VA Acquisition Regulation: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation System and Research and Development, 10158-10166 [2022-02796]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 23, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10158-10166]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02796]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

48 CFR Parts 801, 802, 808, 816, 835, and 852

RIN 2900-AQ23


VA Acquisition Regulation: Department of Veterans Affairs 
Acquisition Regulation System and Research and Development

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend 
and update its VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) in phased increments to 
revise or remove any policy superseded by changes in the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to remove procedural guidance internal to 
VA into the VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM), and to incorporate any new 
agency specific regulations or policies. These changes seek to 
streamline and align the VAAR with the FAR and remove outdated and 
duplicative requirements and reduce burden on contractors. The VAAM 
incorporates portions of the removed VAAR as well as other internal 
agency acquisition policy. VA will rewrite certain parts of the VAAR 
and VAAM, and as VAAR parts are rewritten, will publish them in the 
Federal Register.

[[Page 10159]]

VA will combine related topics, as appropriate. This rulemaking revises 
VAAR coverage concerning Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition 
Regulation System and Research and Development. It also revises 
affected parts concerning Definitions of Words and Terms, Required 
Sources of Supplies and Services, Types of Contracts and Solicitation 
Provisions and Contract Clauses.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 25, 2022 to be 
considered in the formulation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted through www.Regulations.gov. 
Comments received will be available at regulations.gov for public 
viewing, inspection or copies.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Rafael Taylor, Senior Procurement 
Analyst, Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Services, 003A2A, 
810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, (202) 714-8560. (This is 
not a toll-free number.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This rulemaking is issued under the authority of the Office of 
Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) Act which provides the authority for 
an agency head to issue agency acquisition regulations that implement 
or supplement the FAR.
    VA is proposing to revise the VAAR to add new policy or regulatory 
requirements and to remove any redundant guidance and guidance that is 
applicable only to VA's internal operating processes or procedures. 
Codified acquisition regulations may be amended and revised only 
through rulemaking. All amendments, revisions and removals have been 
reviewed and concurred with VA's Integrated Product Team of agency 
stakeholders.
    The VAAR uses the regulatory structure and arrangement of the FAR 
and headings and subject areas are consistent with FAR content. The 
VAAR is divided into subchapters, parts (each of which covers a 
separate aspect of acquisition), subparts and sections.
    The Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, as codified in 41 
U.S.C. 1707, provides the authority for the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation and for the issuance of agency acquisition regulations 
consistent with the FAR.
    When Federal agencies acquire supplies and services using 
appropriated funds, the purchase is governed by the FAR, set forth at 
title 48 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter 1, parts 1 through 
53, and the agency regulations that implement and supplement the FAR. 
The VAAR is set forth at 48 CFR, chapter 8, parts 801 to 873.

Discussion and Analysis

    VA proposes to make the following changes to the VAAR in this phase 
of its revision and streamlining initiative. For procedural guidance 
cited below that is proposed to be deleted from the VAAR, each section 
cited for removal has been considered for inclusion in VA's internal 
agency operating procedures in accordance with FAR 1.301(a)(2). 
Similarly, delegations of authority that are removed from the VAAR will 
be included in the VAAM as internal agency guidance. The VAAM is being 
created in parallel with these revisions to the VAAR and is not subject 
to the rulemaking process as they are internal VA procedures and 
guidance. The VAAM will not be finalized until corresponding VAAR parts 
are finalized.

VAAR Part 801--Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation 
System

    We propose to revise the authorities cited for this part. The 
authorities cited for this part are 38 U.S.C. 8123; 38 U.S.C. 8153; 38 
U.S.C. 8303; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 1702; 41 
U.S.C. 1707; and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304. The Title 38 authorities are cited 
as they provide the statutory basis for the exclusions as outlined in 
801.104-70. We have retained the authority from 48 CFR 1.301-1.304 as 
this is the FAR subpart outlining the guidance for agency acquisition 
regulations.
    Under subpart 801.1, Purpose, Authority, Issuance, we propose to 
revise 801.103, Authority, to add 41 U.S.C. 1707 (the OFFP Act) as an 
authority to the publishing of this regulation. Under 801.104, 
Applicability, we propose to revise the text for clarity and to remove 
an unnecessary reference to the VA Canteen Service.
    In 801.104-70, Exclusions, we propose to retain the first paragraph 
and redesignate it as paragraph (a) which explains that the FAR and 
VAAR do not apply to those purchases made using the General Post Fund 
when a donor specifies the exact item to be purchased. Under 801.104-
70, we also propose to add paragraph (b) to address the statutory 
exception at 38 U.S.C. 8123, Procurement of prosthetic appliances, 
which states: ``The VA may procure prosthetic appliances and necessary 
services required in the fitting, supplying, and training and use of 
prosthetic appliances by purchase, manufacture, contract, or in such 
other manner as the VA may determine to be proper, without regard to 
any other provision of law.'' Finally, under this section, we propose 
to add paragraph (c) to address the statutory exception at 38 U.S.C. 
8153, Sharing of health-care resources, which allows the VA to secure 
health-care resources which otherwise might not be feasibly available, 
or to effectively utilize certain other health-care resources, by using 
simplified procedures which were codified in VAAR part 873, Simplified 
Acquisition Procedures For Health-Care Resources.
    We propose to remove 801.105 (no text) and 801.105-2, Arrangement 
of regulations, as the location of this guidance has been revised to 
comport with the placement of the corresponding FAR guidance. The 
information that was covered here has been moved to 801.301, Policy.
    In 801.106, OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act, we 
propose to delete the chart that contains the OMB approval numbers. We 
propose to revise this section to add language directing the reader to 
the VAAM for the list of information collection and recordkeeping 
requirements associated with the control numbers. Given the constant 
updating of VA's information collection requirements and the OMB 
control numbers, it is more prudent to place this information in the 
VAAM which doesn't require rulemaking for updating.
    VA proposes to remove subpart 801.2, Administration, as it explains 
the role of the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council and the 
Civilian Agency Acquisition Council, which is redundant to the FAR.
    We propose to revise the name of subpart 801.3 from ``Department 
Acquisition Regulations'' to ``Agency Acquisition Regulations'' so that 
the title comports with the FAR heading. We propose to add 801.301, 
Policy, which states that the VA implementation and supplementation of 
the FAR is issued in the VAAR under authorization and subject to the 
authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 
This section also explains what the VAAR contains and introduces and 
explains the VAAM.
    For 801.304, we propose to revise this section to change the title 
from ``Department control and compliance procedures'' to ``Agency 
control and compliance procedures'' to comport with the FAR title of 
this section. We also propose to revise the text to reflect

