reason
to suspect, that any end item,
component, part or material contained
in supplies purchased by NASA, or
purchased by a covered contractor or
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subcontractor for delivery to, or on
behalf of, NASA, contains a counterfeit
electronic part or suspect counterfeit
electronic part.
Allowability of Costs
As required by section 823(c)(2)(B), of
the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–
10), the NFS rule establishes that costs
related to counterfeit parts, suspect
counterfeit parts, or any corrective
action that may be required to remedy
the use or inclusion of such parts is
unallowable unless a specific set of
criteria is met. The FAR rule does not
address the allowability of costs as it
relates to the counterfeit parts, suspect
counterfeit parts, or any corrective
action that may be required to remedy
the use or inclusion of such parts.
Supply Chain Sources
As required by section 823(c), of the
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–
10), the NFS rule establishes required
sources for both electronic parts that are
in production or currently available in
stock and separately electronic parts are
not in production or currently available
in stock from suppliers. The FAR rule
does not address sources of items.
IV. Applicability to Commercial Item
Acquisitions, Including Commercially
Available Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Items,
and Acquisitions Below the Simplified
Acquisition Threshold (SAT)
The objective of this rule is to
implement section 823 of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration
Transition Authorization Act of 2017
(Pub. L. 115–10). Section 823 does not
limit the application of the requirements
of the statue to non-commercial
contracts or contracts above the
simplified acquisition threshold.
Consistent with 41 U.S.C. 1905, 1906
and 1907, the NASA Assistant
Administrator for Procurement has
determined that it is in the best interest
of NASA to apply section 823 to the
acquisition of commercial items,
including COTS items, and those
requirements below the SAT.
V. 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 a significant
regulatory action which was subject to
review under section 6(b) of E.O. 12866,
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated
September 30, 1993. This is not a major
rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.
VI. Executive Order 13771
This proposed rule is not expected to
be subject to the requirements of E.O.
13771 because it is expected to result in
no more than de minimus costs.
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
NASA does not expect this proposed
rule to have a significant economic
impact on small entities within the
meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility
Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. An initial
665
regulatory flexibility analysis has been
prepared and is summarized below.
The rule will apply to all ‘‘covered
contractors.’’ Covered contractors, as
defined by Public Law 115–10 are
contractors, including small entities,
that supply an electronic part, or a
product that contains an electronic part
to NASA. While the rule will apply to
all classes of small business, it will not
necessarily affect those business
because the rule requires reporting only
when nonconforming defective and/or
suspect counterfeit parts are present or
there is suspicion that counterfeit parts
are present in the supply chain. Since
this rule requires contractors and
subcontractors to purchase electronic
parts that are currently in production
from the original manufacturer, the
authorized dealers or suppliers who
obtain parts exclusively from the
original manufacturer or for products
that are not currently in production use
of a NASA identified contractor, NASA
believes that there is very little risk that
a contractor or subcontractor will have
a counterfeit part in the supply chain
and thus very little risk that a small
contractor will have to report. As
reported in FPDS, NASA has had
contract obligations with 3,120, 3,023
and 2,805 small business contractors in
2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively and
no counterfeit parts were found in the
supply chain. Further, based on the
initial scope of the rule, NASA has
assessed the number of commercial item
acquisitions for electronic items
procured above and below the
simplified acquisition threshold and
believe the impact of this proposed rule
will be minimal. An analysis of data for
the last three fiscal years from the FPDS
revealed the following:
Total dollar
amount
of actions
Number
of actions
2019
Electronic Commercial Items ...........................................................................................................................
Under the SAT .................................................................................................................................................
Above the SAT ................................................................................................................................................
131
110
21
$17,810,644
6,348,554
11,462,089
275
229
46
38,516,656
10,922,058
27,594,598
526
498
28
38,020,457
16,934,479
21,085,978
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2018
Electronic Commercial Items ...........................................................................................................................
Under the SAT .................................................................................................................................................
Above the SAT ................................................................................................................................................
2017
Electronic Commercial Items ...........................................................................................................................
Under the SAT .................................................................................................................................................
Above the SAT ................................................................................................................................................
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NASA invites comments from small
business concerns and other interested
parties on the expected impact of this
rule on small entities.
The policy requires covered
contractors and subcontractors to notify
the applicable NASA contracting officer
in writing not later than 30 calendar
days after the date the covered
contractor becomes aware, or has reason
to suspect, that any end item,
component, part or material contained
in supplies purchased by NASA, or
purchased by a covered contractor or
subcontractor for delivery to, or on
behalf of, NASA, contains a counterfeit
electronic part or suspect counterfeit
electronic part.
The proposed rule also requires
covered contractors and subcontractors
to purchase electronic parts that are
currently in production from the
original manufacturer, their authorized
dealers or suppliers who obtain parts
exclusively from the original
manufacturer or their authorized
dealers. Electronic parts that are not
currently in production or available in
stock shall be obtained from NASA
identified suppliers or contractorapproved suppliers and the contractor
assumes responsibility for the
authenticity, inspection, testing and
traceability of the part. Contractorapproved suppliers are subject to review
and audit by the CO.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule contains
information collection requirements that
requires the approval of the Office of
Management and Budget under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
chapter 35). Accordingly, NASA has
submitted a request for approval of a
new information collection requirement
associated with NFS Case 2017–N010
Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit
Parts to the Office of Management and
Budget.
Public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated to
be 2 hours per response including the
time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data
needed and completing and reviewing
the collection of information.
The annual reporting burden is
estimated as follows based on:
Respondents: 1.
Responses per Respondent: 1.
Total Annual Responses: 1.
Preparation Hours per Response: 2.
Total Response Burden Hours: 2.
Data reported via GIDEP, reveals that
NASA has had only one alert of suspect
counterfeit parts associated with a
NASA contract within the last 17 years.
