Government Accountability Office February 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On September 30, 2011, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provided notice of its proposed policy to adopt the policies and procedures contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) regarding the debarment, suspension, and ineligibility of government contractors. Comments on GAO's policy were due on or before November 14, 2011. GAO received two comments. Both comments expressed support for GAO's efforts to adopt policies and procedures regarding the debarment, suspension, and ineligibility of government contractors. Neither comment suggested any changes to GAO's policy statement. GAO is adopting, with minor changes, the policy statement published in the Federal Register on September 30, as set forth below. As a legislative branch agency, GAO is not subject to the requirements of the FAR. However, it is GAO's general policy to follow the FAR, as appropriate and applicable. Mandatory application of the FAR is not to be inferred from GAO's adoption of this policy. Further, GAO's procurement rules are not contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, but instead are contained in an internal GAO document referred to as ``Government Accountability Office Procurement Guidelines'' (hereinafter, GAO's Procurement Order). As such, GAO's policy regarding debarment and suspension will be added as a chapter to GAO's Procurement Order.