95-7612. NASA FAR Supplement; Miscellaneous Amendments  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 29, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 16058-16063]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-7612]
    
    
    
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    NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    
    48 CFR Parts 1801, 1804, 1806, 1808, 1813, 1815, 1816, 1832, 1836, 
    1840, 1841, 1842, 1845, 1851, 1852, and 1870
    
    [NFSD 89-18]
    RIN 2700-AB83
    
    
    NASA FAR Supplement; Miscellaneous Amendments
    
    AGENCY: Office of Procurement, Acquisition Liaison Division, National 
    Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This document amends the NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation 
    Supplement (NFS) to reflect a number of miscellaneous changes dealing 
    with NASA internal and administrative matters, such as the NASA FAR 
    Supplement rewrite, procurement integrity, cost-reimbursement 
    contracts, architect-engineer services, acquisition of utility 
    services, and audit tracking and resolution.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: March 31, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David K. Beck, (202) 358-0482; e-
    mail: dbeck@proc.hq.nasa.gov.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    
    Background
    
        A cross-reference is added to 1813.7104(a) due to FAC 90-24. The 
    FAC allows the head of contracting activity to exclude contracting 
    officers (with micro-purchase authority only) from the procurement 
    integrity definition of ``procurement official'' if the HCA determines 
    that it is unlikely that the contracting officer's acquisitions will 
    exceed $20,000 in any 12-month period.
        Sections 1816.301, 1816.301-3 and 1816.403 are removed due to FAC 
    90-24's removal of FAR 16.301 and 16.403. [[Page 16059]] 
        Various changes include: (i) Lowering the selection official level 
    for A-E contracts from the head of the installation to an executive 
    level manager in the requirements office; (ii) eliminate 1836.600-70 on 
    inter-organization acquisition coverage through NASA Headquarters Code 
    HS; and (iii) upgrade the ethics certificate associated with selection 
    of A-E contracts.
        Subpart 1803.3 is redesignated as Part 1841. NFS clauses on utility 
    services are removed where new FAR clauses provide adequate coverage.
        Changes are necessary for NASA's audit followup system to comply 
    with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-50, ``Audit 
    Followup.'' In addition, they streamline the coverage on audit tracking 
    and resolution and relocate the coverage within the NASA FAR 
    Supplement.
        Miscellaneous changes and corrections are found in the following 
    sections: 1801.104-370; 1801.603-2 (reference to SF 171 deleted); 
    Subpart 1804.8 (title change of subpart heading); 1804.805 (title 
    change to section heading); 1806.303-1; 1808.002-71 and -76 (removed 
    due to fAR coverage); Subpart 1808.7 (title change to subpart heading 
    and ``workshop'' changed to new FAR terminology ``nonprofit agency''; 
    1815.613-71; 1819.708-70; 1825.403-70; 1832.402; 1842.202-70; 1845.106-
    70; 1845.405; 1845.407; 1845.608-6; 1845.610-2; 1845.7203; 1845.7205; 
    1845.7213; 1851.102; 1870.103, App. I. Chapter 7, Appendix C; and 
    1870.303, App. I, Chapter 4.
    
    Availability of NASA FAR Supplement
    
        The NASA FAR Supplement, of which this rule is a part, is available 
    in its entirety on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of 
    Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, telephone 
    number (202) 783-3238. Cite GPO Subscription Stock Number 933-003-
    00000-1. It is not distributed to the public, either in whole or in 
    part, directly by NASA.
    
    Impact
    
        NASA certifies that this regulation will not have a significant 
    economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
    Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This rule does not 
    impose any reporting or record keeping requirements subject to the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act.
    
    List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1801, 1804, 1806, 1808, 1813, 
    1815, 1816, 1832, 1836, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1845, 1851, 1852, and 
    1870
    
        Government procurement.
    Thomas S. Luedtke,
    Deputy Associate Administrator for Procurement.
        Accordingly, 48 CFR Chapter 18 is amended as follows:
    
    PART 1801--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
    
        1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Parts 1801, 1804, 1806, 1808, 
    1813, 1815, 1816, 1832, 1836, 1842, 1845, 1851, 1852, and 1870 
    continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(1).
    