[[Page 10160]]

the roles and titles currently in use in VA.
    We propose to revise the title of subpart 801.4 from ``Deviations 
from the FAR and VAAR'' to ``Deviations from the FAR.'' This change was 
made to conform to the FAR title.
    We propose to revise 801.403, Individual deviations, by adding 
language specifying that the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) may 
authorize individual deviations from the FAR and VAAR when an 
individual deviation is in the best interest of the Government.
    Under 801.404, Class deviations, we propose to revise the language 
to clarify that the SPE is the VA authority designated to comply with 
FAR 1.404.
    Under subpart 801.6, Career Development, Contracting Authority and 
Responsibilities, we propose to revise 801.601, General, to reflect 
that that the SPE has authority to appoint contracting officers under 
FAR 1.603 and this authority is further delegated to the heads of the 
contracting activities (HCAs). This revision also removes the reference 
to VA's Contracting Officer Certification Program (COCP) which no 
longer exists. We also propose to revise the section to remove the 
material pertaining to purchase card holders and to add coverage that 
HCAs may authorize ordering officers to place orders against a contract 
or agreement under certain circumstances.
    Under 801.602, Contracting officers, we propose to remove this 
section as the policy regarding bills of lading and the authorization 
to sell personal property is outdated and the coverage including the 
responsibilities delegated to contracting officers is not required in 
the regulation.
    We propose to remove 801.602-2, Responsibilities, and move this 
internal guidance to the VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM).
    We propose to revise 801.602-3, Ratification of unauthorized 
commitments, to update the authorities within the VA designated to 
ratify unauthorized commitments. This section incorporates the language 
from Class Deviation--VAAR 801.602-3, Ratification of Unauthorized 
Commitments, dated May 3, 2013. We propose to delete the procedural 
guidance from this section and move it to the VAAM.
    We propose to remove 801.602-70, General review requirements, and 
add it to the VAAM as it contains VA's internal procedures.
    We propose to remove 801.602-71, Basic review requirements, and add 
it to the VAAM as it contains VA's internal procedures.
    We propose to remove the following three sections: 801.602-72, 
Exceptions and additional review requirements; 801.602-73, Review 
requirements for scarce medical specialist contracts and contracts for 
health care resources; and 801.602-74, Review requirements for an 
interagency agreement. The three sections contain policy requiring 
reviews at the Departmental level, inconsistent with current VA policy 
in this area.
    We propose to remove 801.602-75, Review requirements--OGC, and the 
corresponding table and add it to the VAAM as it contains VA's internal 
procedures and review thresholds. A class deviation to update this 
policy was signed April 12, 2017.
    We propose to delete the sections listed below as they contain 
policy requiring reviews at the Departmental level, inconsistent with 
current VA policy in this area. Various sections are also specific to 
only one administration/organization which is inconsistent with the 
objective to establish policies and procedures at the departmental 
level. The sections slated for removal as described above are as 
follows:

801.602-76 Business clearance review.
801.602-77 Processing solicitations and contract documents for legal 
or technical review--general.
801.602-78 Processing solicitations and contract documents for legal 
or technical review--Veterans Health Administration field 
facilities, Central Office (except Office of Construction and 
Facilities Management), the National Acquisition Center, and the 
Denver Acquisition and Logistics Center.
801.602-79 Processing solicitations and contract documents for legal 
or technical review--Veterans Benefits Administration.
801.602-80 Legal and technical review--Office of Construction and 
Facilities Management and National Cemetery Administration.
801.602-81 Documents required for business clearance reviews.
801.602-82 Documents to submit for legal or technical review--
general.
801.602-83 Documents to submit for legal or technical review--
contract modifications.
801.602-84 Documents to submit for business clearance reviews.
801.602-85 Results of review.

    We also propose to remove section 801.603, Selection, appointment, 
and termination of appointment, as this information includes internal 
VA procedures and this information is more suitable for inclusion in 
the VAAM. The sections slated for removal under this section are as 
follows:

801.603-1 General.
801.603-70 Representatives of contracting officers.
801.603-71 Representatives of contracting officers; receipt of 
equipment, supplies, and nonpersonal services.