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Additionally, GIDEP alerts across the
government have decreased since 2011
to the present. Both the one NASA
specific GIDEP alert over the course of
17 years, and the downward trend of
GIDEP alerts across the government
substantiate the expected burden
amounts.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR: Parts 1812
‘‘Acquisition of Commercial Items’’;
1831 ‘‘Contract Cost Principles and
Procedures’’; 1846 ‘‘Quality
Assurance’’: 1852 Provisions and
Clauses.
Government procurement.
4. Add subpart 1846.70 consisting of
sections 1846.7000 through 1846.7003
to read as follows:
Accordingly, NASA proposes to
amend 48 CFR parts 1812, 1831, 1846,
and 1852 as follows:
■ 1. The authority citation for parts
1816, 1832, and 1852 continues to read
as follows:
Authority: 51 U.S.C. sec. 20113(a) and 48
CFR chapter 1.
PART 1812—ACQUISITION OF
COMMERCIAL ITEMS
2. Amend section 1812.301 by—
a. Redesignating paragraph (f)(i)(T) as
paragraph (f)(i)(U); and
■ b. Adding a new paragraph (f)(i)(T).
The addition reads as follows:
■
■
1812.301 Solicitation provisions and
contract clauses for the acquisition of
commercial items.
(f)(i) * * *
(T) 1852.246–74, Counterfeit
Electronic Part Detection and
Avoidance.
*
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*
PART 1831—CONTRACT COST
PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES
3. Add section 1831.205–70 to read as
follows:
■
1831.205–70 Costs related to counterfeit
electronic parts and suspect counterfeit
electronic parts.
(a) Scope. This section implements
the requirements of section 823(c)(2)(B),
the NASA Transition Authorization Act
of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–10).
(b) The costs of counterfeit electronic
parts, suspect counterfeit electronic
parts, and any corrective action that
may be required to remedy the use or
inclusion of such parts are unallowable,
unless—
(1)(i) The covered contractor, as
defined in section 1846.7001, has an
operational system to detect and avoid
counterfeit electronic parts and suspect
counterfeit electronic parts that has
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PART 1846—QUALITY ASSURANCE
■
Geoffrey Sage,
NASA FAR Supplement Manager.
PO 00000
been reviewed and approved by NASA
or the Department of Defense pursuant
to 48 CFR 244.303; and
(ii) The covered contractor, including
subcontractors, notifies the applicable
NASA contracting officer in writing in
accordance with 1846.7002(c); or
(2) The counterfeit electronic parts or
suspect counterfeit electronic parts were
provided to the covered contractor as
Government property in accordance
with part 45 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation.
Subpart 1846.70—Counterfeit
Electronic Part Detection and
Avoidance
1846.7000
Scope of subpart.
This subpart implements section
823(c), the NASA Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115–
10).
(a) Prescribes policy and procedures
for preventing counterfeit electronic
parts and suspect counterfeit electronic
parts from entering the supply chain
when procuring electronic parts or end
items, components, parts, or assemblies
that contain electronic parts; and
(b) Applies to electronic parts when
their presence in the NASA supply
chain poses a danger to United States
government astronauts, crew, and other
personnel and a risk to the agency
overall.
(c) Contracting officers, in
consultation with the requiring activity,
are responsible for making a
determination concerning the
applicability of this section and the
appropriate use of the prescribed
contract clauses.
1846.7001
Definitions.
‘‘Authentic part’’ means a new and
unmodified part produced by the
original component manufacturer, or a
source with the express written
authority of the original manufacturer or
current design activity, including an
authorized aftermarket manufacturer.
‘‘Authentication’’ means a process to
verify that a part is not counterfeit or
suspect counterfeit.
‘‘Authorized aftermarket
manufacturer’’ means an organization
that fabricates an electronic part under
a contract with, or with the express
written authority of, the original
component manufacturer based on the
original component manufacturer’s
designs, formulas, and/or specifications.
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‘‘Authorized supplier’’ means a
supplier, distributor, or an aftermarket
manufacturer with a contractual
arrangement with, or the express written
authority of, the original manufacturer
or current design activity to buy, stock,
repackage, sell, or distribute the part.
‘‘Contract manufacturer’’ means a
company that produces goods under
contract for another company under the
label or brand name of that company.
‘‘Contractor-approved supplier’’
means a supplier that does not have a
contractual agreement with the original
component manufacturer, but has been
qualified as trustworthy by a contractor
or subcontractor as having met
prescribed counterfeit electronic part
detection and avoidance system criteria
using established counterfeit prevention
industry standards and processes.
‘‘Covered contractor’’ means a
contractor that supplies an electronic
part, or a product that contains an
electronic part, to NASA.
‘‘Counterfeit electronic part’’ means
an unlawful or unauthorized
reproduction, substitution, or alteration
that has been knowingly mismarked,
misidentified, or otherwise
misrepresented to be an authentic,
unmodified electronic part from the
original manufacturer, or a source with
the express written authority of the
original manufacturer or current design
activity, including an authorized
aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or
unauthorized substitution includes used
electronic parts represented as new, or
the false identification of grade, serial
number, lot number, date code, or
performance characteristics.
‘‘Electronic part’’ means a discrete
electronic component, including a
microcircuit, transistor, capacitor,
resistor, or diode, that is intended for
use in a safety or mission critical
application.
‘‘Original component manufacturer’’
means an organization that designs and/
or engineers a part and is entitled to any
intellectual property rights to that part.
‘‘Original equipment manufacturer’’
means a company that manufactures
products that it has designed from
purchased components and sells those
products under the company’s brand
name.
‘‘Original manufacturer’’ means the
original component manufacturer, the
original equipment manufacturer, or the
contract manufacturer.
