Federal Acquisition Regulation: Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military Recruiting on Campus, 67619-67622 [2020-21698]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 206 / Friday, October 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
36.220’’ and ‘‘Personal Property
Management office’’ in their places,
respectively.
■ b. Adding a sentence at the end of the
section.
The addition reads as follows:
8.104
Obtaining nonreportable property.
* * * Visit www.gsa.gov/ppmo for
contact information.
[FR Doc. 2020–21697 Filed 10–22–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and 52
[FAC 2021–02; FAR Case 2018–021; Item
IV; Docket FAR–2019–0031, Sequence No. 1]
RIN 9000–AN79
Federal Acquisition Regulation:
Reserve Officer Training Corps and
Military Recruiting on Campus
Department of Defense (DoD),
General Services Administration (GSA),
and National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
DoD, GSA, and NASA are
issuing a final rule amending the
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to
implement the United States Code
section that prohibits the award of
certain Federal contracts to institutions
of higher education that prohibit
Reserve Officer Training Corps units or
military recruiting on campus.
DATES: Effective: November 23, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst,
at 202–969–7207 or zenaida.delgado@
gsa.gov for clarification of content. For
information pertaining to status or
publication schedules, contact the
Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202–
501–4755 or GSARegSec@gsa.gov.
Please cite FAC 2021–02, FAR Case
2018–021.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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SUMMARY:
I. Background
DoD, GSA, and NASA published a
proposed rule on September 24, 2019, at
84 FR 49974, to implement 10 U.S.C.
983, which prohibits the award of
certain Federal contracts with covered
funds to institutions of higher education
that prohibit Reserve Officer Training
Corps (ROTC) units or military
recruiting on campus.
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‘‘Covered funds’’ is defined in 10
U.S.C. 983 to be any funds made
available for DoD, Department of
Transportation, Department of
Homeland Security, or National Nuclear
Security Administration of the
Department of Energy, the Central
Intelligence Agency, or for any
department or agency in which regular
appropriations are made in the
Departments of Labor, Health and
Human Services, Education, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
None of these covered funds may be
provided by contract or grant to an
institution of higher education
(including any sub-element of such
institution) that has a policy or practice
(regardless of when implemented) that
either prohibits, or in effect prevents,
the Secretary of Defense from
establishing or operating a Senior ROTC
at that institution (or any sub-element of
that institution); or that either prohibits,
or in effect prevents, a student at that
institution (or any sub-element of that
institution) from enrolling in a ROTC
unit at another institution of higher
education.
The statute has similar sanctions
against these covered funds being
provided to an institution of higher
education (or any sub-element of an
institution) that has a policy or practice
(regardless of when implemented) that
either prohibits, or in effect prevents,
the Secretary of a Military Department
or Secretary of Homeland Security from
gaining access to campuses, or access to
students (who are 17 years of age or
older) on campuses, for purposes of
military recruiting, where such policy or
practice denies the military recruiter
access that is at least equal in quality
and scope to the access to campuses and
students provided to any other
employer; or access to information
pertaining to the students’ names,
addresses, telephone listings, dates and
places of birth, levels of education,
academic majors, degrees received, and
the most recent educational institution
enrolled in by the student.
The meaning and effect of the term
‘‘equal in quality and scope’’ was
explained in the U.S. Supreme Court
decision in Rumsfeld v. Forum for
Academic and Institutional Rights, Inc.,
126 S. Ct. 1297 (2006). The term means
the same access to campus and students
provided by the school to any other
nonmilitary recruiters or employers
receiving the most favorable access. The
focus is not on the content of a school’s
recruiting policy, but instead on the
result achieved by the policy and
compares the access provided military
recruiters to that provided other
recruiters. Therefore, compliance with
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67619
10 U.S.C. 983 would be considered
insufficient if the policy results in a
greater level of access for other
recruiters than for the military.
The statute provides an exception
whereby any Federal funding provided
to an institution of higher education or
to an individual that is available solely
for student financial assistance, related
administrative costs, or costs associated
with attendance may be used for the
purpose for which the funding is
provided.
Four respondents submitted
comments on the proposed rule.
II. Discussion and Analysis
The Civilian Agency Acquisition
Council and the Defense Acquisition
Regulations Council (the Councils)
reviewed the public comments in the
development of the final rule. A
discussion of the comments is provided
as follows:
A. Summary of Changes
There are no changes as a result of
comments on the proposed rule.
Technical changes were made to the
proposed rule.
B. Analysis of Public Comments
Comment: All four respondents
strongly supported the proposed FAR
rule.
Response: Noted.
C. Other Changes
Made technical changes at FAR
9.405–1, 12.503, and 13.005.
Added language at FAR 9.110–4(b)
and 43.105(c) to highlight that the
prohibition does not apply to
acquisitions at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold or to acquisitions
of commercial items, including
commercially available off-the-shelf
items.
Included an exception for contractors
that have been declared ineligible
pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 983 with a pointer
reference to FAR 9.110 and 9.405–1(b),
at FAR 9.400(b).
Moved the ‘‘Institution of higher
education’’ definition within the FAR
clause at 52.209–14(a) to place the
definitions in alphabetical order.
III. Expected Impact of the Final Rule
DoD, GSA, and NASA do not expect
a cost impact on the public or
institutions of higher learning or on the
Government because covered agencies
already have regulations in place to
address their statutory responsibilities.
