§ 1837.205-70 - Requests for approval.

(a) When a NASA field installation or headquarters office considers advisory and assistance services necessary and desirable, in accordance with the policy in FAR 37.202 and 1837.202-70, the requiring activity is responsible for preparing the documentation required by NMI 5104.5 and securing the prior approval of the Associate Administrator for Management Systems and Facilities (Code J).

(b) Before processing any procurement action for advisory and assistance services, the contracting officer shall provide advice, as necessary, to the requiring activity on preparing the documentation required by NMI 5104.5 and ensure that this required documentation, including the necessary concurrences/approvals, is included in the official contract or purchase order file. For any proposed requirement, regardless of dollar value, where there is uncertainty as to whether the requirement is for advisory and assistance services, the contracting officer shall make a determination. For those requirements determined to be for advisory and assistance services which have not been approved by the Associate Administrator for Management Systems and Facilities (Code J), the contracting officer shall return the procurement request to the originating office for action in accordance with NMI 5104.5. In all such cases, the contracting officer's determination is final.