‘‘Suspect counterfeit electronic part’’
means an electronic part for which
credible evidence (including, but not
limited to, visual inspection or testing)
provides reasonable doubt that the
electronic part is authentic.
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15:46 Jan 06, 2020
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1846.7002
Policy.
The government and its contractors
and subcontractors at all tiers are
required to obtain electronic parts as
prescribed in this section, whether the
electronic parts are procured as discrete
items or contained in an assembly.
(a) The covered contractor and
subcontractors at all tiers shall obtain
electronic parts that are in production or
currently available in stock from—
(1) The original manufacturers of the
parts;
(2) Their authorized dealers; or
(3) Suppliers who obtain such parts
exclusively from the original
manufacturers of the parts or their
authorized dealers.
(b) If electronic parts are not in
production or currently available in
stock from suppliers as stated in
paragraph (a) of this section, the covered
contractor shall obtain electronic parts
from NASA identified suppliers or
contractor-approved suppliers for
which—
(1) The covered contractor assumes
responsibility for the authenticity of
parts; and
(2) The covered contractor performs
inspection, testing and authentication of
parts; and
(3) The covered contractor obtains
traceability information for the
electronic parts (e.g., data code, lot
code, serial number) and provides this
information to the contracting officer
upon request; and
(4) The selection of contractorapproved suppliers is subject to review
and audit by the contracting officer.
(c) The covered contractor, including
subcontractors, shall notify the
applicable NASA contracting officer in
writing not later than 30 calendar days
after the date the covered contractor
becomes aware, or has reason to
suspect, that any end item, component,
part or material contained in supplies
purchased by NASA, or purchased by a
covered contractor or subcontractor for
delivery to, or on behalf of, NASA,
contains a counterfeit electronic part or
suspect counterfeit electronic part.
1846.7003
Contract clause.
For acquisitions with covered
contractors as defined in section
1846.7001, use the clause at 1852.246–
74, Contractor Counterfeit Electronic
Part Detection and Avoidance, in
solicitations and contracts, when
procuring—
(a) Electronic parts;
(b) End items, components, parts, or
assemblies containing electronic parts;
or
(c) Services, if the covered contractor
will supply electronic parts or
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
667
components, parts, or assemblies
containing electronic parts as part of the
service.
PART 1852—SOLICITATION
PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT
CLAUSES
5. Add section 1852.246–74 to read as
follows:
■
1852.246–74 Contractor Counterfeit
Electronic Part Detection and Avoidance.
As prescribed in 1846.7003, use the
following clause:
Contractor Counterfeit Electronic Part
Detection and Avoidance. (DATE)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—
‘‘Authentic part’’ means a new and
unmodified part produced by the original
component manufacturer, or a source with
the express written authority of the original
manufacturer or current design activity,
including an authorized aftermarket
manufacturer.
‘‘Authentication’’ means a process to verify
that a part is not counterfeit or suspect
counterfeit.
‘‘Authorized aftermarket manufacturer’’
means an organization that fabricates a part
under a contract with, or with the express
written authority of, the original component
manufacturer based on the original
component manufacturer’s designs, formulas,
and/or specifications.
‘‘Authorized supplier’’ means a supplier,
distributor, or an aftermarket manufacturer
with a contractual arrangement with, or the
express written authority of, the original
manufacturer or current design activity to
buy, stock, repackage, sell, or distribute the
part.
‘‘Contract manufacturer’’ means a company
that produces goods under contract for
another company under the label or brand
name of that company.
‘‘Contractor-approved supplier’’ means a
supplier that does not have a contractual
agreement with the original component
manufacturer, but has been qualified by the
contractor or subcontractor approved by the
contractor or government as having met
prescribed counterfeit electronic part
detection and avoidance system criteria using
established counterfeit prevention industry
standards and processes.
‘‘Counterfeit electronic part’’ means an
unlawful or unauthorized reproduction,
substitution, or alteration that has been
knowingly mismarked, misidentified, or
otherwise misrepresented to be an authentic,
unmodified electronic part from the original
manufacturer, or a source with the express
written authority of the original manufacturer
or current design activity, including an
authorized aftermarket manufacturer.
Unlawful or unauthorized substitution
includes used electronic parts represented as
new, or the false identification of grade,
serial number, lot number, date code, or
performance characteristics.
‘‘Electronic part’’ means a discrete
electronic component, including a
microcircuit, transistor, capacitor, resistor, or
diode, that is intended for use in a safety or
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07JAP1
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 4 / Tuesday, January 7, 2020 / Proposed Rules
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mission critical application (section 823
(d)(2) of Pub L. 115–10).
‘‘Original component manufacturer’’ means
an organization that designs and/or engineers
a part and is entitled to any intellectual
property rights to that part.
‘‘Original equipment manufacturer’’ means
a company that manufactures products that
it has designed from purchased components
and sells those products under the
company’s brand name.
‘‘Original manufacturer’’ means the
original component manufacturer, the
original equipment manufacturer, or the
contract manufacturer.
‘‘Suspect counterfeit electronic part’’
means an electronic part for which credible
evidence (including, but not limited to,
visual inspection or testing) provides
reasonable doubt that the electronic part is
authentic.
(b) Sources of Electronics Parts. In
accordance with section 823(c)(3), the NASA
Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L.
115–10), the covered contractor shall—
(1) Obtain electronic parts that are in
production by the original manufacturer or
an authorized aftermarket manufacturer or
currently available in stock from—
(i) The original manufacturers of the parts;
(ii) Their authorized dealers; or
(iii) Suppliers who obtain such parts
exclusively from the original manufacturers
of the parts or their authorized dealers;
(2) If electronic parts are not in production
or currently available in stock from suppliers
as stated in paragraph (b) of this clause, the
covered contractor shall obtain electronic
parts from NASA identified suppliers or
contractor-approved suppliers for which—
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:46 Jan 06, 2020
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(i) The covered contractor assumes
responsibility for the authenticity of parts;
and
(ii) The covered contractor performs
inspection, testing and authentication of
parts; and
(iii) The covered contractor obtains
traceability information for the electronic
parts (e.g., data code, lot code, serial number)
and provides this information to the
contracting officer upon request; and
(iv) The selection of contractor-approved
suppliers is subject to review and audit by
the contracting officer.