These agencies and the public will be
required to comply with the same
requirement, but the requirement will
now be located in the FAR.
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IV. Applicability to Contracts at or
Below the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold (SAT) and for Commercial
Items, Including Commercially
Available Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Items
DoD, GSA, and NASA do not intend
to apply the requirements of 10 U.S.C.
983 at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold or to contracts for
the acquisitions of commercial items.
A. Applicability to Contracts at or Below
the Simplified Acquisition Threshold
Section 1905 of title 41 of the United
States Code 41 U.S.C. 1905 governs the
applicability of laws to contracts or
subcontracts in amounts not greater
than the simplified acquisition
threshold. It is intended to limit the
applicability of laws to such contracts or
subcontracts. Section 1905 provides that
if a provision of law contains criminal
or civil penalties, specifically refers to
section 1905 and provides that the law
shall nevertheless be applicable to
contracts or subcontracts below the
simplified acquisition threshold, or if
the FAR Council makes a written
determination that it is not in the best
interest of the Federal Government to
exempt contracts or subcontracts at or
below the simplified acquisition
threshold, the law will apply to them.
Section 1983 of title 10 does not contain
criminal or civil penalties, nor expressly
refer to section 1905 of title 41, and the
FAR Council does not intend to make
the requisite determination. Therefore,
this rule does not apply at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold.
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B. Applicability to Contracts for the
Acquisition of Commercial Items,
Including COTS Items
Section 1906 of title 41 governs the
applicability of laws to contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items, and is
intended to limit the applicability of
laws to contracts for the acquisition of
commercial items. Section 1906
provides that if a provision of law
contains criminal or civil penalties,
specifically refers to section 1906 and
provides that it shall nevertheless be
applicable to contracts for the
procurement of commercial items, or if
the FAR Council makes a written
determination that it is not in the best
interest of the Federal Government to
exempt commercial item contracts, the
provision of law will apply to contracts
for the acquisition of commercial items.
Likewise, 41 U.S.C. 1907 governs the
applicability of laws to COTS items, and
provides the same criteria for
determining whether a provision of law
applies to COTS items, except that the
Administrator for Federal Procurement
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Policy is charged with making the
decision whether it is in the best
interest of the Government to apply a
provision of law to acquisitions of COTS
items in the FAR. As noted above with
respect to section 1905, section 983 of
title 10 does not impose civil or
criminal penalties. Nor does it refer to
sections 1906 or 1907 of title 41. The
FAR Council and the Administrator for
Federal Procurement Policy do not
intend to make the requisite
determinations. Therefore, this rule
does not apply to the acquisition of
commercial items, including COTS
items. This rule adds 10 U.S.C. 983 to
the list at FAR 12.503 of laws
inapplicable to contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items. The
law is not added to the lists at FAR
12.504 (subcontracts) and 12.505 (COTS
items), because the clause does not flow
down to subcontracts and is already
inapplicable to the acquisition of COTS
items, because the Federal Government
does not buy COTS items from
institutions of higher education.
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 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, 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.
VI. Executive Order 13771
This rule is not subject to E.O. 13771,
Reducing Regulation and Controlling
Regulatory Costs, because this rule has
a de minimis impact on the public (see
section III of this preamble).
This rule affects institutions of higher
education that receive Federal monies
but that do not allow DoD’s ROTC and
military recruiting on campus. However,
the FAR Council is not aware of any
institution that currently has such a
prohibition in place.
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
DoD, GSA, and NASA have prepared
a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(FRFA) consistent with the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. The
FRFA is summarized as follows:
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This rule is required to implement 10
U.S.C 983, which prohibits the award of
certain Federal contracts to institutions of
higher education that prohibit ROTC units or
military recruiting on campus.
There were no significant issues raised by
the public in response to the initial
regulatory flexibility analysis.
In Fiscal Year 2017, the Federal
Procurement Data System (FPDS) shows that
there were 345 awards to small organizations
which are institutions of higher education, by
the following covered agencies: Department
of Defense, Department of Labor, Department
of Health and Human Services, Department
of Education, Department of Transportation,
and Department of Homeland Security. The
National Nuclear Security Administration is
not included in this number because the
Department of Energy does not break out the
information. The Central Intelligence Agency
is not included because it does not report in
FPDS. These small organizations are small
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
but are not small business concerns. There
will not be an impact on an institution of
higher education as long as that institution
has no policies or practices in place that
prohibit ROTC units or military recruiting on
campuses. No institution of higher education
has been determined by the Secretary of
Defense to be ineligible based on this policy.
There are no reporting or recordkeeping
requirements. There is a compliance
requirement; institutions of higher education
which have contracts with covered agencies
(defined in the FAR text) must not prohibit
ROTC units or military recruiting on campus.
This is not a new requirement. No increase
in burden is intended.
There are no available alternatives to the
rule to accomplish the desired objective of
the statute.
Interested parties may obtain a copy
of the FRFA from the Regulatory
Secretariat Division. The Regulatory
Secretariat Division has submitted a
copy of the FRFA to the Chief Counsel
for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
The rule does not contain any
information collection requirements that
require the approval of the Office of
Management and Budget under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35).
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 9, 12,
13, 43, and 52
Government procurement.
William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide
Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition
Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA
amend 48 CFR parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and
52 as set forth below:
■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR
parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and 52 continues to
read as follows:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 206 / Friday, October 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C.
chapter 137; and 51 U.S.C. 20113.