    1801.104-370  [Amended]
    
        2. In section 1801.104-370, paragraph (a), ``Ms. Joan Brooks (202-
    358-2105)'' is revised to read ``Mrs. Cynthia O'Bryant (202-358-
    1248)''.
        3. In section 1801.104-370, paragraphs (e) and (f), ``Code JBD-4'' 
    is revised to read ``Code JOB-19''.
        4. In section 1801.104-370, paragraph (f), ``Code HS, Gloria 
    Shively (202-358-2080)'' is revised to read ``Code HP, Cynthia O'Bryant 
    (202-358-1248)'' and ``Code JM-2'' is revised to read ``Code JMS''.
    
    
    1801.603-2  [Amended]
    
        5. In section 1801.603-2, paragraph (d)(1) introductory text, the 
    phrase ``(or SF 171)'' is removed.
    
    PART 1804--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
    
    Subpart 1804.8   [Amended]
    
        6. In subpart 1804.8, the title ``Contract Files'' is revised to 
    read ``Government Contract Files''.
    
    
    1804.805  [Amended]
    
        7. In section 1804.805, the section heading ``Disposal of contract 
    files.'' is revised to read ``Storage, handling, and disposal of 
    contract files.''
    
    PART 1806--COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
    
    
    1806.303-1  [Amended]
    
        8. In section 1806.301-1, paragraph (b), ``Code IRD'' is revised to 
    read ``Code IR''.
    
    PART 1808--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
    
    
    1808.002-71  [Removed]
    
        9. Section 1808.002-71 is removed.
    
    
    1808.002-76  [Removed]
    
        10. Section 1808.002-76 is removed.
    
    Subpart 1808.3  [Removed]
    
        11. Subpart 1808.3 is removed.
    
    Subpart 1808.7   [Amended]
    
        12. The title of subpart 1808.7 ``Acquisition From The Blind And 
    Other Severely Handicapped'' is revised to read ``Acquisition From 
    Nonprofit Agencies Employing People Who Are Blind Or Severely 
    Disabled''.
    
    
    1808.705-1  [Amended]
    
        13. In section 1808.705-1, paragraph (b), the phrase ``to obtain 
    workshop-produced supplies'' is revised to read ``to obtain nonprofit 
    agency-produced supplies''.
    
    PART 1813--SMALL PURCHASE AND OTHER SIMPLIFIED PURCHASE PROCEDURES
    
    
    1813.7104  [Amended]
    
        14. In section 1813.7104, the following sentence is added to the 
    end of paragraph (a) to read as follows:
        ``See 48 CFR (FAR) 3.104-4(h)(5) for procurement integrity 
    requirements.''
    
    PART 1815--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION
    
    
    1815.871 and 1815.872  [Removed]
    
        15. Sections 1815.871 and 1815.872 are removed.
    
    PART 1816--TYPES OF CONTRACTS
    
    
    1816.301 and 1816.301-3  [Removed]
    
        16. Sections 1816.301 and 1816.301-3 are removed.
    
    
    1816.403  [Removed]
    
        17. Section 1816.403 is removed.
    
    PART 1832--ADVANCE PAYMENTS
    
    
    1832.402  [Removed]
    
        18. In section 1832.402, paragraph (a)(1) is amended by removing 
    the second sentence.
    
    PART 1836--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS
    
    Subpart 1836.6   [Amended]
    
    
    1836.600 and 1836.600-70  [Removed]
    
        19. and 20. Sections 1836.600 and 1836.600-70 are removed.
    
