General Services Administration April 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This final rule amends the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by clarifying that advance payment of discounted conference fees may be treated as an allowable travel advance, and by adding a new section to allow for the reimbursement of the prepayment of ``early bird'' discounted registration fees to attend a conference or training seminar. This clarification is added to allow agencies to take advantage of discounted ``early bird'' registration discounts, thereby saving Government funds. The FTR and any corresponding documents may be accessed at GSA's website at https://www.gsa.gov/ftr.

The General Services Administration is amending the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) language that pertains to personal property by correcting references to outdated or superceded provisions of law or regulation; correcting text to be in conformance with revised laws, regulation, or Federal agency responsibilities; and clarifying text where the intended meaning could be updated or made clearer. The FMR and any corresponding documents may be accessed at GSA's Web site at https://www.gsa.gov/fmr.

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 novation/change of name requirements. A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 71 FR 7546, on February 13, 2006. No comments were received. This OMB clearance expires on June 30, 2006. 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 Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to provide language that is consistent with OMB Circular A-76 (Revised), Performance of Commercial Activities, dated May 29, 2003.

This document amends the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to make an editorial correction.

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 the new Free Trade Agreement with Morocco as approved by Congress (Public Law 108-302). This Free Trade Agreement went into effect January 1, 2006.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed to adopt as final, without change, the interim rule published in the Federal Register at 70 FR 57462, September 30, 2005, to cancel for civilian agencies (except NASA and Coast Guard) the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) price evaluation adjustment which was originally authorized under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994. Civilian agencies (except NASA and Coast Guard) are not authorized to apply the price evaluation adjustment to their acquisitions.

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 22 U.S.C. 7104(g). This statute requires that contracts must include a provision that authorizes the department or agency to terminate the contract, if the Contractor or any subcontractor engages in trafficking in persons.

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 contracting officers to use the Federal Technical Data Solution (FedTeDS) for electronic posting of solicitation-related materials that require control over availability or distribution unless certain exceptions apply.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is announcing that it will hold its fourth National Travel Forum. The National Travel Forum 2006: Where the Travel Stars Shine (NTF 2006) will take place June 26-29, 2006 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Nearly 1,500 travel, relocation, financial and other professionals within Federal, State, and local governments, as well as the private sector will attend. NTF 2006 is co-sponsored by the Interagency Travel Management Committee (ITMC) and the National Business Travel Association (NBTA). To register, exhibit, or hold an agency-wide meeting, visit the NTF 2006 Web site at https:// www.nationaltravelforum.org.

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 the National Contact Center customer evaluation survey. The clearance currently expires on June 30, 2006. 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; and 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 Small Business Procurement Credit Programs. This OMB clearance expires on June 30, 2006. 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.