(c) Notification. The covered contractor,
including subcontractors, shall notify the
NASA contracting officer in writing not later
than 30 calendar days after the date the
covered contractor becomes aware, or has
reason to suspect, that any end item,
component, part or material contained in
supplies purchased by NASA, or purchased
by a covered contractor or subcontractor for
delivery to, or on behalf of, NASA, contains
a counterfeit electronic part or suspect
counterfeit electronic part.
(d) Costs related to counterfeit electronic
parts and suspect counterfeit electronic parts.
In accordance with section 823(c)(2)(B), the
NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017
(Pub. L. 115–10), the costs of counterfeit
electronic parts and suspect counterfeit
electronic parts and the costs of rework or
corrective action that may be required to
remedy the use or inclusion of such parts are
unallowable, unless—
(1) The covered contractor has a system to
detect and avoid counterfeit electronic parts
and suspect counterfeit electronic parts that
has been reviewed and approved by NASA
or the Department of Defense pursuant to 48
CFR 244.303; and
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
(2) The covered contractor, including a
subcontractor, notifies the applicable NASA
contracting officer in writing in accordance
with paragraph (c) of this clause; or
(3) The counterfeit electronic parts or
suspect counterfeit electronic parts were
provided to the covered contractor as
Government property in accordance with
part 45 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
(e) Subcontracts. The covered contractor
shall insert this clause, including this
paragraph (e), in subcontracts for (1)
Electronic parts; (2) End items, components,
parts, or assemblies containing electronic
parts; or (3) Services where the covered
contractor will supply electronic parts or
components, parts, or assemblies containing
electronic parts as part of the service,
including subcontracts for commercial items
that are for electronic parts or assemblies
containing electronic parts, unless the
subcontractor is the original manufacturer.
The covered contractor shall not alter the
clause other than to identify appropriate
parties.
(f) Corrective Action. In the event that the
covered contractor supplies a counterfeit
electronic part, suspect counterfeit electronic
part or end item, component, or assembly
containing a counterfeit electronic part to
NASA, the covered contractor shall take such
corrective actions as the Administrator
considers necessary to remedy the use or
inclusion of additional counterfeit electronic
parts, suspect counterfeit electronic part or
end items, components, or assemblies
containing a counterfeit electronic part.
(End of clause)
[FR Doc. 2019–27714 Filed 1–6–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 7, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 663-668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-27714]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 1812, 1831, 1846, and 1852
RIN 2700-AE38
NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Detection and
Avoidance of Counterfeit Parts (NFS Case 2017-N010)
AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NASA is proposing to amend the NASA Federal Acquisition
Regulation Supplement (NFS) to add new text that requires covered
contractors and subcontractors at all tiers to use electronic parts
that are currently in production and purchased from the original
manufacturers of the parts, their authorized dealers, or suppliers who
obtain such parts exclusively from the original manufacturers of the
parts or their authorized dealers. If the contractor does not purchase
electronic parts as described above, they must purchase the parts from
a NASA identified supplier or contractor-approved supplier. The
contractor will then assume responsibility and be required to inspect,
test and validate authentication of the parts. The contractor will also
be required to obtain traceability information and provide this
information to the contracting officer upon request. The selection of
contractor-approved suppliers is subject to review and audit by the
contracting officer.
DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to
the address shown below on or before March 9, 2020, to be considered in
the formation of a final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by NFS Case 2017-N010, using any
of the following methods:
[cir] Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov. Submit comments
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ``NFS Case 2017-N010''
under the heading ``Enter keyword or ID'' and selecting ``Search.''
Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with ``NFS Case
2017-N010'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Submit a
Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and
``NFS Case 2017-N010'' on your attached document.
[cir] Email: [email protected]. Include NFS Case 2017-N010
in the subject line of the message.
[cir] Mail: National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
Headquarters, Office of Procurement, Policy, Training and Pricing
Division, Attn: Dorice Kenely, LP-011, 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC
20546-0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorice Kenely, NASA HQ, Office of
Procurement, Policy, Training and Pricing Division, LP-011, 300 E
Street SW, Washington, DC 20456-0001. Telephone 202-358-0443; facsimile
202-358-3082.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
This proposed rule implements section 823(c)(2)(B) of Public Law
115-10, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017. In this Section Congress stated it found in
a 2012 Investigation by the Committee on Armed Services counterfeit
electronic parts in the Department of Defense supply chain. From 2009
through 2010 the investigation uncovered 1,800 cases and over 1,000,000
counterfeit parts. This exposed the threat counterfeit parts pose to
service members and national security. Since 2010, the Comptroller
General of the United States has discussed in three reports the risks
and challenges associated with counterfeit parts and counterfeit
prevention at both the Department of Defense and NASA, including
inconsistent definitions of counterfeit parts, poorly targeted quality
control practices, and other potential
[[Page 664]]
barriers to improvements to these practices.
With this rule, NASA is proposing to revise the NASA Federal
Acquisition Regulation Supplement (NFS) to add new text requiring a
covered contractor, defined as a contractor supplying an electronic
part or a product that contains an electronic part, and their
subcontractors at all tiers to use electronic parts that are currently
in production and purchased from the original manufacturers, their
authorized dealers, or suppliers who obtain such parts exclusively from
the original manufacturers of the parts or their authorized dealers. If
the contractor does not purchase electronic parts as described above
they must purchase the parts from a NASA identified supplier or
contractor-approved supplier. The contractor then assumes
responsibility and be required to inspect, test and validate
authentication of the part. The contractor will also be required to
obtain traceability information and provide this information to the
contracting officer upon request. The selection of contractor-approved
suppliers is subject to review and audit by the contracting officer.