PART 9—CONTRACTOR
QUALIFICATIONS
2. Add sections 9.110 through 9.110–
5 to read as follows:
■
9.110 Reserve Officer Training Corps and
military recruiting on campus.
9.110–1
Definitions.
As used in this section—
Covered agency means—
(1) The Department of Defense;
(2) Any department or agency for
which regular appropriations are made
in a Department of Labor, Health and
Human Services, and Education, and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act;
(3) The Department of Homeland
Security;
(4) The National Nuclear Security
Administration of the Department of
Energy;
(5) The Department of Transportation;
or
(6) The Central Intelligence Agency.
Institution of higher education means
an institution that meets the
requirements of 20 U.S.C. 1001 and
includes all sub-elements of such an
institution.
9.110–2
Authority.
This section implements 10 U.S.C.
983.
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9.110–3
Policy.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph
(b) of this section, 10 U.S.C. 983
prohibits the covered agency from
providing funds by contract to an
institution of higher education if the
Secretary of Defense determines that the
institution has a policy or practice that
prohibits or in effect prevents—
(1) The Secretary of a military
department from maintaining,
establishing, or operating a unit of the
Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps
(ROTC) at that institution;
(2) A student at that institution from
enrolling in a unit of the Senior ROTC
at another institution of higher
education;
(3) The Secretary of a military
department or the Secretary of
Homeland Security from gaining access
to campuses, or access to students (who
are 17 years of age or older) on
campuses, for purposes of military
recruiting in a manner that is at least
equal in quality and scope to the access
to campuses and to students that is
provided to any other employer; or
(4) Military recruiters from accessing
certain information pertaining to
students (who are 17 years of age or
older) enrolled at that institution:
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(i) Name, address, and telephone
listings.
(ii) Date and place of birth,
educational level, academic majors,
degrees received, and the most recent
educational institution enrolled in by
the student.
(b) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of
this section does not apply to an
institution of higher education if the
Secretary of Defense determines that—
(1) The institution has ceased the
policy or practice described in
paragraph (a) of this section; or
(2) The institution has a long-standing
policy of pacifism based on historical
religious affiliation.
9.110–4
Procedures.
If the Secretary of Defense determines,
pursuant to the procedures at 32 CFR
part 216, that an institution of higher
education is ineligible to receive funds
from a covered agency because of a
policy or practice described in 9.110–
3—
(a) The Secretary of Defense will
create an active exclusion record for the
institution in the System for Award
Management; and
(b) A covered agency shall not solicit
offers from, award contracts to, or
consent to subcontracts with the
institution. The prohibition in this
paragraph (b) does not apply to
acquisitions at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold or to acquisitions
of commercial items, including
commercially available off-the-shelf
items.
9.110–5
Contract clause.
The contracting officer shall insert the
clause at 52.209–14, Reserve Officer
Training Corps and Military Recruiting
on Campus, in solicitations and
contracts that are expected to exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold, with
institutions of higher education, when
using funds from a covered agency. The
clause is not prescribed for solicitations
and contracts using part 12 for the
acquisition of commercial items.
3. Amend section 9.400 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
9.400
Scope of subpart.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Although this subpart does cover
the listing of ineligible contractors
(9.404) and the effect of this listing
(9.405(b)), it does not prescribe policies
and procedures governing declarations
of ineligibility except for contractors
that have been declared ineligible
pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 983 (see 9.110,
and 9.405–1(b)).
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9.405
67621
[Amended]
4. Amend section 9.405 by removing
from paragraph (a) ‘‘(see 9.405–1(b)’’
and adding ‘‘(see 9.405–1(a)(2)’’ in its
place.
■ 5. Revise section 9.405–1 to read as
follows:
■
9.405–1
Continuation of current contracts.
(a) Contractors debarred, suspended,
or proposed for debarment. (1)
Notwithstanding the debarment,
suspension, or proposed debarment of a
contractor, agencies may continue
contracts or subcontracts in existence at
the time the contractor was debarred,
suspended, or proposed for debarment
unless the agency head directs
otherwise. A decision as to the type of
termination action, if any, to be taken
should be made only after review by
agency contracting and technical
personnel and by counsel to ensure the
propriety of the proposed action.
(2) For contractors debarred,
suspended, or proposed for debarment,
unless the agency head makes a written
determination of the compelling reasons
for doing so, ordering activities shall
not—
(i) Place orders exceeding the
guaranteed minimum under indefinite
quantity contracts;
(ii) Place orders under Federal Supply
Schedule contracts, blanket purchase
agreements, or basic ordering
agreements; or
(iii) Add new work, exercise options,
or otherwise extend the duration of
current contracts or orders.
(b) Ineligible contractors. A covered
agency, as defined in 9.110–1, shall
terminate existing contracts and shall
not place new orders or award new
contracts with contractors that have
been declared ineligible pursuant to 10
U.S.C. 983 (see 9.110), except for
contracts at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold or contracts for
the acquisition of commercial items.
PART 12—ACQUISITION OF
COMMERCIAL ITEMS
6. Amend section 12.503 by revising
paragraphs (a)(1) through (9) to read as
follows:
■
12.503 Applicability of certain laws to
Executive agency contracts for the
acquisition of commercial items.