    
    1836.602-2  [Amended]
    
        21. Sections 1836.602-2 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    1836.602-2
      Evaluation boards.
        In compliance with 48 CFR (FAR) 36.602-2, the person designated as 
    the [[Page 16060]] selection authority, unless Field Installation 
    Management Instructions designate higher authority, shall establish an 
    architect-engineer selection board to be composed of at least three 
    voting members. Membership shall at least include: one currently 
    registered architect or professional engineer, who shall serve as the 
    board chairperson; an appropriate official from the requiring office; 
    and, an appropriate technical official familiar with any unique subject 
    matter (see 48 CFR (FAR) 36.102, Definitions, ``Architect-engineer 
    services'') critical to the requirement. Each board shall include an 
    appropriate procurement official (a contracting officer, if feasible) 
    as an ad hoc advisor to the board and the selection authority. Where 
    appropriate, a procurement official may serve as a voting member on 
    evaluation boards. Appointment of non-Government employees as voting 
    members is not authorized.
        22. Section 1836.602-4 is revised to read as follows:
    1836.602-4  Selection authority.
        The first level manager above the requirement office who is serving 
    in grade GS 16 or above under the General Schedule or in a comparable 
    or higher position under another schedule, or otherwise, is designated 
    as the selection authority for purposes of 48 CFR (FAR) 36.602.4.
        23. Section 1836.602-5 is revised to read as follows:
    1836.602-5
      Short selection processes for contracts not to exceed the small 
    purchase limitation.
    
        (a) Use of the procedures at 48 CFR (FAR) 36.602-5 (a) or (b) is at 
    the discretion of the selection authority specified in 1836.602-4.
        (b) The selection authority specified in 1836.602-4 is designated 
    as the selection authority for purposes of 48 CFR (FAR) 36.602-5(b)(2).
    1836.602-70  [Amended]
        24. In section 1836.602-70, paragraph (b)(1), ``the Comptroller'' 
    is revised to read ``the Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Comptroller''.
        25. In section 1836.602-71, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as 
    follows:
    1836.602-71  Conflict of interest.
        (a)(1) All persons participating in an architect-engineer 
    evaluation, review or selection activity shall have a written 
    certification on file in NASA stating knowledge of and compliance with 
    the Office of Government Ethics' Standards of Ethical Conduct for 
    Employees of the Executive Branch (August 1992) and the NASA Supplement 
    (September 28, 1994) to the Office of Government Ethics's Standard of 
    Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (August 1992). 
    The minimum certification shall be:
    Certification
        I, the undersigned, hereby certify that I have: (i) read the 
    Office of Government Ethics' Standard of Ethical Conduct for 
    Employees of the Executive Branch (August 1992) and the NASA 
    Supplement (September 28, 1994) to the Office of Government Ethics' 
    Standard of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch 
    (August 1992); (ii) filed the relevant [insert ``Standard Form 278'' 
    for any employee who's annual salary is 120 percent above step one 
    of grade 15 of the General Schedule (GS) or ``Standard Form 450'' 
    for employees whose annual salary is at or below step ten of grade 
    15 of the General Schedule (GS)]; and, (iii) examined the attached 
    list of competitors for the [Title] project before the architect-
    engineer selection board. I further certify that I have no financial 
    or other personal interest in these firms.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    (Signature)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    (Date)
    (End of certification)
    * * * * *
    1836.602-71  [Amended]
        26. In paragraph (a)(3) of section 1836.602-71, the word ``center'' 
    is revised to read ``installation'' in two occurrences.
    PART 1840   [ADDED AND RESERVED]
        27. Part 1840 is added and reserved.
    PART 1841--ACQUISITION OF UTILITY SERVICES
        28. Part 1841 is added as set forth below:
    PART 1841--ACQUISITION OF UTILITY SERVICES
    Subpart 1841.1--General
    1841.101  Definitions.
    Subpart 1841.2--Acquiring Utility Services
    1841.201  Policy.
    1841.204  GSA areawide contracts.
    1841.205  Separate contracts.
    1841.205-70  Renewal of contracts.
    1841.205-71  Headquarters requirement for copies of contracts.
    1841.205-72  Contents of a negotiated utility service contract.
    1841.205-73  Authorization for procurement of wellhead natural gas.
    1841.205-74  Utility service narrative.
    1841.205-75  Contracts requiring Headquarters approval.
    1841.206  Interagency agreements.
    Subpart 1841.4--Administration
    1841.402  Rate changes and regulatory intervention.
    Subpart 1841.5--Solicitation Provision and Contract Clauses
    1841.501  Solicitation provision and contract clauses.
    