    We propose to renumber and retitle the proposed for removal 
801.603-70, to 801.604, and from ``Representatives of contracting 
officers'' to ``Contracting Officer's Representatives (COR),'' to 
comport with the FAR heading and location. We propose to revise the 
section to remove the text stating that contracting officers can name a 
Government employee as a representative as it is redundant to guidance 
at FAR 1.602-2(d). We have also removed obsolete guidance allowing 
contracting officers to delegate their authority to other Government 
contracting officers under centralized indefinite delivery type 
contracts. We also removed outdated guidance pertaining to centralized 
contracts for blood and other contract practices that are managed at 
the contracting office level. We propose to revise the text prescribing 
the clause to match the revised section heading. The clause has been 
renumbered from 852.270-1 to 852.201-70 to be consistent with the 
numbering convention for VA's clauses.
    We propose to remove 801.670, Special and limited delegation, for 
not adding value to the regulation. It restates guidance that is 
provided elsewhere regarding the delegation of authority to award 
contracts.
    We propose to remove 801.670-1, Issuing bills of lading, which 
rescinds the authority to issue bills of lading. This is redundant as 
the authority to issue bills of lading was removed from the VAAR at 
801.602. We propose to remove section 801.670-3, as this policy is now 
obsolete.
    We propose to remove 801.670-4, National Cemetery Administration, 
as it does not fit the criteria of being departmental level policy and 
it also includes information that is no longer current.
    We propose to remove 801.670-5, Letters of agreement, as it states 
that the authority to utilize letters of agreement has been rescinded. 
This guidance is no longer relevant at this time.
    We propose to remove 801.680, Contracting authority of the 
Inspector General, as this information is more appropriate for the 
VAAM.
    We propose to remove 801.690, VA's COCP and the following sections: 
801.690-1, Definitions; 801.690-2, General; 801.690-3, Responsibilities 
under the COCP; 801.690-4, Selection; 801.690-5, Requirements for 
contracting authority; 801.690-6, Appointment; 801.690-7, Termination; 
801.690-8, Interim appointment provisions; and 801.690-9, Distribution 
of Certificates of

[[Page 10161]]

Appointment. We propose to delete the sections listed above as they all 
describe a program, the Contracting Officer's Certification Program 
(COCP) that no longer exists. The guidance previously located in 
801.690-9, Distribution of Certificates of Appointment, has been moved 
to 801.603-3.
    We propose to remove 801.695, VA's Appointment of HCA's Program, 
and the supporting sections: 801.695-1, Policy; 801.695-2, Procedures 
for appointment of HCAs; and 801.695-3, Authority of the HCA. We 
propose to remove the sections listed above and move them to the VAAM 
as they include information that is internal to the VA.

VAAR Part 802--Definitions of Words and Terms

    VA proposes adding the definition of Ordering Officer to reflect 
the introduction and usage of the term in multiple parts of the VAAR. 
The authorities cited for this part are: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 
1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304.

VAAR Part 808--Required Sources of Supplies and Services

    We propose adding a new section, 808.470, Ordering officers, under 
subpart 808.4, Federal Supply Schedules, to convey that ordering 
officers may be authorized to place orders under established orders and 
Blanket Purchase Agreements under a Federal Supply Schedule award with 
a single awardee. The authorities cited for this part are: 38 U.S.C. 
8127-8128; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 
1.304.

VAAR Part 816--Types of Contracts

    VA proposes to add a new section, 816.570, Ordering officers, under 
subpart 816.5, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, to convey that ordering 
officers may be authorized to place orders under established 
Indefinite-Delivery Contracts with a single awardee. The authorities 
cited for this part are: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 
U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304.

VAAR Part 835--Research and Development

    We propose to add a new part 835, Research and Development. The 
authorities cited for this part are 38 U.S.C. 7303, 40 U.S.C. 121(c), 
41 U.S.C. 1702 and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304. We propose to add 835.001-70, VA 
definitions, to provide four R&D definitions crafted for the VA. We 
propose to add 835.003-70, Policy, in which paragraph (a) cites the 
U.S. Code that authorizes VA to execute a medical research program to 
improve the medical treatment of our Veterans and paragraph (b) states 
that the Office of Research Oversight (ORO) serves as the primary VHA 
office that advises the Under Secretary for Health on all compliance 
matters related to: Human subject protections; laboratory animal 
welfare, research safety, research laboratory security, research 
information security, research misconduct, and other research 
improprieties. Also under part 835, we propose to add 835.003-71, 
Research misconduct, which requires the contracting officer to insert 
the research misconduct clause into all R&D solicitations and contracts 
and 835.003-72, Protection of human subjects, which requires the 
contracting officer to insert the ``Protection of Human Subject'' 
clause in all R&D solicitations and contracts.
    In 835.003-73, Animal welfare, we propose to add a prescription 
requiring the contracting officer to insert the Animal Welfare clause, 
852.235-72, in all R&D solicitations and contracts. Under 835.003-74, 
Facilities, we propose to add a prescription requiring contracting 
officers to insert clause 852.235-73, Facilities, into R&D 
solicitations and contracts when the facilities to be assigned to 
perform effort on an R&D contract are critical to the success of the 
R&D effort or are a critical factor in the award of the contract. Under 
835.003-75, Acknowledgement of support and disclaimer, we propose to 
add a prescription requiring contracting officers to insert clause 
852.235-74, Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer, into R&D 
solicitations and contracts. We propose to add 835.010, Scientific and 
technical reports, which includes a prescription requiring contracting 
officers to insert clause 852.235-75, Scientific and Technical Reports, 
into R&D solicitations and contracts.

