Defense Acquisition Regulations System February 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection for use through June 30, 2006. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use for 3 additional years.

The Acting Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy has suspended the use of the price evaluation adjustment for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) in DoD procurements, as required by 10 U.S.C. 2323(e)(3), because DoD exceeded its 5 percent goal for contract awards to SDBs in fiscal year 2005. The suspension will be in effect for 1 year and will be reevaluated based on the level of DoD contract awards to SDBs achieved in fiscal year 2006.

DoD has issued an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to incorporate increased thresholds for application of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and the Free Trade Agreements, as determined by the United States Trade Representative. The rule also implements a new Free Trade Agreement with Morocco and amends the list of end products that are subject to trade agreements.

DoD has adopted as final, without change, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement section 819 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. Section 819 contains changes concerning delegation of authority to make determinations relating to payment of defense contractors for business restructuring costs.

DoD has issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to update text pertaining to contracting for construction. This rule is a result of a transformation initiative undertaken by DoD to dramatically change the purpose and content of the DFARS.

In accordance with section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, the Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Department of Education (DoED), and the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, are required to issue a joint policy statement and report relating to contracting with employers of persons with disabilities, and are seeking comments that will assist in identifying appropriate policy solutions for implementation of the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.) and the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.) as they pertain to both the operation and management of military dining facilities.