    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(1).
    Subpart 1841.1--General
    1841.101  Definitions.
        Utility suppliers, as used in this subpart, may be quasi-public 
    service corporations, private concerns, municipalities, associations, 
    or cooperatives. They generally operate in a franchised territory 
    without competition, so they may frequently be in a sole-source 
    position. Under common law, public utilities must render service at 
    reasonable rates and without discrimination. Their operations, 
    management, rates, and profits are usually regulated by Federal, State, 
    or local regulatory bodies, but absence of a regulatory body does not 
    necessarily mean a complete lack of control. Administrative remedies 
    pursuant to enabling statutes may be pursued or complaints may be taken 
    to a court of competent jurisdiction.
    Subpart 1841.2--Acquiring Utility Services
    1841.201  Policy.
        (a) Requirements for utility services shall be determined by 
    technically qualified personnel who will assist the contracting officer 
    as required. Before soliciting technical assistance outside the agency 
    (see 48 CFR (FAR) 41.203), technical personnel shall contact the 
    Environmental Management Division (Code JE), NASA Headquarters.
        (b) Appropriated funds may not be used to purchase electricity in a 
    manner inconsistent with state law governing the provision of electric 
    utility service, including state utility commission rulings and 
    electric utility franchises or service territories established pursuant 
    to state statute, state regulation, or state-approved territorial 
    agreements (Pub. L. 100-202, Sec. 8093, 101 Stat. 1329-79). Before 
    acquiring electric utility service, the contracting officer shall 
    determine whether the manner of acquisition, in particular, competitive 
    acquisition under 48 CFR (FAR) 41.205(b), would be inconsistent with 
    state law. Section 8093 of Pub. L. 100-202 is not intended to affect 
    transfers of electricity to agencies from Federal power marketing 
    agencies or the Tennessee Valley Authority, such as NASA's power 
    allocation from the Western Area Power Marketing Administration. Such 
    transfers do not constitute ``purchases'' for purposes of section 8093.
    
    
    1841.204  GSA Areawide Contracts.
    
        (a) GSA publishes a checklist of utility services available under 
    its areawide public utility contracts. The checklist specifies contract 
    numbers, [[Page 16061]] expiration dates, companies, and areas 
    serviced. Copies of the checklist may be obtained from GSA, Public 
    Utility Division (PPU), Public Buildings Service, Washington, DC 20405 
    ((202) 501-3994).
        (b) In determining whether a GSA area-wide public utility contract 
    is adequate to meet requirements, procurement officers should consider 
    (1) the areawide contract rates and volume of service required, (2) any 
    unusual characteristics of the service required, (3) any special 
    equipment or facility requirements, (4) any special technical contract 
    provisions required, and (5) any other special circumstances.
        (c) If a procurement officer finds that a separate negotiated 
    contract would be more advantageous to the Government than the GSA 
    areawide public utility contract, the procurement officer shall submit 
    a request to the Associate Administrator for Procurement, NASA 
    Headquarters (Code HS), for a waiver of the requirement to use the GSA 
    areawide public utility contract. The request shall explain the merit 
    of a separately negotiated contract.
    
    
    1841.205  Separate contracts.
    
    
    1841.205-70  Renewal of contracts.
    