VAAR Part 852--Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

    In subpart 852.2, Text of Provisions and Clauses, we propose to add 
clause 852.201-70, Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). This 
clause replaces a clause previously numbered as 852.270-1 and entitled 
``Representatives of contracting officers.''
    We propose to add clause 852.235-70, Research Misconduct. This 
clause requires contractors to notify the contracting officer if there 
are any allegations of research misconduct. The clause also provides 
procedures for contractors to follow if their initial inquiry into the 
allegations requires a full investigation. We propose to add clause 
852.235-71, Protection of Human Subjects, which makes clear that 
research involving human subjects is not permitted under the award 
unless expressly authorized in writing by the contracting officer.
    We propose to add clause 852.235-72, Animal Welfare, which should 
be used in all R&D solicitation and contracts and directs VA's 
contractors to comply with the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare, and the Animal Welfare Information 
Center's (AWIC) information for improved animal care and use in 
research, testing, and teaching. This clause also directs the 
contractor to provide to the contracting officer a written plan of 
providing adequate veterinary care to laboratory animals, including the 
frequency of visits and provisions for after hours, weekend and holiday 
veterinary coverage. We propose to add clause 852.235-73, Facilities, 
which stipulates that the facilities specified in the contract proposal 
are considered essential to the work being performed under the contract 
and that prior to changing the facilities, the contractor must notify 
the contracting officer in writing of the intent to remove, replace, or 
divert any of the specified facilities and the contractor cannot make a 
change in facilities without the contracting officer's written consent.
    Under subpart 852.2, we propose to add 852.235-74, Acknowledgement 
of Support and Disclaimer. This clause requires the contractor to 
acknowledge the Government's support in the publication of any material 
based on research developed under the contract and it also requires 
contractors to add a disclaimer (for all material published outside of 
scientific journals and papers), that ``any opinions, findings, and 
conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of 
the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the VA.'' We 
also propose to add clause 852.235-75, Scientific and Technical 
Reports, which requires contractors to submit an electronic copy of the 
approved scientific technical reports delivered under the contract to 
the National Technical Information Service (NTIS).

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits

[[Page 10162]]

(including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety 
effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). E.O. 
13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) emphasizes the 
importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, 
harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. The Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs has determined that this proposed rule is not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
    The Regulatory Impact Analysis associated with this rulemaking can 
be found as a supporting document at www.regulations.gov.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule contains no provisions constituting a collection 
of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501-3521).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary hereby certifies that this proposed rule would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 601-612). Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), the initial 
and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 
and 604 do not apply.
    This rulemaking does not change VA's policy regarding small 
businesses and does not have a significant economic impact to 
individual businesses. The overall impact of the proposed rule would be 
of benefit to small businesses owned by Veterans or service-disabled 
Veterans as the VAAR is being updated to provide needed guidance to 
ensure VA's contractors properly protect and safeguard VA sensitive 
information, which includes Veteran's sensitive personal information. 
This rulemaking adds a new VAAR part concerning Acquisition of 
Information Technology that codifies information collection burdens. 
VA's requirement to collect the information is the result of existing 
requirements to ensure compliance across the Federal government and 
specifically when VA contractors, subcontractors, business associates 
and their employees require access to VA information (including VA 
sensitive information) or information systems. VA is merely adding 
existing and current regulatory requirements to the VAAR and placing 
guidance that is applicable only to VA's internal operation processes 
or procedures into a VA Acquisition Manual. VA estimates no substantial 
cost impact to individual businesses will result from these rule 
updates already required to be considered by both large and small 
businesses to receive an award from VA or another Federal agency. There 
are costs associated with this rulemaking pertaining to the 
codification of an information collection request in order to comply 
with VA's responsibilities under the Federal Information Security 
Modernization Act of 2014. Each agency of the Federal Government must 
provide security for the information and information systems that 
support the operations and assets of the agency, including those 
provided or managed by another agency, contractor, or other source. By 
statute, VA is required to ensure that its contractors, subcontractors, 
business associates, and their employees operating under contracts at 
VA shall be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, policies or 
procedures as VA and VA personnel. While this requirement adds some 
burden in annual costs and hours to firms already awarded and 
performing contracts at VA, the overall cost is considered de minimis, 
for either large or small contractors, in relation to the potential 
impact and harm to Veterans and VA information and information systems 
should a contractor not comply. Properly setting forth the requirements 
will provide clarity to the public and ensure appropriate safeguards 
are in place to ensure protection of VA's information (in particular VA 
sensitive personal information) and information systems. In total, this 
rulemaking does not change VA's policy regarding small businesses, does 
not have a substantial economic impact to individual businesses, and 
does not significantly increase or decrease costs small business were 
already required to bear when performing contracts which required the 
access, maintenance, process, or utilization of VA sensitive 
information or information systems.

Unfunded Mandates

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 
1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and 
benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by 
State, local, and tribal Governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any one year. This proposed rule would have no such 
effect on State, local, and tribal Governments or on the private 
sector.

List of Subjects

48 CFR Part 801

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government procurement, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

48 CFR Parts 802, 808, and 816

    Government procurement.

48 CFR Part 835

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government procurement, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

48 CFR Part 852

    Government procurement, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Signing Authority

    Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved this 
document on February 3, 2022, and authorized the undersigned to sign 
and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication electronically as an official document of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.

Consuela Benjamin,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy & 
Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, VA is proposing to amend 
48 CFR parts 801, 802, 808, 816, 835, and 852 as follows:

0
1. Part 801 is revised to read as follows:

PART 801--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ACQUISITION REGULATION 
SYSTEM

Sec.
801.000 Scope of part.

Subpart 801.1--Purpose, Authority, Issuance

801.101 Purpose.
801.103 Authority.
801.104 Applicability.
801.104-70 Exclusions.
801.106 OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Subpart 801.3--Agency Acquisition Regulations

801.301 Policy.
801.304 Agency control and compliance procedures.

Subpart 801.4--Deviations from the FAR

801.403 Individual deviations.
801.404 Class deviations.

Subpart 801.6--Career Development, Contracting Authority, and 
Responsibilities

801.601 General.
801.602-3 Ratification of unauthorized commitments.

[[Page 10163]]

801.604 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

    Authority:  38 U.S.C. 8123; 38 U.S.C. 8153; 38 U.S.C. 8303; 40 
U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304.


