General Services Administration 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Governmentwide Policy (OGP), plans to establish the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Standard Mileage Rate for moving purposes as the rate at which agencies will reimburse an employee for using a privately owned vehicle (POV) for relocation. The FTR and any corresponding documents may be accessed at GSA's website at https://www.gsa.gov/ftr.

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 a revision of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning rights in data and copyrights. A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 72 FR 10178, on March 7, 2007. No comments were received. This OMB clearance expires on June 30, 2007. 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 simplify procedures, clarify language, and eliminate obsolete requirements related to the management and disposition of Government property in the possession of contractors. FAR parts are amended to implement a policy that improves the management of Government property while fostering efficiency, flexibility, innovation and creativity by adopting property practices typically used in the commercial arena while continuing to protect the Government's interest. In addition, the rule simplifies requirements on contractors by reducing the number of FAR clauses from nineteen clauses to three overarching clauses. The final rule specifically impacts contracting officers, property administrators, and contractors responsible for the management of Government property.

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 revise a currently approved information collection requirement concerning Government Property. This OMB clearance expires on February 28, 2010. 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 is proposing to amend the Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR) by revising coverage on the hazardous and certain categories of personal property and moving it into the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) addressing all types of property requiring special handling. 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.

The General Services Administration (GSA), as the lead agency, and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), as a cooperating agency, intend to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the following project: Transformation of Facilities and Infrastructure for the Non-Nuclear Production Activities Conducted at the NNSA Kansas City Plant. The proposed action is for GSA to procure the construction of new facilities to house NNSA's non-nuclear component procurement and manufacturing operations. The new facilities would be located approximately 8 miles south of the existing plant on a currently undeveloped site at the northwest corner of Missouri Highway 150 and Botts Road in Kansas City, Missouri. GSA would lease the facilities to NNSA, which would relocate its non-nuclear operations from the existing Kansas City Plant in the Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri, to the new facilities and conduct future operations in the new facilities. The relocation would involve moving approximately two- thirds of the existing capital and process equipment to the new facilities. Disposition activities of the existing NNSA facilities at the Kansas City Plant are not part of the current proposed action, and will be addressed in appropriate future environmental analyses. The Kansas City Plant is collocated on the Bannister Federal Complex with GSA and disposition activities will require coordination between both agencies. The proposed facilities would cover more than 1 million square feet and provide over 2,000 surface parking spaces. The current facilities are approximately 3 million square feet. The proposed facilities would meet current and future production requirements for NNSA in a modern, cost effective, and flexible manner through reductions in the current facility footprint while significantly reducing operational, maintenance, security, and energy costs. The EA also will evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with alternatives to the proposed action, including: No Action, i.e., continuing NNSA's non-nuclear operations in the existing Bannister Federal Complex facilities. Renovate the existing GSA office and warehouse space at the Bannister Federal Complex, relocate NNSA's non-nuclear operations to the renovated facilities, and conduct future operations in the renovated facilities. Renovate the existing GSA office space, demolish existing GSA warehouse space, and construct and operate a new manufacturing facility on the GSA portion of the Bannister Federal Complex. Demolish existing GSA office and warehouse space. Construct and operate new office and manufacturing facilities on GSA's portion of the Bannister Federal Complex. Concurrent with the preparation of the Environmental Assessment, GSA and NNSA will determine the applicability of floodplain management and wetland protection requirements (10 CFR Part 1022) and will publish a notice of proposed floodplain and/or wetland action as appropriate.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is announcing a public meeting of the GSA Small Business Advisory Committee (the Committee).

The attached bulletin announces the redesignation of a Federal Building.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise the definition of ``cost or pricing data''; change the term ``information other than cost or pricing data'' to ``data other than certified cost or pricing data''; add a definition of ``certified cost or pricing data'' to make the terms and definitions consistent with 10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. 254b and more understandable to the general reader; change terminology throughout the FAR; and clarify the need to obtain data other than certified cost or pricing data when there is no other means to determine fair and reasonable pricing during price analysis.

The attached bulletin announces the redesignation of a Federal Building.

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 concerning subcontractor requests for bonds. The clearance currently expires on July 31, 2007. 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 rule updates the Federal, State, and Puerto Rico tax tables for calculating the relocation income tax (RIT) allowance, 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 use in calculating the 2007 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 Notification of Ownership Changes. A request for public comments was published at 71 FR 67341, November 21, 2006. 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) has reviewed the lodging rates for certain locations in the States of California, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, South Carolina, Utah and Wyoming, using more current lodging industry data, as well as data on where Federal travelers actually stay when visiting these locations. Also, GSA has reviewed the meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) rate for certain locations in the States of Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Utah and Wyoming. The per diem rates prescribed in Bulletin 07-03 may be found at https://www.gsa.gov/perdiem.

This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules agreed to by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-16. 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.regulations.gov.

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 Executive Order (E.O.) 11246, as amended, Equal Employment Opportunity, to incorporate the exemption for religious entities prescribed in E.O. 13279.

This document is issued under the joint authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services and the Administrator of 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 rules appearing in Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-16 which amend the FAR. An asterisk (*) next to a rule indicates that a regulatory flexibility analysis has been prepared. Interested parties may obtain further information regarding these rules by referring to FAC 2005-16 which precedes this document. These documents are also available via the Internet at http:/ /www.regulations.gov.

The General Services Administration is amending the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) by incorporating the provisions in Public Law 109-313 regarding donations to historic light stations.

The attached bulletin cancels and replaces FPMR Bulletin D- 242, Placement of Commercial Antennas on Federal Property. It provides all Federal agencies with the general guidelines and processes for implementing President Clinton's memorandum of August 10, 1995, entitled ``Facilitating Access to Federal Property for the Siting of Mobile Services,'' and section 704(c) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-104 (Feb. 8, 1996), as codified at 47 U.S.C. 332 note.

The General Services Administration is amending the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) by revising coverage on personal property and moving it into subchapter B of the FMR. This final rule adds a new part to subchapter B of the FMR to provide an overview of the property disposal regulation and provide definitions for terms found in the FMR parts.

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 for the Architect-Engineer Qualifications form (SF 330). A request for public comments was published in the Federal Register at 71 FR 67341, on November 21, 2006. No comments were received. The clearance currently expires on March 31, 2007. 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 providing notice of a cancelled record system, Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Program (GSA/OAP-1). The system was replaced by the new system of records GSA/Govt-8 (Excluded Parties List System) which became effective on January 4, 2007.

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address Contractor Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and the display of Federal agency Office of the Inspector General (OIG) Fraud Hotline Poster.

This document makes technical amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to update references inadvertently omitted from the original issuance of Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-15 published in the Federal Register at 71 FR 74656 on December 12 2006.