(a) * * *
(1) 10 U.S.C. 983, Institutions of
Higher Education that Prevent ROTC
Access or Military Recruiting on
Campus: Denial of Grants and Contracts
from Department of Defense,
Department of Education, and Certain
Other Departments and Agencies (see
9.110).
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(2) 31 U.S.C. 1354(a), Limitation on
Use of Appropriated Funds for
Contracts with Entities Not Meeting
Veterans’ Employment Reporting
Requirements (see 22.1302).
(3) 41 U.S.C. 1708(e)(3), Minimum
Response Time for Offers (see 5.203).
(4) 41 U.S.C. 2303(b), Policy on
Personal Conflicts of Interest by
Contractor Employees (see subpart
3.11).
(5) 41 U.S.C. 3901(b) and 10 U.S.C.
2306(b), Contingent Fees (see 3.404).
(6) 41 U.S.C. 4706(d)(1) and 10 U.S.C.
2313(c)(1), GAO Access to Contractor
Employees, section 871 of Public Law
110–417 (see 52.214–26 and 52.215–2).
(7) 41 U.S.C. chapter 65, Contracts for
Materials, Supplies, Articles, and
Equipment Exceeding $10,000 (see
subpart 22.6).
(8) 41 U.S.C. chapter 81, Drug-Free
Workplace (see 23.501).
(9) Section 806(a)(3) of Public Law
102–190, as amended by sections 2091
and 8105 of Public Law 103–355 (10
U.S.C. 2302 note), Payment Protections
for Subcontractors and Suppliers (see
28.106–6).
*
*
*
*
*
PART 13—SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
PROCEDURES
7. Amend section 13.005 by revising
paragraph (a) to read as follows:
■
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13.005 List of laws inapplicable to
contracts and subcontracts at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold.
(a) The following laws are
inapplicable to all contracts and
subcontracts (if otherwise applicable to
subcontracts) at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold pursuant to 41
U.S.C. 1905:
(1) 10 U.S.C. 983, Institutions of
Higher Education that Prevent ROTC
Access or Military Recruiting on
Campus: Denial of Grants and Contracts
from Department of Defense,
Department of Education, and Certain
Other Departments and Agencies (see
9.110).
(2) 10 U.S.C. 2306(b) and 41 U.S.C.
3901(b) (contract clause regarding
contingent fees).
(3) 10 U.S.C. 2313 and 41 U.S.C. 4706
(authority to examine books and records
of (contractors).
(4) 10 U.S.C. 2402 and 41 U.S.C. 4704
(prohibition on limiting subcontractors
direct sales to the United States).
(5) 15 U.S.C. 631 note (HUBZone Act
of 1997), except for 15 U.S.C.
657a(b)(2)(B), which is optional for the
agencies subject to the requirements of
the Act.
(6) 22 U.S.C. 2593e, Measures Against
Persons Involved in Activities that
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Violate Arms Control Treaties or
Agreements with the United States. (The
requirement at 22 U.S.C. 2593e(c)(3)(B)
to provide a certification does not
apply.)
(7) 31 U.S.C. 1354(a), Limitation on
Use of Appropriated Funds for
Contracts with Entities Not Meeting
Veterans’ Employment Reporting
Requirements (see 22.1302).
(8) 41 U.S.C. 8102(a)(1) (Drug-Free
Workplace), except for individuals.
*
*
*
*
*
PART 43—CONTRACT
MODIFICATIONS
8. Amend section 43.105 by adding
paragraph (c) to read as follows:
■
43.105
Availability of funds.
*
*
*
*
*
(c) In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 983,
do not provide funds by contract or
contract modification, or make contract
payments, to an institution of higher
education that has a policy or practice
of hindering Senior Reserve Officer
Training Corps units or military
recruiting on campus as described at
9.110. The prohibition in this paragraph
(c) does not apply to acquisitions at or
below the simplified acquisition
threshold or to acquisitions of
commercial items, including
commercially available off-the-shelf
items.
PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS
AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
9. Add section 52.209–14 to read as
follows
■
52.209–14 Reserve Officer Training Corps
and Military Recruiting on Campus.
As prescribed in 9.110–5, insert the
following clause:
Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military
Recruiting on Campus (Nov 2020)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—
Covered agency means—
(1) The Department of Defense;
(2) Any department or agency for which
regular appropriations are made in a
Department of Labor, Health and Human
Services; and Education, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act;
(3) The Department of Homeland Security;
(4) The National Nuclear Security
Administration of the Department of Energy;
(5) The Department of Transportation; or
(6) The Central Intelligence Agency.
Institution of higher education means an
institution that meets the requirements of 20
U.S.C. 1001 and includes all sub-elements of
such an institution.
(b) Limitation on contract award. Except as
provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, an
institution of higher education is ineligible
for contract award if the Secretary of Defense
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determines that the institution has a policy
or practice (regardless of when implemented)
that prohibits or in effect prevents—
(1) The Secretary of a military department
from maintaining, establishing, or operating
a unit of the Senior Reserve Officer Training
Corps (ROTC) at that institution (or any subelement of that institution);
(2) A student at that institution (or any subelement of that institution) from enrolling in
a unit of the Senior ROTC at another
institution of higher education;
(3) The Secretary of a military department
or the Secretary of Homeland Security from
gaining access to campuses, or access to
students (who are 17 years of age or older)
on campuses, for purposes of military
recruiting; or
(4) Military recruiters from accessing, for
purposes of military recruiting, the following
information pertaining to students (who are
17 years of age or older) enrolled at that
institution:
(i) Name, address, and telephone listings.