801.000   Scope of part.

    This part includes general Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) policies, including information regarding 
the maintenance and administration of the VAAR, acquisition policies 
and practices, and procedures for deviation from the VAAR and the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Subpart 801.1--Purpose, Authority, Issuance


801.101   Purpose.

    (a) VA established the VAAR to codify and publish uniform policies 
and procedures for VA's acquisition of supplies and services, including 
construction.
    (b) The VAAR implements and supplements the FAR.


801.103  Authority.

    The VA issues the VAAR under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1707 and 48 
CFR 1.301 through 1.304, and other authorities as cited.


801.104   Applicability.

    The FAR and the VAAR apply to all FAR-based VA actions using 
appropriated funds unless otherwise specified in this regulation. 
Supply Fund monies (38 U.S.C. 8121) and General Post Funds (38 U.S.C. 
8302) are appropriated funds.


801.104-70   Exclusions.

    (a) Restricted gifts. The FAR and VAAR do not apply to purchases 
and contracts that use General Post Funds if using the FAR and the VAAR 
would infringe upon a donor's right to specify the exact item to be 
purchased and/or the source of supply (38 U.S.C. 8303).
    (b) Procurement of prosthetic appliances. The VA may procure 
prosthetic appliances and necessary services required in the fitting, 
supplying, and training and use of prosthetic appliances by purchase, 
manufacture, contract, or in such other manner as the VA may determine 
to be proper, without regard to any other provision of law (38 U.S.C. 
8123).
    (c) Sharing of health-care resources. (1) To secure health-care 
resources which otherwise might not be feasibly available, or to 
effectively utilize certain other health-care resources, the VA may, 
when the VA determines it to be in the best interest of the prevailing 
standards of the Department medical care program, make arrangements, by 
contract or other form of agreement for the mutual use, or exchange of 
use, of health-care resources between Department health-care facilities 
and any health-care provider, or other entity or individual.
    (2) The VA may enter into a contract or other agreement under 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section if such resources are not, or would 
not be, used to their maximum effective capacity.
    (3)(i) If the health-care resource required is a commercial 
service, the use of medical equipment or space, or research, and is to 
be acquired from an institution affiliated with the Department in 
accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7302, including medical practice groups and 
other entities associated with affiliated institutions, blood banks, 
organ banks, or research centers, the VA may make arrangements for 
acquisition of the resource without regard to any law or regulation 
(including any Executive order, circular, or other administrative 
policy) that would otherwise require the use of competitive procedures 
for acquiring the resource.
    (ii) If the health-care resource required is a commercial service 
or the use of medical equipment or space, and is not to be acquired 
from an entity described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, any 
procurement of the resource may be conducted without regard to any law 
or regulation that would otherwise require the use of competitive 
procedures for procuring the resource, but only if the procurement is 
conducted in accordance with the simplified procedures prescribed in 
part 873. (38 U.S.C. 8153).


801.106   OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

    See VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM) M801.106 for a list of the 
information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained in this 
part that have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget.

Subpart 801.3--Agency Acquisition Regulations

801.301 Policy.

    (a)(1) VA implementation and supplementation of the FAR is issued 
in the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) under 
authorization and subject to the authority, direction, and control of 
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The VAAR contains--
    (i) Requirements of law;
    (ii) Agency policies;
    (iii) Delegations of FAR authorities;
    (iv) Deviations from FAR requirements; and
    (v) Policies/procedures that have a significant effect beyond the 
internal operating procedures of VA or a significant cost or 
administrative impact on contractors or offerors.
    (2) Relevant internal procedures, guidance, and information (PGI) 
that do not meet the criteria in paragraph (a)(1) of this section are 
issued in the Veterans Affairs Acquisition Manual (VAAM).


801.304   Agency control and compliance procedures.

    The Principal Executive Director of VA's Office of Acquisition, 
Logistics and Construction is designated as the Department's Chief 
Acquisition Officer. The Executive Director for the Office of 
Acquisition and Logistics (OAL) is designated as the Department's 
Senior Procurement Executive (SPE). The SPE is responsible for amending 
the VAAR for compliance with FAR 1.304.

Subpart 801.4--Deviations From the FAR


801.403   Individual deviations.

    The SPE may authorize individual deviations from the FAR and VAAR 
in accordance with FAR 1.403 when an individual deviation is in the 
best interest of the Government.


801.404  Class deviations.

    The SPE may authorize class deviations from the FAR and VAAR when a 
class deviation is in the best interest of the Government.

Subpart 801.6--Career Development, Contracting Authority, and 
Responsibilities


801.601   General.

    (a) The Senior Procurement Executive is granted the authority to 
appoint and terminate contracting officers. This authority is further 
delegated to the heads of the contracting activities (HCA) and others 
as appropriate. The SPE may also delegate authority to execute, award, 
and administer contracts, purchase orders, and other agreements to 
other VA officials, such as HCAs and contracting officers. All 
delegations of authority will be made in writing.
    (b) HCAs may authorize the use of ordering officers to order 
supplies and services in accordance with the ordering limits identified 
in the contract or agreement or the specific ordering guide. Ordering 
officers shall be delegated in writing. The written delegation must be 
specific to the contract or agreement and articulate the limitations of 
the delegated authority. Ordering officers shall only place orders 
against the contract or agreement if it is awarded to a single awardee. 
Ordering

[[Page 10164]]

officers may not negotiate contract terms and conditions, determine 
price reasonableness, or determine best value. If the contracting 
officer determines prior to award that ordering officers will be 
authorized to place orders against a contract or agreement, the 
contracting officer will furnish the contractor with the names of 
individuals delegated ordering officer authority by separate letter 
upon issuance of the contract.