        (a) A contract may be renewed or extended by option, provided that 
    the contract is not in effect for more than a total of 5 successive 
    years.
        (b) Contracting officers shall consider selecting an expiration 
    date for the contract sufficiently after the end of the fiscal year to 
    ensure that appropriations will be available when the option is 
    exercised.
    
    
    1841.205-71  Headquarters requirement for copies of contracts.
    
        The contracting officer shall forward, promptly after execution, 
    one copy of each contract, service authorization form, memorandum of 
    understanding, and modification to the Associate Administrator for 
    Procurement, NASA Headquarters (Code HS) and the Environmental 
    Management Division, NASA Headquarters (Code JE).
    
    
    1841.205-72  Contents of a negotiated utility service contract.
    
        (a) All negotiated utility service contracts estimated to exceed 
    $2,500 annually shall be written in accordance with the directions in 
    paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section:
        (1) SF 26. Use Standard Form 26 (see 48 CFR (FAR) 53.215-1(b)).
        (2) Appendix A.
        (i) Include the rate schedule, which shall consist of--
        (A) The published rate schedule of the contractor approved or 
    established by a Federal, State, or other regulatory body; or
        (B) The rate schedule negotiated between the contractor and the 
    Government.
        (ii) The rate schedule shall bear the legend ``Appendix A, attached 
    to and made a part of Contract No. ______,'' and be entitled ``Rate 
    Schedule.'' Each page shall indicate its number and the total number of 
    pages comprising Appendix A, as, for example, ``page 1 of 3.'' In 
    addition to stating the rate applicable to the contract, Appendix A 
    shall include any applicable rules or regulations (whether established 
    by the regulatory body, the contractor, or negotiation between the 
    contractor and the Government) pertaining to the Rate Schedule. 
    Appendix A may provide for payment to the contractor of a nonrecurring, 
    nonrefundable fee not exceeding $1,000 for the costs of connecting the 
    contractor's facilities to, and disconnecting them from, the 
    Government's facilities, if the contract period is less than 6 months. 
    In all other instances where a connection charge is involved, the 
    ``Connection Charge'' clause (48 CFR (FAR) 52.241-9) and Appendix C 
    (see paragraph (a)(4) of this section) shall be included in the 
    contract.
        (3) Appendix B. Include the service specifications applicable to 
    the contract, which shall consist of a specially drafted attachment to 
    the contract bearing the legend ``Appendix B, attached to and made a 
    part of Contract No.______,'' and the title of the appropriate service 
    specifications. Each page shall indicate its number and the total 
    number of pages comprising Appendix B, as, for example, ``page 1 of 
    3.'' Such appendix shall contain as a minimum--
        (i) The premises to be served;
        (ii) An estimate of the service requirements;
        (iii) The point of delivery to the Government;
        (iv) A description of the service;
        (v) A statement of how the service is to be measured for purposes 
    of billing; and
        (vi) A statement of the capacity and flow of the service.
        (4) Appendix C. Include the connection charge schedule required 
    whenever the contract includes the connection charge clause at 48 CFR 
    (FAR) 52.241-9 or the termination clause at 48 CFR (FAR) 52.241-10. It 
    shall bear the legend ``Appendix C, attached to and made a part of 
    Contract No. ______,'' and be entitled ``Connection Charge Schedule.'' 
    Each page shall indicate its number and the total number of pages 
    comprising Appendix C, as, for example, ``page 1 of 3.'' The appendix 
    shall contain as a minimum a detailed description of the new facilities 
    to be furnished by the contractor.
        (5) Include any contract clauses required by 1841.501 or 48 CFR 
    (FAR) 41.501.
        (b) Any negotiated utility service contract estimated not to exceed 
    $2,500 annually shall consist of--
        (1) Standard Form 26 (48 CFR (FAR) 53.215-1(b));
        (2) An Appendix A (see paragraph (a)(2) of this section); and
        (3) Any contract clauses required by 1841.501 or 48 CFR (FAR) 
    41.501.
    
    
    1841.205-73  Authorization for procurement of wellhead natural gas.
    