(ii) Date and place of birth, educational
level, academic majors, degrees received, and
the most recent educational institution
enrolled in by the student.
(c) Exception. The limitation in paragraph
(b) of this clause does not apply to an
institution of higher education if the
Secretary of Defense determines that—
(1) The institution has ceased the policy or
practice described in paragraph (b) of this
clause; or
(2) The institution has a long-standing
policy of pacifism based on historical
religious affiliation.
(d) Notwithstanding any other clause of
this contract, if the Secretary of Defense
determines that the institution has violated
the contract in paragraph (b) of this clause—
(1) The institution will be ineligible for
further payments under this and any other
contracts with this agency and any other
covered agency, except for contracts at or
below the simplified acquisition threshold or
contracts for the acquisition of commercial
items; and
(2) The Government will terminate this
contract for default for the institution’s
material failure to comply with the terms and
conditions of award.
(End of clause)
[FR Doc. 2020–21698 Filed 10–22–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
E:\FR\FM\23OCR2.SGM
23OCR2
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 206 (Friday, October 23, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67619-67622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21698]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
48 CFR Parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and 52
[FAC 2021-02; FAR Case 2018-021; Item IV; Docket FAR-2019-0031,
Sequence No. 1]
RIN 9000-AN79
Federal Acquisition Regulation: Reserve Officer Training Corps
and Military Recruiting on Campus
AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the United States
Code section that prohibits the award of certain Federal contracts to
institutions of higher education that prohibit Reserve Officer Training
Corps units or military recruiting on campus.
DATES: Effective: November 23, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Zenaida Delgado, Procurement
Analyst, at 202-969-7207 or [email protected] for clarification
of content. For information pertaining to status or publication
schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202-501-4755
or [email protected]. Please cite FAC 2021-02, FAR Case 2018-021.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule on September 24, 2019,
at 84 FR 49974, to implement 10 U.S.C. 983, which prohibits the award
of certain Federal contracts with covered funds to institutions of
higher education that prohibit Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
units or military recruiting on campus.
``Covered funds'' is defined in 10 U.S.C. 983 to be any funds made
available for DoD, Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland
Security, or National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department
of Energy, the Central Intelligence Agency, or for any department or
agency in which regular appropriations are made in the Departments of
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act. None of these covered funds may be provided by
contract or grant to an institution of higher education (including any
sub-element of such institution) that has a policy or practice
(regardless of when implemented) that either prohibits, or in effect
prevents, the Secretary of Defense from establishing or operating a
Senior ROTC at that institution (or any sub-element of that
institution); or that either prohibits, or in effect prevents, a
student at that institution (or any sub-element of that institution)
from enrolling in a ROTC unit at another institution of higher
education.
The statute has similar sanctions against these covered funds being
provided to an institution of higher education (or any sub-element of
an institution) that has a policy or practice (regardless of when
implemented) that either prohibits, or in effect prevents, the
Secretary of a Military Department or Secretary of Homeland Security
from gaining access to campuses, or access to students (who are 17
years of age or older) on campuses, for purposes of military
recruiting, where such policy or practice denies the military recruiter
access that is at least equal in quality and scope to the access to
campuses and students provided to any other employer; or access to
information pertaining to the students' names, addresses, telephone
listings, dates and places of birth, levels of education, academic
majors, degrees received, and the most recent educational institution
enrolled in by the student.
The meaning and effect of the term ``equal in quality and scope''
was explained in the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Rumsfeld v. Forum
for Academic and Institutional Rights, Inc., 126 S. Ct. 1297 (2006).
The term means the same access to campus and students provided by the
school to any other nonmilitary recruiters or employers receiving the
most favorable access. The focus is not on the content of a school's
recruiting policy, but instead on the result achieved by the policy and
compares the access provided military recruiters to that provided other
recruiters. Therefore, compliance with 10 U.S.C. 983 would be
considered insufficient if the policy results in a greater level of
access for other recruiters than for the military.
The statute provides an exception whereby any Federal funding
provided to an institution of higher education or to an individual that
is available solely for student financial assistance, related
administrative costs, or costs associated with attendance may be used
for the purpose for which the funding is provided.
Four respondents submitted comments on the proposed rule.
II. Discussion and Analysis
The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition
Regulations Council (the Councils) reviewed the public comments in the
development of the final rule. A discussion of the comments is provided
as follows:
A. Summary of Changes
There are no changes as a result of comments on the proposed rule.
Technical changes were made to the proposed rule.
B. Analysis of Public Comments
Comment: All four respondents strongly supported the proposed FAR
rule.
Response: Noted.
C. Other Changes
Made technical changes at FAR 9.405-1, 12.503, and 13.005.
Added language at FAR 9.110-4(b) and 43.105(c) to highlight that
the prohibition does not apply to acquisitions at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold or to acquisitions of commercial
items, including commercially available off-the-shelf items.
Included an exception for contractors that have been declared
ineligible pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 983 with a pointer reference to FAR
9.110 and 9.405-1(b), at FAR 9.400(b).
Moved the ``Institution of higher education'' definition within the
FAR clause at 52.209-14(a) to place the definitions in alphabetical
order.
