General Services Administration 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the General Services Administration will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve a renewal of a currently approved information collection requirement regarding preparation, submission, and negotiation of subcontracting plans. The clearance currently expires on August 31, 2005. This information collection will ensure that small and small disadvantaged business concerns are afforded the maximum practicable opportunity to participate as subcontractors in construction, repair, and alteration or lease contracts. Preparation, submission, and negotiation of subcontracting plans requires all negotiated solicitations having an anticipated award value over $500,000 ($1,000,000 for construction), submission of a subcontracting plan with other than small business concerns when a negotiated acquisition meets all four of the following conditions. 1. When the contracting officer anticipates receiving individual subcontracting plans (not commercial plans). 2. When the award is based on trade-offs among cost or price and technical and/or management factors under FAR 15.101-1. 3. The acquisition is not a commercial item acquisition. 4. The acquisition offers more than minimal subcontracting opportunities. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning incentive contracts. The clearance currently expires on June 30, 2005. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning the Buy American ActConstruction (Grimberg Decision). The clearance currently expires on June 30, 2005. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The General Services Administration (GSA) has reviewed the lodging rates of certain locations in the States of Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington and determined that they are inadequate. The per diems prescribed in Bulletin 05-5 may be found at https://www.gsa.gov/perdiem.

The Federal Acquisition Conference and Exposition (FACE) 2005 is a forum for Federal acquisition professionals and policy makers to share their insights and experiences. FACE also provides a full range of training on the latest acquisition issues and an opportunity to review exhibitors' products and services. The Chief Acquisition Officers Council, Federal Acquisition Institute, U.S. General Services Administration, and Department of Defense are sponsoring the FACE 2005. This Governmentwide conference has become a major event for the acquisition community. The Federal Acquisition Institute is serving as the conference planner. The conference will be held June 7-8, 2005 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The theme of this year's conference, ``Mission Possible through Acquisition,'' recognizes contracting as a key component in supporting how Federal agencies acquire the goods and services that enable them to perform their missions. Benefits of Attending Earn 10.5 Continuous Learning Points; Learn about important issues and emerging trends in acquisition; Hear from senior managers, agency experts, and industry partners; Visit the exhibit hall to review products and services; and Network with your colleagues in the Federal acquisition community throughout the conference and at the reception Tuesday evening. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Contracting officers, contract specialists, contracting officer's technical representatives/contracting officer's representatives, program managers, and private industry contractors. REGISTRATION: Registration rates are $400 for government attendees and $700 for industry attendees. These registration rates and online registration expire on May 31, 2005. After May 31, attendees may register onsite. Onsite rates are $500 for government attendees and $750 for industry attendees. Register online: www.fai.gov/face.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning North Carolina sales tax certification. A request for public comments was published at 70 FR 5970, on February 4, 2005. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning contractor use of Government supply sources. A request for public comments was published at 70 FR 5971, February 4, 2005, No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning accident prevention plans and recordkeeping. A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 4097, January 28, 2005. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is requesting comments from both Government and industry on whether the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) should be revised to include a waiver of consequential damages for contracts awarded for commercial items under the FAR. GSA is also requesting comments on whether ``post award'' audit provisions should be included in its Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) contracts and Governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs). GSA is further amending the correction notice published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 13005, March 17, 2005, to add the following: In addition, GSA is interested in receiving comments on whether the Examination of Records clause at GSAR 552.215-71 should be modified to reinstate post-award access to and the right to examine records to verify that preaward/modification pricing, sales, or other data related to the supplies or services offered under a contract which formed the basis for an award/modification was accurate, current, and complete. The notice published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 12167, March 11, 2005, is amended to extend the public comment date to May 10, 2005, and to allow interested parties to submit presentations by April 7, 2005.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning organization and direction of work. A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 5169, February 1, 2005. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

This document makes amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in order to make editorial corrections.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Section 637 of Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005. Section 637 provides that no funds made available under the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2005, or under any other Act for fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter, shall be expended for purchase of a product or service offered by Federal Prison Industries, Inc., unless the agency making the purchase determines that the offered product or service provides the best value to the buying agency, pursuant to Governmentwide procurement regulations issued pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 421(c)(1) that impose procedures, standards, and limitations of 10 U.S.C. 2410n.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement earned value management system (EVMS) policy. FAR coverage is essential to help standardize the use of EVMS across the Government. The proposed rule specifically impacts contracting officers, program managers, and contractors with earned value management systems.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning drug-free workplace. A request for public comments was published at 70 FR 5615 onFebruary 3, 2005. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the General Services Administration has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve a renewal of a currently approved information collection requirement regarding Standard Form 151, Deposit Bond, Annual Sale of Government Personal Property. A request for public comments was published at 69 FR 63387, November 1, 2004. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is proposing to amend the Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR) by revising coverage on utilization, donation, or disposal of abandoned and forfeited personal property and moving it into the Federal Management Regulation (FMR). A cross-reference is added to the FPMR to direct readers to the coverage in the FMR. The FMR coverage is written in plain language to provide agencies with updated regulatory material that is easy to read and understand.