II. Discussion
The following NFS subparts, 1812 ``Acquisition of Commercial
Items'', 1831 ``Contract Cost Principles and Procedures'' and 1846
``Quality Assurance'' are being revised to add language to implement
the requirements of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 by:
Defining the term counterfeit electronic parts (1846 ``Quality
Assurance''); requiring covered contractors and subcontractors at all
tiers to use parts that are currently in production and purchased from
the original manufacturers of the parts, their authorized dealers, or
suppliers who obtain such parts exclusively from the original
manufacturers of the parts or their authorized dealers and identifying
requirements when the contractor doesn't use those electronic parts
(1846 ``Quality Assurance''); and making the cost of corrective actions
involving counterfeit parts unallowable unless the contractor meets the
requirements stated in the proposed policy (1831 ``Contract Cost
Principles and Procedures'').
The additional definitions within the proposed policy to the NFS
can be found in the DFARS 252.246-7007 and 252.246-7008, addressing the
same subject, Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Parts. The
proposed changes to the NFS will apply to all procurements involving
electronic parts, end items, components, parts, or assemblies
containing electronic parts, or services, if the covered contractor
will supply electronic parts or components, parts, or assemblies
containing electronic parts as part of the service.
NASA is aware of one occurrence of a suspect counterfeit part
within the last 17 years, as reported in Government Industry Data
Exchange Program (GIDEP). Given what appears to be a low occurrence of
counterfeit parts in NASA procurements, NASA anticipates the proposed
rule will impose a limited burden on NASA contractors.
III. Expected Impact of the Proposed Rule and Differentiation From FAR
Council Rule on GIDEP
Both the FAR final rule entitled, ``Federal Acquisition Regulation:
Reporting of Nonconforming Items to the Government-Industry Data
Exchange Program (FAR Case 2013-002)'' published at 84 FR 64680, and
this NFS rule pertain to the topic of counterfeit parts and suspected
counterfeit parts, however discernable differences do exist between the
two rule as they are implementing separate acts. The FAR rule is
implementing sections 818(c)(4) and (c)(5) of the National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 (Pub. L. 112-81, 10
U.S.C. 2302 Note) while the NFS rule is implementing section 823 of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization
Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-10).
The following highlights the similarities and differences between
these two rules:
Applicability--Commercial/COTS and SAT
The FAR Council determined that the FAR rule does not apply to
commercial items, including commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS)
items, or to contract at or below the simplified acquisition threshold
(SAT). NASA has determined that the NFS rule applies to commercial
items, including COTS items, and to contracts at or below the SAT.
Section 823 of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-10) does not provide
for any exemptions to the requirements being implemented via this rule.
Scope
While both rules pertain to the topic of counterfeit parts and
suspected counterfeit parts, the rules differ in the scope of items to
which the regulations apply. The FAR rule has a broader application in
the types of items that are covered under the new requirements.
Specifically, the FAR rule is applicable to all items that are subject
to higher-level quality standards in accordance with the clause at FAR
52.246-11, Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement; all items that
the contracting officer, in consultation with the requiring activity
determines to be critical items for which use of the clause is
appropriate; and for the acquisition of services, if the contractor
will furnish, as part of the service, any items that meet the criteria
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(2) of this section. In
addition, the FAR rule covers acquisitions that exceeds the simplified
acquisition threshold and are by, or for, the Department of Defense for
electronic parts or end items, components, parts, or materials
containing electronic parts. Based on the requirements of section 823
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-10), the NFS rule applies only
to electronic parts for use in a safety or mission critical
applications.
Reporting/Notification
The FAR rule requires two reporting requirements which are
currently cleared under OMB Control number 9000-0187 titled Reporting
of Nonconforming Items to the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program
(FAR Case 2013-002)--FAR Sections affected: 52.246-26. One requirement
is the submission of a report to GIDEP when the contractor becomes
aware or has reason to suspect, such as through inspection, testing,
record review, or notification from another source (e.g., seller,
customer, third party) that an item purchased by the Contractor for
delivery to, or for, the Government is a counterfeit or suspect
counterfeit item or a common item that has a major or critical
nonconformance.
The second reporting requirement is a notification to the
contracting officer after becoming aware or having reason to suspect,
such as through inspection, testing, record review, or notification
from another source (e.g., seller, customer, third party) that any end
item, component, subassembly, part, or material contained in supplies
purchased by the Contractor for delivery to, or for, the Government is
counterfeit or suspect counterfeit. While the NFS rule does not include
a GIDEP reporting requirement, like the FAR rule, the NFS rule does
include a requirement to notify the contracting officer when the
contractor becomes aware, or has reason to suspect, that any end item,
component, part or material contained in supplies purchased by NASA, or
purchased by a covered contractor or
[[Page 665]]
subcontractor for delivery to, or on behalf of, NASA, contains a
counterfeit electronic part or suspect counterfeit electronic part.
Allowability of Costs
As required by section 823(c)(2)(B), of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L.
115-10), the NFS rule establishes that costs related to counterfeit
parts, suspect counterfeit parts, or any corrective action that may be
required to remedy the use or inclusion of such parts is unallowable
unless a specific set of criteria is met. The FAR rule does not address
the allowability of costs as it relates to the counterfeit parts,
suspect counterfeit parts, or any corrective action that may be
required to remedy the use or inclusion of such parts.
Supply Chain Sources
As required by section 823(c), of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-
10), the NFS rule establishes required sources for both electronic
parts that are in production or currently available in stock and
separately electronic parts are not in production or currently
available in stock from suppliers. The FAR rule does not address
sources of items.