III. Expected Impact of the Final Rule
DoD, GSA, and NASA do not expect a cost impact on the public or
institutions of higher learning or on the Government because covered
agencies already have regulations in place to address their statutory
responsibilities. These agencies and the public will be required to
comply with the same requirement, but the requirement will now be
located in the FAR.
[[Page 67620]]
IV. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold (SAT) and for Commercial Items, Including Commercially
Available Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Items
DoD, GSA, and NASA do not intend to apply the requirements of 10
U.S.C. 983 at or below the simplified acquisition threshold or to
contracts for the acquisitions of commercial items.
A. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold
Section 1905 of title 41 of the United States Code 41 U.S.C. 1905
governs the applicability of laws to contracts or subcontracts in
amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold. It is
intended to limit the applicability of laws to such contracts or
subcontracts. Section 1905 provides that if a provision of law contains
criminal or civil penalties, specifically refers to section 1905 and
provides that the law shall nevertheless be applicable to contracts or
subcontracts below the simplified acquisition threshold, or if the FAR
Council makes a written determination that it is not in the best
interest of the Federal Government to exempt contracts or subcontracts
at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, the law will apply to
them. Section 1983 of title 10 does not contain criminal or civil
penalties, nor expressly refer to section 1905 of title 41, and the FAR
Council does not intend to make the requisite determination. Therefore,
this rule does not apply at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold.
B. Applicability to Contracts for the Acquisition of Commercial Items,
Including COTS Items
Section 1906 of title 41 governs the applicability of laws to
contracts for the acquisition of commercial items, and is intended to
limit the applicability of laws to contracts for the acquisition of
commercial items. Section 1906 provides that if a provision of law
contains criminal or civil penalties, specifically refers to section
1906 and provides that it shall nevertheless be applicable to contracts
for the procurement of commercial items, or if the FAR Council makes a
written determination that it is not in the best interest of the
Federal Government to exempt commercial item contracts, the provision
of law will apply to contracts for the acquisition of commercial items.
Likewise, 41 U.S.C. 1907 governs the applicability of laws to COTS
items, and provides the same criteria for determining whether a
provision of law applies to COTS items, except that the Administrator
for Federal Procurement Policy is charged with making the decision
whether it is in the best interest of the Government to apply a
provision of law to acquisitions of COTS items in the FAR. As noted
above with respect to section 1905, section 983 of title 10 does not
impose civil or criminal penalties. Nor does it refer to sections 1906
or 1907 of title 41. The FAR Council and the Administrator for Federal
Procurement Policy do not intend to make the requisite determinations.
Therefore, this rule does not apply to the acquisition of commercial
items, including COTS items. This rule adds 10 U.S.C. 983 to the list
at FAR 12.503 of laws inapplicable to contracts for the acquisition of
commercial items. The law is not added to the lists at FAR 12.504
(subcontracts) and 12.505 (COTS items), because the clause does not
flow down to subcontracts and is already inapplicable to the
acquisition of COTS items, because the Federal Government does not buy
COTS items from institutions of higher education.
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 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, 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.
VI. Executive Order 13771
This rule is not subject to E.O. 13771, Reducing Regulation and
Controlling Regulatory Costs, because this rule has a de minimis impact
on the public (see section III of this preamble).
This rule affects institutions of higher education that receive
Federal monies but that do not allow DoD's ROTC and military recruiting
on campus. However, the FAR Council is not aware of any institution
that currently has such a prohibition in place.
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act
DoD, GSA, and NASA have prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility
Analysis (FRFA) consistent with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
U.S.C. 601, et seq. The FRFA is summarized as follows:
This rule is required to implement 10 U.S.C 983, which prohibits
the award of certain Federal contracts to institutions of higher
education that prohibit ROTC units or military recruiting on campus.
There were no significant issues raised by the public in
response to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis.
In Fiscal Year 2017, the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)
shows that there were 345 awards to small organizations which are
institutions of higher education, by the following covered agencies:
Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Department of Health and
Human Services, Department of Education, Department of
Transportation, and Department of Homeland Security. The National
Nuclear Security Administration is not included in this number
because the Department of Energy does not break out the information.
The Central Intelligence Agency is not included because it does not
report in FPDS. These small organizations are small entities under
the Regulatory Flexibility Act but are not small business concerns.
There will not be an impact on an institution of higher education as
long as that institution has no policies or practices in place that
prohibit ROTC units or military recruiting on campuses. No
institution of higher education has been determined by the Secretary
of Defense to be ineligible based on this policy.
There are no reporting or recordkeeping requirements. There is a
compliance requirement; institutions of higher education which have
contracts with covered agencies (defined in the FAR text) must not
prohibit ROTC units or military recruiting on campus. This is not a
new requirement. No increase in burden is intended.
There are no available alternatives to the rule to accomplish
the desired objective of the statute.
Interested parties may obtain a copy of the FRFA from the
Regulatory Secretariat Division. The Regulatory Secretariat Division
has submitted a copy of the FRFA to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of
the Small Business Administration.
VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
The rule does not contain any information collection requirements
that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and 52
Government procurement.
William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy, Office of
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and
52 as set forth below:
0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 9, 12, 13, 43, and 52
continues to read as follows:
[[Page 67621]]
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 51
U.S.C. 20113.
PART 9--CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
0
2. Add sections 9.110 through 9.110-5 to read as follows:
9.110 Reserve Officer Training Corps and military recruiting on
campus.