801.602-3   Ratification of unauthorized commitments.

    (a) This section applies to unauthorized commitments, including any 
commitment made by a contracting officer that exceeds that contracting 
officer's contracting authority and unauthorized commitments made by a 
Government representative who lacked the authority to enter into that 
agreement on behalf of the Government.
    (b) The approving authority and ratification official for any 
unauthorized commitments is the HCA. The approval authority may not be 
re-delegated.


801.604  Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

    When the contracting officer intends to designate a Contracting 
Officer's Representative for a solicitation or contract, the 
contracting officer must include the clause in 852. 201-70, Contracting 
Officer's Representative, in the solicitation and contract.

PART 802--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS

0
2. The authority citation for part 802 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 
1702; and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304.

Subpart 802.1--Definitions

0
3. Section 802.101 is amended by adding the definition ``Ordering 
officer'' in alphabetical order to read as follows:


802.101   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Ordering officer means the VA official authorized to order supplies 
and services against a FAR-based contract or agreement in accordance 
with the ordering limits identified in the contract or agreement or the 
specific ordering guide in accordance with 801.601(b).
* * * * *

PART 808--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

0
4. The authority citation for part 808 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 38 U.S.C. 8127-8128; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 
1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304.

Subpart 808.4--Federal Supply Schedules

0
5. Add section 808.470 to read as follows:


808.470   Ordering Officers

    In accordance with 801.601, when authorized, ordering officers may 
place orders for supplies and services against agreements or task or 
delivery orders established by a contracting officer against Federal 
Supply Schedules within the ordering limits identified in the contract 
or agreement or the specific ordering guide when funding is available. 
Ordering officers shall only place orders against the order or 
agreement if it is awarded to a single awardee. The contracting officer 
that awarded the Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) or order will 
provide the contractor a list of authorized ordering officers. Any 
modifications to the agreement or order must be performed by a 
contracting officer.

PART 816--TYPES OF CONTRACTS

0
6. The authority citation for part 816 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3); 41 U.S.C. 
1702; and 48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304.

Subpart 816.5--Indefinite-Delivery Contracts

0
7. Add section 816.570 to read as follows:


816.570   Ordering officers.

    In accordance with 801.601, when authorized, ordering officers may 
place orders for supplies and services against established Indefinite-
Delivery Contracts within the ordering limits identified in the 
contract or the specific ordering guide when funding is available. 
Ordering officers shall only place orders against the contract if it is 
awarded to a single awardee. When a contracting officer appoints an 
ordering officer in writing after award, the contracting officer will 
furnish the contractor with an updated list of individual ordering 
officers authorized to place orders against the contract. Ordering 
officers may not negotiate contract terms and conditions, determine 
price reasonableness, or determine best value.
0
8. Part 835 is added to subchapter F to read as follows:

PART 835--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING

Sec.
835.001-70 Veterans Affairs (VA) definitions.
835.003-70 VA policy.
835.003-71 Research misconduct.
835.003-72 Protection of human subjects.
835.003-73 Animal welfare.
835.003-74 Facilities.
835.003-75 Acknowledgement of support and disclaimer.
835.010 Scientific and technical reports.

    Authority: 38 U.S.C. 7303; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1702 and 
48 CFR 1.301 through 1.304.


835.001-70  Veterans Affairs (VA) definitions.

    Research means a systematic investigation, including research 
development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute 
to generalized knowledge.
    Research impropriety refers to noncompliance with the laws, 
regulations, and policies regarding human subject protections, 
laboratory animal welfare, research safety, research laboratory 
security, research information security, and research misconduct. It 
does not encompass improper procedures or conduct in areas outside of 
the mandate of the Office of Research Oversight (ORO) (e.g., waste, 
fraud, abuse, or fiscal mismanagement).
    Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism 
in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting 
research results.
    VA facility means a component of the VA national health care 
system, such as a VA Medical Center, VA Health Care System, or VA 
Medical and Regional Office Center.


835.003-70  VA policy.

    (a) Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 7303, VA is authorized to carry out a 
program of medical research in connection with the provisions of 
medical care and treatment to Veterans.
    (b) The Office of Research Oversight (ORO) serves as the primary 
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) office that advises the Under 
Secretary for Health on all compliance matters related to--
    (1) Human subject protections;
    (2) Laboratory animal welfare;
    (3) Research safety;
    (4) Research laboratory security;
    (5) Research information security;
    (6) Research misconduct; and
    (7) Other research improprieties.


835.003-71  Research misconduct.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.235-70, 
Research

[[Page 10165]]

Misconduct, in all research and development (R&D) solicitations and 
contracts.


835.003-72  Protection of human subjects.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.235-71, 
Protection of Human Subjects, in all research and development (R&D) 
solicitations and contracts.


835.003-73   Animal welfare.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.235-72, 
Animal Welfare, in all research and development (R&D) solicitations and 
contracts.


835.003-74   Facilities.

    If the contracting officer determines that the facilities to be 
assigned to perform effort on a research and development (R&D) contract 
are critical to the success of the R&D effort, the contracting officer 
shall insert the clause at 852.235-73, Facilities, in the solicitation 
and contract.


835.003-75   Acknowledgement of support and disclaimer.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.235-74, 
Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer, in all research and 
development (R&D) solicitations and contracts.


835.010   Scientific and technical reports.

    The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.235-75, 
Scientific and Technical Reports, in all research and development (R&D) 
solicitations and contracts.