IV. Applicability to Commercial Item Acquisitions, Including
Commercially Available Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Items, and Acquisitions
Below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT)
The objective of this rule is to implement section 823 of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization
Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-10). Section 823 does not limit the
application of the requirements of the statue to non-commercial
contracts or contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold.
Consistent with 41 U.S.C. 1905, 1906 and 1907, the NASA Assistant
Administrator for Procurement has determined that it is in the best
interest of NASA to apply section 823 to the acquisition of commercial
items, including COTS items, and those requirements below the SAT.
V. 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 a significant regulatory action which was subject to review
under section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated
September 30, 1993. This is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.
VI. Executive Order 13771
This proposed rule is not expected to be subject to the
requirements of E.O. 13771 because it is expected to result in no more
than de minimus costs.
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
NASA does not expect this proposed rule to have a significant
economic impact on small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. An initial regulatory flexibility
analysis has been prepared and is summarized below.
The rule will apply to all ``covered contractors.'' Covered
contractors, as defined by Public Law 115-10 are contractors, including
small entities, that supply an electronic part, or a product that
contains an electronic part to NASA. While the rule will apply to all
classes of small business, it will not necessarily affect those
business because the rule requires reporting only when nonconforming
defective and/or suspect counterfeit parts are present or there is
suspicion that counterfeit parts are present in the supply chain. Since
this rule requires contractors and subcontractors to purchase
electronic parts that are currently in production from the original
manufacturer, the authorized dealers or suppliers who obtain parts
exclusively from the original manufacturer or for products that are not
currently in production use of a NASA identified contractor, NASA
believes that there is very little risk that a contractor or
subcontractor will have a counterfeit part in the supply chain and thus
very little risk that a small contractor will have to report. As
reported in FPDS, NASA has had contract obligations with 3,120, 3,023
and 2,805 small business contractors in 2016, 2017 and 2018,
respectively and no counterfeit parts were found in the supply chain.
Further, based on the initial scope of the rule, NASA has assessed the
number of commercial item acquisitions for electronic items procured
above and below the simplified acquisition threshold and believe the
impact of this proposed rule will be minimal. An analysis of data for
the last three fiscal years from the FPDS revealed the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total dollar
Number of amount of
actions actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2019
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Commercial Items......... 131 $17,810,644
Under the SAT....................... 110 6,348,554
Above the SAT....................... 21 11,462,089
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2018
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Commercial Items......... 275 38,516,656
Under the SAT....................... 229 10,922,058
Above the SAT....................... 46 27,594,598
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2017
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronic Commercial Items......... 526 38,020,457
Under the SAT....................... 498 16,934,479
Above the SAT....................... 28 21,085,978
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 666]]
NASA invites comments from small business concerns and other
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small
entities.
The policy requires covered contractors and subcontractors to
notify the applicable NASA contracting officer in writing not later
than 30 calendar days after the date the covered contractor becomes
aware, or has reason to suspect, that any end item, component, part or
material contained in supplies purchased by NASA, or purchased by a
covered contractor or subcontractor for delivery to, or on behalf of,
NASA, contains a counterfeit electronic part or suspect counterfeit
electronic part.
The proposed rule also requires covered contractors and
subcontractors to purchase electronic parts that are currently in
production from the original manufacturer, their authorized dealers or
suppliers who obtain parts exclusively from the original manufacturer
or their authorized dealers. Electronic parts that are not currently in
production or available in stock shall be obtained from NASA identified
suppliers or contractor-approved suppliers and the contractor assumes
responsibility for the authenticity, inspection, testing and
traceability of the part. Contractor-approved suppliers are subject to
review and audit by the CO.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule contains information collection requirements
that requires the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). Accordingly, NASA
has submitted a request for approval of a new information collection
requirement associated with NFS Case 2017-N010 Detection and Avoidance
of Counterfeit Parts to the Office of Management and Budget.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to be 2 hours per response including the time for reviewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed and completing and reviewing the collection
of information.
The annual reporting burden is estimated as follows based on:
Respondents: 1.
Responses per Respondent: 1.
Total Annual Responses: 1.
Preparation Hours per Response: 2.
Total Response Burden Hours: 2.
Data reported via GIDEP, reveals that NASA has had only one alert
of suspect counterfeit parts associated with a NASA contract within the
last 17 years. Additionally, GIDEP alerts across the government have
decreased since 2011 to the present. Both the one NASA specific GIDEP
alert over the course of 17 years, and the downward trend of GIDEP
alerts across the government substantiate the expected burden amounts.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR: Parts 1812 ``Acquisition of Commercial
Items''; 1831 ``Contract Cost Principles and Procedures''; 1846
``Quality Assurance'': 1852 Provisions and Clauses.
Government procurement.
Geoffrey Sage,
NASA FAR Supplement Manager.
Accordingly, NASA proposes to amend 48 CFR parts 1812, 1831, 1846,
and 1852 as follows:
0
1. The authority citation for parts 1816, 1832, and 1852 continues to
read as follows:
Authority: 51 U.S.C. sec. 20113(a) and 48 CFR chapter 1.
PART 1812--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS
0
2. Amend section 1812.301 by--
0
a. Redesignating paragraph (f)(i)(T) as paragraph (f)(i)(U); and
0
b. Adding a new paragraph (f)(i)(T).
The addition reads as follows:
1812.301 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses for the
acquisition of commercial items.
(f)(i) * * *
(T) 1852.246-74, Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and
Avoidance.
* * * * *
PART 1831--CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES
0
3. Add section 1831.205-70 to read as follows:
1831.205-70 Costs related to counterfeit electronic parts and suspect
counterfeit electronic parts.
(a) Scope. This section implements the requirements of section
823(c)(2)(B), the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L.