9.110-1 Definitions.
As used in this section--
Covered agency means--
(1) The Department of Defense;
(2) Any department or agency for which regular appropriations are
made in a Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and
Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act;
(3) The Department of Homeland Security;
(4) The National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department
of Energy;
(5) The Department of Transportation; or
(6) The Central Intelligence Agency.
Institution of higher education means an institution that meets the
requirements of 20 U.S.C. 1001 and includes all sub-elements of such an
institution.
9.110-2 Authority.
This section implements 10 U.S.C. 983.
9.110-3 Policy.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, 10 U.S.C.
983 prohibits the covered agency from providing funds by contract to an
institution of higher education if the Secretary of Defense determines
that the institution has a policy or practice that prohibits or in
effect prevents--
(1) The Secretary of a military department from maintaining,
establishing, or operating a unit of the Senior Reserve Officer
Training Corps (ROTC) at that institution;
(2) A student at that institution from enrolling in a unit of the
Senior ROTC at another institution of higher education;
(3) The Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of
Homeland Security from gaining access to campuses, or access to
students (who are 17 years of age or older) on campuses, for purposes
of military recruiting in a manner that is at least equal in quality
and scope to the access to campuses and to students that is provided to
any other employer; or
(4) Military recruiters from accessing certain information
pertaining to students (who are 17 years of age or older) enrolled at
that institution:
(i) Name, address, and telephone listings.
(ii) Date and place of birth, educational level, academic majors,
degrees received, and the most recent educational institution enrolled
in by the student.
(b) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply
to an institution of higher education if the Secretary of Defense
determines that--
(1) The institution has ceased the policy or practice described in
paragraph (a) of this section; or
(2) The institution has a long-standing policy of pacifism based on
historical religious affiliation.
9.110-4 Procedures.
If the Secretary of Defense determines, pursuant to the procedures
at 32 CFR part 216, that an institution of higher education is
ineligible to receive funds from a covered agency because of a policy
or practice described in 9.110-3--
(a) The Secretary of Defense will create an active exclusion record
for the institution in the System for Award Management; and
(b) A covered agency shall not solicit offers from, award contracts
to, or consent to subcontracts with the institution. The prohibition in
this paragraph (b) does not apply to acquisitions at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold or to acquisitions of commercial
items, including commercially available off-the-shelf items.
9.110-5 Contract clause.
The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.209-14,
Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military Recruiting on Campus, in
solicitations and contracts that are expected to exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold, with institutions of higher education, when
using funds from a covered agency. The clause is not prescribed for
solicitations and contracts using part 12 for the acquisition of
commercial items.
0
3. Amend section 9.400 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
9.400 Scope of subpart.
* * * * *
(b) Although this subpart does cover the listing of ineligible
contractors (9.404) and the effect of this listing (9.405(b)), it does
not prescribe policies and procedures governing declarations of
ineligibility except for contractors that have been declared ineligible
pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 983 (see 9.110, and 9.405-1(b)).
9.405 [Amended]
0
4. Amend section 9.405 by removing from paragraph (a) ``(see 9.405-
1(b)'' and adding ``(see 9.405-1(a)(2)'' in its place.
0
5. Revise section 9.405-1 to read as follows:
9.405-1 Continuation of current contracts.
(a) Contractors debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment. (1)
Notwithstanding the debarment, suspension, or proposed debarment of a
contractor, agencies may continue contracts or subcontracts in
existence at the time the contractor was debarred, suspended, or
proposed for debarment unless the agency head directs otherwise. A
decision as to the type of termination action, if any, to be taken
should be made only after review by agency contracting and technical
personnel and by counsel to ensure the propriety of the proposed
action.
(2) For contractors debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment,
unless the agency head makes a written determination of the compelling
reasons for doing so, ordering activities shall not--
(i) Place orders exceeding the guaranteed minimum under indefinite
quantity contracts;
(ii) Place orders under Federal Supply Schedule contracts, blanket
purchase agreements, or basic ordering agreements; or
(iii) Add new work, exercise options, or otherwise extend the
duration of current contracts or orders.
(b) Ineligible contractors. A covered agency, as defined in 9.110-
1, shall terminate existing contracts and shall not place new orders or
award new contracts with contractors that have been declared ineligible
pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 983 (see 9.110), except for contracts at or below
the simplified acquisition threshold or contracts for the acquisition
of commercial items.
PART 12--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS
0
6. Amend section 12.503 by revising paragraphs (a)(1) through (9) to
read as follows:
12.503 Applicability of certain laws to Executive agency contracts
for the acquisition of commercial items.
(a) * * *
(1) 10 U.S.C. 983, Institutions of Higher Education that Prevent
ROTC Access or Military Recruiting on Campus: Denial of Grants and
Contracts from Department of Defense, Department of Education, and
Certain Other Departments and Agencies (see 9.110).
[[Page 67622]]
(2) 31 U.S.C. 1354(a), Limitation on Use of Appropriated Funds for
Contracts with Entities Not Meeting Veterans' Employment Reporting
Requirements (see 22.1302).
(3) 41 U.S.C. 1708(e)(3), Minimum Response Time for Offers (see
5.203).
(4) 41 U.S.C. 2303(b), Policy on Personal Conflicts of Interest by
Contractor Employees (see subpart 3.11).
(5) 41 U.S.C. 3901(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2306(b), Contingent Fees (see
3.404).