PART 852--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
9. The authority citation for part 852 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  38 U.S.C. 8127-8128, and 8151-8153; 40 U.S.C. 
121(c); 41 U.S.C. 1121(c)(3), 41 U.S.C. 1303; 41 U.S.C. 1702; and 48 
CFR 1.301 through 1.304.

0
10. Section 852.235-70 is added to read as follows:


852.235-70   Research Misconduct.

    As prescribed at 835.003-71, insert the following clause:

Research Misconduct (Date)

    (a) The Contractor is responsible for maintaining the integrity 
of research performed pursuant to this contract award including the 
prevention, detection and remediation of research misconduct as 
defined in 835.001-70.
    (b) The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 7 
business days of any research misconduct allegations received by the 
facility concerning this contract award.
    (c) The Contractor shall conduct an initial inquiry into any 
allegation of research misconduct. If the Contractor determines that 
there is sufficient evidence to proceed to an investigation, the 
Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and, unless 
otherwise instructed shall--
    (1) Conduct an investigation to develop a complete factual 
record and an examination of such record leading to either a finding 
of research misconduct and an identification of appropriate 
remedies, or a recommendation that no further action is warranted;
    (2) When the investigation results in a research misconduct 
finding, ensure the matter is adjudicated by a responsible official 
who was not involved in the inquiry or investigation and is 
organizationally separated from the element which conducted the 
investigation. The adjudication shall include a review of the 
investigation record and a recommendation of appropriate corrective 
actions and sanctions; and
    (3) When an investigation is complete, the Contractor shall 
forward to the Contracting Officer a copy of the evidentiary record, 
the investigative report, any recommendations made to the 
Contractor's adjudicating official, the adjudicating official's 
recommendation and notification of any proposed corrective action, 
and the subject's written response, if any. The Contracting Officer 
will review the documentation to determine whether the proposed 
corrective action can proceed.
    (d) The VA may elect to act in lieu of the Contractor in 
conducting an inquiry or investigation into an allegation of 
research misconduct if the Contracting Officer finds that--
    (1) The research organization is not prepared to handle the 
allegation in a manner consistent with this clause and it is 
believed it cannot reasonably conduct the inquiry;
    (2) VA involvement is necessary to ensure the public health, 
safety, and security, or to prevent harm to the public interest; or
    (3) The allegation involves possible criminal misconduct.
    (e) The Contractor shall provide safeguards for information 
received and protect informants, witnesses and respondents of 
allegations as follows:
    (1) The Contractor shall provide safeguards to ensure that 
individuals may bring allegations of research misconduct made in 
good faith to the attention of the Contractor without suffering 
retribution. Safeguards include: protection against retaliation; 
fair and objective procedures for examining and resolving 
allegations; and diligence in protecting positions and reputations.
    (2) The Contractor shall also assure the respondent that their 
rights are protected and that the mere filing of an allegation of 
research misconduct will not result in an adverse action. Safeguards 
include timely written notice regarding substantive allegations 
against them, a description of the allegations and reasonable access 
to any evidence submitted to support each allegation. Respondents 
must be given the opportunity to prepare a response to an allegation 
and notice of any findings of research misconduct.
    (f) Objectivity and expertise. The Contractor shall select 
individual(s) to inquire, investigate, and adjudicate allegations of 
research misconduct who have appropriate expertise and have no 
unresolved conflict of interest. The individual(s) who conducts the 
adjudication must not be the same individual(s) who conducted the 
inquiry or investigation and must be separate organizationally from 
the element that conducted the inquiry or investigation.


(End of clause)
0
11. Section 852.235-71 is added to read as follows:


852.235-71   Protection of Human Subjects.

    As prescribed at 835.003-72, insert the following clause:

Protection of Human Subjects (Date)

    (a) Research involving human subjects is not permitted under 
this award unless expressly authorized in writing by the Contracting 
Officer. Such authorization will specify the details of the approved 
research involving human subjects and will be incorporated by 
reference into this contract.
    (b) The Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (the 
``Common Rule''), adopted by VA (see 38 CFR part 16), requires 
Contractors to maintain appropriate policies and procedures for the 
protection of human subjects in research. The Common Rule defines a 
``human subject'' as a living individual about whom an investigator 
conducting research obtains data through intervention or interaction 
with the individual, or identifiable private information. The term 
``research'' means a systematic investigation, including research 
development and/or testing and evaluation, designed to develop or 
contribute to generalized knowledge. The Common Rule also sets forth 
categories of research that may be considered exempt from 15 CFR 
part 27. These categories may be found at 15 CFR 27.101.
    (c) Should research involving human subjects be included in the 
proposal, prior to issuance of an award, the Contractor shall submit 
the following documentation to the Contracting Officer:
    (1) Documentation to verify that the Contractor has established 
a relationship with an appropriate Institutional Review Board 
(``cognizant IRB''). An appropriate IRB is one that is located 
within the United States and within the community in which the 
research will be conducted;
    (2) Documentation to verify that the cognizant IRB possesses a 
valid registration with the United States Department of Health and 
Human Services' Office for Human Research Protections (``OHRP'');
    (3) Documentation to verify that the Contractor has a valid 
Federal-wide Assurance (FWA) issued by OHRP.
    (d) Prior to starting any research involving human subjects, the 
Contractor shall submit appropriate documentation to the Contracting 
Officer for institutional review and approval. This documentation 
may include:
    (1) Copies of the research protocol, all questionnaires, 
surveys, advertisements, and informed consent forms approved by the 
cognizant IRB;

[[Page 10166]]