115-10).
(b) The costs of counterfeit electronic parts, suspect counterfeit
electronic parts, and any corrective action that may be required to
remedy the use or inclusion of such parts are unallowable, unless--
(1)(i) The covered contractor, as defined in section 1846.7001, has
an operational system to detect and avoid counterfeit electronic parts
and suspect counterfeit electronic parts that has been reviewed and
approved by NASA or the Department of Defense pursuant to 48 CFR
244.303; and
(ii) The covered contractor, including subcontractors, notifies the
applicable NASA contracting officer in writing in accordance with
1846.7002(c); or
(2) The counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit
electronic parts were provided to the covered contractor as Government
property in accordance with part 45 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation.
PART 1846--QUALITY ASSURANCE
0
4. Add subpart 1846.70 consisting of sections 1846.7000 through
1846.7003 to read as follows:
Subpart 1846.70--Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and
Avoidance
1846.7000 Scope of subpart.
This subpart implements section 823(c), the NASA Transition
Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L. 115-10).
(a) Prescribes policy and procedures for preventing counterfeit
electronic parts and suspect counterfeit electronic parts from entering
the supply chain when procuring electronic parts or end items,
components, parts, or assemblies that contain electronic parts; and
(b) Applies to electronic parts when their presence in the NASA
supply chain poses a danger to United States government astronauts,
crew, and other personnel and a risk to the agency overall.
(c) Contracting officers, in consultation with the requiring
activity, are responsible for making a determination concerning the
applicability of this section and the appropriate use of the prescribed
contract clauses.
1846.7001 Definitions.
``Authentic part'' means a new and unmodified part produced by the
original component manufacturer, or a source with the express written
authority of the original manufacturer or current design activity,
including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer.
``Authentication'' means a process to verify that a part is not
counterfeit or suspect counterfeit.
``Authorized aftermarket manufacturer'' means an organization that
fabricates an electronic part under a contract with, or with the
express written authority of, the original component manufacturer based
on the original component manufacturer's designs, formulas, and/or
specifications.
[[Page 667]]
``Authorized supplier'' means a supplier, distributor, or an
aftermarket manufacturer with a contractual arrangement with, or the
express written authority of, the original manufacturer or current
design activity to buy, stock, repackage, sell, or distribute the part.
``Contract manufacturer'' means a company that produces goods under
contract for another company under the label or brand name of that
company.
``Contractor-approved supplier'' means a supplier that does not
have a contractual agreement with the original component manufacturer,
but has been qualified as trustworthy by a contractor or subcontractor
as having met prescribed counterfeit electronic part detection and
avoidance system criteria using established counterfeit prevention
industry standards and processes.
``Covered contractor'' means a contractor that supplies an
electronic part, or a product that contains an electronic part, to
NASA.
``Counterfeit electronic part'' means an unlawful or unauthorized
reproduction, substitution, or alteration that has been knowingly
mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to be an
authentic, unmodified electronic part from the original manufacturer,
or a source with the express written authority of the original
manufacturer or current design activity, including an authorized
aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized substitution
includes used electronic parts represented as new, or the false
identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date code, or
performance characteristics.
``Electronic part'' means a discrete electronic component,
including a microcircuit, transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode,
that is intended for use in a safety or mission critical application.
``Original component manufacturer'' means an organization that
designs and/or engineers a part and is entitled to any intellectual
property rights to that part.
``Original equipment manufacturer'' means a company that
manufactures products that it has designed from purchased components
and sells those products under the company's brand name.
``Original manufacturer'' means the original component
manufacturer, the original equipment manufacturer, or the contract
manufacturer.
``Suspect counterfeit electronic part'' means an electronic part
for which credible evidence (including, but not limited to, visual
inspection or testing) provides reasonable doubt that the electronic
part is authentic.
1846.7002 Policy.
The government and its contractors and subcontractors at all tiers
are required to obtain electronic parts as prescribed in this section,
whether the electronic parts are procured as discrete items or
contained in an assembly.
(a) The covered contractor and subcontractors at all tiers shall
obtain electronic parts that are in production or currently available
in stock from--
(1) The original manufacturers of the parts;
(2) Their authorized dealers; or
(3) Suppliers who obtain such parts exclusively from the original
manufacturers of the parts or their authorized dealers.
(b) If electronic parts are not in production or currently
available in stock from suppliers as stated in paragraph (a) of this
section, the covered contractor shall obtain electronic parts from NASA
identified suppliers or contractor-approved suppliers for which--
(1) The covered contractor assumes responsibility for the
authenticity of parts; and
(2) The covered contractor performs inspection, testing and
authentication of parts; and
(3) The covered contractor obtains traceability information for the
electronic parts (e.g., data code, lot code, serial number) and
provides this information to the contracting officer upon request; and
(4) The selection of contractor-approved suppliers is subject to
review and audit by the contracting officer.
(c) The covered contractor, including subcontractors, shall notify
the applicable NASA contracting officer in writing not later than 30
calendar days after the date the covered contractor becomes aware, or
has reason to suspect, that any end item, component, part or material
contained in supplies purchased by NASA, or purchased by a covered
contractor or subcontractor for delivery to, or on behalf of, NASA,
contains a counterfeit electronic part or suspect counterfeit
electronic part.
1846.7003 Contract clause.
For acquisitions with covered contractors as defined in section
1846.7001, use the clause at 1852.246-74, Contractor Counterfeit
Electronic Part Detection and Avoidance, in solicitations and
contracts, when procuring--
(a) Electronic parts;
(b) End items, components, parts, or assemblies containing
electronic parts; or
(c) Services, if the covered contractor will supply electronic
parts or components, parts, or assemblies containing electronic parts
as part of the service.
PART 1852--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
0
5. Add section 1852.246-74 to read as follows:
1852.246-74 Contractor Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and
Avoidance.