(6) 41 U.S.C. 4706(d)(1) and 10 U.S.C. 2313(c)(1), GAO Access to
Contractor Employees, section 871 of Public Law 110-417 (see 52.214-26
and 52.215-2).
(7) 41 U.S.C. chapter 65, Contracts for Materials, Supplies,
Articles, and Equipment Exceeding $10,000 (see subpart 22.6).
(8) 41 U.S.C. chapter 81, Drug-Free Workplace (see 23.501).
(9) Section 806(a)(3) of Public Law 102-190, as amended by sections
2091 and 8105 of Public Law 103-355 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note), Payment
Protections for Subcontractors and Suppliers (see 28.106-6).
* * * * *
PART 13--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
0
7. Amend section 13.005 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
13.005 List of laws inapplicable to contracts and subcontracts at or
below the simplified acquisition threshold.
(a) The following laws are inapplicable to all contracts and
subcontracts (if otherwise applicable to subcontracts) at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1905:
(1) 10 U.S.C. 983, Institutions of Higher Education that Prevent
ROTC Access or Military Recruiting on Campus: Denial of Grants and
Contracts from Department of Defense, Department of Education, and
Certain Other Departments and Agencies (see 9.110).
(2) 10 U.S.C. 2306(b) and 41 U.S.C. 3901(b) (contract clause
regarding contingent fees).
(3) 10 U.S.C. 2313 and 41 U.S.C. 4706 (authority to examine books
and records of (contractors).
(4) 10 U.S.C. 2402 and 41 U.S.C. 4704 (prohibition on limiting
subcontractors direct sales to the United States).
(5) 15 U.S.C. 631 note (HUBZone Act of 1997), except for 15 U.S.C.
657a(b)(2)(B), which is optional for the agencies subject to the
requirements of the Act.
(6) 22 U.S.C. 2593e, Measures Against Persons Involved in
Activities that Violate Arms Control Treaties or Agreements with the
United States. (The requirement at 22 U.S.C. 2593e(c)(3)(B) to provide
a certification does not apply.)
(7) 31 U.S.C. 1354(a), Limitation on Use of Appropriated Funds for
Contracts with Entities Not Meeting Veterans' Employment Reporting
Requirements (see 22.1302).
(8) 41 U.S.C. 8102(a)(1) (Drug-Free Workplace), except for
individuals.
* * * * *
PART 43--CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS
0
8. Amend section 43.105 by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:
43.105 Availability of funds.
* * * * *
(c) In accordance with 10 U.S.C. 983, do not provide funds by
contract or contract modification, or make contract payments, to an
institution of higher education that has a policy or practice of
hindering Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps units or military
recruiting on campus as described at 9.110. The prohibition in this
paragraph (c) does not apply to acquisitions at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold or to acquisitions of commercial items, including
commercially available off-the-shelf items.
PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
0
9. Add section 52.209-14 to read as follows
52.209-14 Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military Recruiting on
Campus.
As prescribed in 9.110-5, insert the following clause:
Reserve Officer Training Corps and Military Recruiting on Campus (Nov
2020)
(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
Covered agency means--
(1) The Department of Defense;
(2) Any department or agency for which regular appropriations
are made in a Department of Labor, Health and Human Services; and
Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act;
(3) The Department of Homeland Security;
(4) The National Nuclear Security Administration of the
Department of Energy;
(5) The Department of Transportation; or
(6) The Central Intelligence Agency.
Institution of higher education means an institution that meets
the requirements of 20 U.S.C. 1001 and includes all sub-elements of
such an institution.
(b) Limitation on contract award. Except as provided in
paragraph (c) of this clause, an institution of higher education is
ineligible for contract award if the Secretary of Defense determines
that the institution has a policy or practice (regardless of when
implemented) that prohibits or in effect prevents--
(1) The Secretary of a military department from maintaining,
establishing, or operating a unit of the Senior Reserve Officer
Training Corps (ROTC) at that institution (or any sub-element of
that institution);
(2) A student at that institution (or any sub-element of that
institution) from enrolling in a unit of the Senior ROTC at another
institution of higher education;
(3) The Secretary of a military department or the Secretary of
Homeland Security from gaining access to campuses, or access to
students (who are 17 years of age or older) on campuses, for
purposes of military recruiting; or
(4) Military recruiters from accessing, for purposes of military
recruiting, the following information pertaining to students (who
are 17 years of age or older) enrolled at that institution:
(i) Name, address, and telephone listings.
(ii) Date and place of birth, educational level, academic
majors, degrees received, and the most recent educational
institution enrolled in by the student.
(c) Exception. The limitation in paragraph (b) of this clause
does not apply to an institution of higher education if the
Secretary of Defense determines that--
(1) The institution has ceased the policy or practice described
in paragraph (b) of this clause; or
(2) The institution has a long-standing policy of pacifism based
on historical religious affiliation.
(d) Notwithstanding any other clause of this contract, if the
Secretary of Defense determines that the institution has violated
the contract in paragraph (b) of this clause--
(1) The institution will be ineligible for further payments
under this and any other contracts with this agency and any other
covered agency, except for contracts at or below the simplified
acquisition threshold or contracts for the acquisition of commercial
items; and
(2) The Government will terminate this contract for default for
the institution's material failure to comply with the terms and
conditions of award.
(End of clause)
[FR Doc. 2020-21698 Filed 10-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P