    (2) Documentation of approval for the research protocol, 
questionnaires, surveys, advertisements, and informed consent forms 
by the cognizant IRB;
    (3) Documentation of continuing IRB approval by the cognizant 
IRB at appropriate intervals as designated by the IRB, but not less 
than annually; and/or
    (4) Documentation to support an exemption for the project from 
the Common Rule (Note: this option is not available for activities 
that fall under 45 CFR part 46, subpart C).
    (e) Additionally, if the Contractor modifies a research 
protocol, questionnaire, survey, advertisement, or informed consent 
form approved by the cognizant IRB, the Contractor shall submit a 
copy of all modified material along with documentation of approval 
for said modification by the cognizant IRB to the Contracting 
Officer for institutional review and approval. The Contractor shall 
not implement any IRB approved modification without written approval 
by the Contracting Officer.
    (f) No work involving human subjects may be undertaken, 
conducted, or costs incurred and/or charged to the project, until 
the Contracting Officer approves the required appropriate 
documentation in writing.
    (g) The Contractor shall bear full responsibility for the 
performance of all work and services involving the use of human 
subjects under this contract in a proper manner and as safely as is 
feasible. The parties hereto agree that the Contractor retains the 
right to control and direct the performance of all work under this 
contract. Nothing in this contract shall be deemed to constitute the 
Contractor or any subcontractor, agent or employee of the 
Contractor, or any other person, organization, institution, or group 
of any kind whatsoever, as the agency or employee of the Government. 
The Contractor agrees that it has entered into this contract and 
will discharge its obligations, duties, and undertakings and the 
work pursuant thereto, whether requiring professional judgement or 
otherwise, as an independent Contractor without imputing liability 
on the part of the Government for the acts of the Contractor or its 
employees.
    (h) If at any time during performance of this contract, the 
Contracting Officer determines, in consultation with the Office for 
Protection from Research Risks (OPRR), National Institutes of Health 
(NIH), that the Contractor is not in compliance with any of the 
requirements, the Contracting Officer may immediately suspend the 
research and further payments under this contract until the 
Contractor corrects such noncompliance. Notice of the suspension may 
be communicated by telephone and confirmed in writing. If the 
Contractor fails to complete the corrective action within the period 
of time designated in the Contracting Officer's written notice of 
suspension, the Contracting Officer may, in consultation with OPRR, 
NIH, terminate this contract and the Contractor's name may be 
removed from the list of those Contractors with approved Department 
of Health and Human Services Human Subject Assurances.


(End of clause)
0
12. Section 852.235-72 is added to read as follows:


852.235-72  Animal Welfare.

    As prescribed in 835.003-73, insert the following clause:

Animal Welfare (Date)

    (a) The Contractor shall--
    (1) Use the Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Research Oversight 
(ORO) Laboratory Animal Welfare Checklist;
    (2) Comply with the United States Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare, and the Animal Welfare 
Information Center's (AWIC) information for improved animal care and 
use in research, testing, and teaching provided at https://www.nal.usda.gov/awic;
    (3) Develop and provide to the Contracting Officer a written 
plan of providing adequate veterinary care to laboratory animals, 
including--
    (i) The frequency of visits; and
    (ii) Provisions for after-hours, weekend and holiday veterinary 
coverage.
    (b) The Contracting Officer may immediately suspend the work by 
issuance of a stop work order and suspend further payments under 
this contract for failure to comply with the requirements of this 
clause.
    (c) The suspension will stay in effect until the Contractor 
complies with the requirements. Failure to complete corrective 
action within the time specified by the Contracting Officer may 
result in termination of this contract.
    (d) The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, 
in all subcontracts involving research and development, testing, 
evaluation or training that use live vertebrate animals.


(End of clause)
0
13. Section 852.235-73 is added to read as follows:


852.235-73  Facilities.

    As prescribed at 835.003-74, insert the following clause:

Facilities (Date)

    (a) The facilities specified in the contract are considered 
essential to the work being performed under this contract. 
Therefore, prior to removing, replacing, or diverting any of the 
listed or specified facilities, the Contractor shall--
    (1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing; and
    (2) Submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in 
sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the potential impact on 
this contract.
    (b) The Contractor shall make no removal, replacement or 
diversion of facilities without the Contracting Officer's written 
consent.


(End of clause)
0
14. Section 852.235-74 is added to read as follows:


852.235-74  Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer.

    As prescribed at 835.003-75, insert the following clause:

Acknowledgement of Support and Disclaimer (Date)

    (a) The Contractor shall include an acknowledgment of the 
Government's support in the publication of any material based on or 
developed under this contract, stated in the following terms: This 
material is based upon work supported by the (name of contracting 
agency) under this VA contract.
    (b) All material, except scientific articles or papers published 
in scientific journals, must, in addition to any notices or 
disclaimers by the Contractor, also contain the following 
disclaimer:
    Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed 
in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the VA.


(End of clause)
0
15. Section 852.235-75 is added to read as follows:


852.235-75   Scientific and Technical Reports.

    As prescribed at 835.010, insert the following clause:

Scientific and Technical Reports (Date)

    The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the approved 
scientific technical reports, not a summary, delivered under this 
contract to the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) as 
delineated at FAR 35.010.


(End of clause)


852.270-1  [Redesignated as Section 852.201-70]

0
16. Section 852.270-1 is redesignated as section 852.201-70 and revised 
to read as follows:


852.201-70   Contracting Officer's Representative.

    As prescribed in 801.604, insert the following provision:

Contracting Officer's Representative (Date)

    The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate 
representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance 
and advice or generally monitor the work to be performed under this 
contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the 
scope and limitation of the designee's authority. A copy of the 
designation letter shall be furnished to the Contractor.


(End of provision)

[FR Doc. 2022-02796 Filed 2-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P