As prescribed in 1846.7003, use the following clause:
Contractor Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and Avoidance. (DATE)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
``Authentic part'' means a new and unmodified part produced by
the original component manufacturer, or a source with the express
written authority of the original manufacturer or current design
activity, including an authorized aftermarket manufacturer.
``Authentication'' means a process to verify that a part is not
counterfeit or suspect counterfeit.
``Authorized aftermarket manufacturer'' means an organization
that fabricates a part under a contract with, or with the express
written authority of, the original component manufacturer based on
the original component manufacturer's designs, formulas, and/or
specifications.
``Authorized supplier'' means a supplier, distributor, or an
aftermarket manufacturer with a contractual arrangement with, or the
express written authority of, the original manufacturer or current
design activity to buy, stock, repackage, sell, or distribute the
part.
``Contract manufacturer'' means a company that produces goods
under contract for another company under the label or brand name of
that company.
``Contractor-approved supplier'' means a supplier that does not
have a contractual agreement with the original component
manufacturer, but has been qualified by the contractor or
subcontractor approved by the contractor or government as having met
prescribed counterfeit electronic part detection and avoidance
system criteria using established counterfeit prevention industry
standards and processes.
``Counterfeit electronic part'' means an unlawful or
unauthorized reproduction, substitution, or alteration that has been
knowingly mismarked, misidentified, or otherwise misrepresented to
be an authentic, unmodified electronic part from the original
manufacturer, or a source with the express written authority of the
original manufacturer or current design activity, including an
authorized aftermarket manufacturer. Unlawful or unauthorized
substitution includes used electronic parts represented as new, or
the false identification of grade, serial number, lot number, date
code, or performance characteristics.
``Electronic part'' means a discrete electronic component,
including a microcircuit, transistor, capacitor, resistor, or diode,
that is intended for use in a safety or
[[Page 668]]
mission critical application (section 823 (d)(2) of Pub L. 115-10).
``Original component manufacturer'' means an organization that
designs and/or engineers a part and is entitled to any intellectual
property rights to that part.
``Original equipment manufacturer'' means a company that
manufactures products that it has designed from purchased components
and sells those products under the company's brand name.
``Original manufacturer'' means the original component
manufacturer, the original equipment manufacturer, or the contract
manufacturer.
``Suspect counterfeit electronic part'' means an electronic part
for which credible evidence (including, but not limited to, visual
inspection or testing) provides reasonable doubt that the electronic
part is authentic.
(b) Sources of Electronics Parts. In accordance with section
823(c)(3), the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L.
115-10), the covered contractor shall--
(1) Obtain electronic parts that are in production by the
original manufacturer or an authorized aftermarket manufacturer or
currently available in stock from--
(i) The original manufacturers of the parts;
(ii) Their authorized dealers; or
(iii) Suppliers who obtain such parts exclusively from the
original manufacturers of the parts or their authorized dealers;
(2) If electronic parts are not in production or currently
available in stock from suppliers as stated in paragraph (b) of this
clause, the covered contractor shall obtain electronic parts from
NASA identified suppliers or contractor-approved suppliers for
which--
(i) The covered contractor assumes responsibility for the
authenticity of parts; and
(ii) The covered contractor performs inspection, testing and
authentication of parts; and
(iii) The covered contractor obtains traceability information
for the electronic parts (e.g., data code, lot code, serial number)
and provides this information to the contracting officer upon
request; and
(iv) The selection of contractor-approved suppliers is subject
to review and audit by the contracting officer.
(c) Notification. The covered contractor, including
subcontractors, shall notify the NASA contracting officer in writing
not later than 30 calendar days after the date the covered
contractor becomes aware, or has reason to suspect, that any end
item, component, part or material contained in supplies purchased by
NASA, or purchased by a covered contractor or subcontractor for
delivery to, or on behalf of, NASA, contains a counterfeit
electronic part or suspect counterfeit electronic part.
(d) Costs related to counterfeit electronic parts and suspect
counterfeit electronic parts. In accordance with section
823(c)(2)(B), the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 (Pub. L.
115-10), the costs of counterfeit electronic parts and suspect
counterfeit electronic parts and the costs of rework or corrective
action that may be required to remedy the use or inclusion of such
parts are unallowable, unless--
(1) The covered contractor has a system to detect and avoid
counterfeit electronic parts and suspect counterfeit electronic
parts that has been reviewed and approved by NASA or the Department
of Defense pursuant to 48 CFR 244.303; and
(2) The covered contractor, including a subcontractor, notifies
the applicable NASA contracting officer in writing in accordance
with paragraph (c) of this clause; or
(3) The counterfeit electronic parts or suspect counterfeit
electronic parts were provided to the covered contractor as
Government property in accordance with part 45 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation.
(e) Subcontracts. The covered contractor shall insert this
clause, including this paragraph (e), in subcontracts for (1)
Electronic parts; (2) End items, components, parts, or assemblies
containing electronic parts; or (3) Services where the covered
contractor will supply electronic parts or components, parts, or
assemblies containing electronic parts as part of the service,
including subcontracts for commercial items that are for electronic
parts or assemblies containing electronic parts, unless the
subcontractor is the original manufacturer. The covered contractor
shall not alter the clause other than to identify appropriate
parties.
(f) Corrective Action. In the event that the covered contractor
supplies a counterfeit electronic part, suspect counterfeit
electronic part or end item, component, or assembly containing a
counterfeit electronic part to NASA, the covered contractor shall
take such corrective actions as the Administrator considers
necessary to remedy the use or inclusion of additional counterfeit
electronic parts, suspect counterfeit electronic part or end items,
components, or assemblies containing a counterfeit electronic part.
(End of clause)
[FR Doc. 2019-27714 Filed 1-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7510-13-P