This document is issued under the joint authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services and the Administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This Small Entity Compliance Guide has been prepared in accordance with Section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. It consists of a summary of the rule appearing in Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-02 which amends the FAR. An asterisk (*) next to a rule indicates that a regulatory flexibility analysis has been prepared. Interested parties may obtain further information regarding this rule by referring to FAC 2005-02, which precedes this document. These documents are also available via the Internet at http:/ /www.acqnet.gov/far.

This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rule agreed to by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-02. A companion document, the Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is available via the Internet at https:// www.acqnet.gov/far.

The General Services Administration (GSA) announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 to assess the potential impacts of the construction of a New Border Station Facility on Interstate 91 in Derby Line, Vermont (the ``Proposed Action''). At the request of the US Customs and Border Protection, the GSA is proposing to construct a new border station facility on Interstate Highway 91 at Derby Line, Vermont. The existing facilities are undersized and obsolete, and consequently incapable of providing the level of security now required. The Proposed Action has been defined and will likely include: (a) identification of land requirements, including acquisition of adjoining land if appropriate; (b) demolition of all existing government structures at the border station; (c) construction of a main administration building and ancillary support buildings; and (d) relocation a portion of the I-91 roadway and interchange and consequent potential alterations to secondary roads. The location of the new border station facility is set by the requirement that the facility be located at the intersection of the interstate highway and the U. S. Border. Therefore, alternatives to be studied will identify alternative locations for the components of the border station including the main administration and ancillary support buildings, the roadway and interchange. A No Action alternative will also be studied that will evaluate the consequences of not constructing the new border station facility. This alternative is included to provide a basis for comparison to the action alternatives described above as required by NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1002.14(d)). GSA invites individuals, organizations and agencies to submit comments concerning the scope of the EIS. The public scoping period starts with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register and will continue for forty five (45) days from the date of this notice. GSA will consider all comments received or postmarked by that date in defining the scope of the EIS. GSA expects to issue a Draft EIS in summer 2005 at which time its availability will be announced in the Federal Register and local media. A public comment period will commence upon publication of the Notice of Availability. The GSA will consider and respond to comments received on the Draft EIS in preparing the Final EIS.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the General Services Administration will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve a renewal of a currently approved information collection requirement regarding transfer order-surplus personal property and continuation sheet. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

The Federal, State, and Puerto Rico tax tables for calculating the relocation income tax (RIT) allowance must be updated yearly to reflect changes in Federal, State, and Puerto Rico income tax brackets and rates. The Federal, State, and Puerto Rico tax tables contained in this rule are for calculating the 2005 RIT allowance to be paid to relocating Federal employees.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning claims and appeals. A request for public comments was published at 70 FR 4096 on January 28, 2005. No comments were received. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

This notice advises users that the 2005 Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Reissue will be available for downloading and use on March 18, 2005, at https://www.acqnet.gov/far. Periodically, the FAR is reissued because of administrative necessity, i.e., headers and change bars are removed. A FAR reissue does not revise the FAR language; however, the flow of the context changes. Therefore, users are required to refer to this latest version (current through FAC 2001-27). The FAR is available in HTML and PDF formats. Users intending to print the FAR can refer to the downloadable, print-only version in PDF.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by revising language pertaining to the Cost Accounting Standards Administration, and the related FAR contract clause, Administration of Cost Accounting Standards. In addition, a new contract clause is added, Proposal DisclosureCost Accounting Practice Changes. The rule describes the process for determining and resolving the cost-impact on contracts and subcontracts when a contractor makes a compliant change to a cost accounting practice or follows a noncompliant practice. To assist in understanding the changes between the current FAR rule and this final FAR rule, a matrix that summarizes the major changes is provided in Section C, Supplementary Information, below.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require that the FAR clause, Subcontracts for Commercial Items, be inserted in solicitations and contracts other than those for commercial items.