        (a) Acquisition of wellhead natural gas and interstate 
    transportation of the natural gas to locally franchised distribution 
    utility companies' receipt points (city gate) is considered the 
    procurement of supplies rather than the procurement of public utility 
    services described in 48 CFR (FAR) part 41. Therefore, wellhead natural 
    gas and interstate transportation of such gas should be obtained 
    directly by NASA under applicable authorities and FAR procedures 
    governing the acquisition of supplies. Redelivery of the gas from the 
    city gate to the NASA facility is considered a utility service since it 
    is provided only by the locally franchised utility. GSA is responsible 
    for obtaining an appropriate contract for the redelivery service in 
    accordance with 48 CFR (FAR) 41.204.
        (b) GSA provides assistance to Federal agencies in the procurement 
    of natural gas wellhead supplies. Contracting officers requiring 
    assistance in determining the feasibility of procuring natural gas 
    supplies on a facility by facility basis may contact General Services 
    Administration, Public Building Services, Public Utilities Division, 
    Code PPU ((202) 501-3994). In contacting GSA, contracting officers 
    should provide data pertaining to present gas usage exceeding 50,000 
    Mcf per year. GSA has found that 50,000 Mcf is the annual volume below 
    which wellhead purchases may not be economically feasible.
    
    
    1841.205-74  Utility service narrative.
    
        (a) Before initiating negotiations, the contracting officer shall 
    submit a Utility Service Narrative for proposed procurements for new 
    utilities services, renegotiations or extensions of existing utility 
    services, or existing contracts that require a negotiation for change 
    of rate schedules, to the Associate Administrator for Procurement (Code 
    [[Page 16062]] HS), NASA Headquarters. The Utility Service Narrative 
    shall include--
        (1) A brief technical description of the service required or being 
    furnished;
        (2) Justification of the reasonableness of the proposed rate;
        (3) An outline of the field installation's proposed negotiation 
    tactics, basis for position, and any alternative position;
        (4) An estimate of the annual cost of service; and
        (5) Other related items, as applicable, such as connection charges, 
    termination liability, facilities charges, requirement for Government 
    capital costs, or any unusual factors affecting the procurement.
        (b) The Associate Administrator for Procurement (Code HS), with the 
    coordination of the Environmental Management Division (Code JE), will 
    review the information submitted under paragraph (a) of this section. 
    If NASA Headquarters desires to participate in the negotiations, the 
    Associate Administrator for Procurement (Code HS), NASA Headquarters, 
    shall inform the contracting officer within 30 days after receipt of 
    the Utility Service Narrative.
    
    
    1841.205-75  Contracts requiring Headquarters approval.
    
        Contracts and supplemental agreements for utility services shall be 
    submitted to the Associate Administrator for Procurement, NASA 
    Headquarters (Code HS), for approval as required by 48 CFR 1804.7203 
    and 1807.71.
    
    
    1841.206  Interagency agreements.
    
        (a) The Department of Defense (DOD) enters into areawide fuel oil 
    and other energy-service contracts. DOD areawide contracts provide that 
    the contractor shall, upon receipt of an order in the form prescribed 
    by the contract, furnish the service involved without further 
    negotiations as to rates and charges, in accordance with the 
    established and field rate schedules applicable to the service.
        (b) When procuring utility services from another Government agency 
    by cross-servicing, the procurement office shall use a memorandum of 
    understanding specifying the services to be provided and the conditions 
    under which they will be supplied. A Utility Service Narrative shall be 
    submitted in accordance with 1841.205-74.
    
    Subpart 1841.4--Administration
    
    
    1841.402  Rate changes and regulatory intervention.
    
        (a) When the contractor notifies the contracting officer as 
    provided in the change of rates clause at 48 CFR (FAR) 52.241-7, or 
    whenever the contractor requests that rate changes be negotiated, as 
    provided in the change in rates clause at 48 CFR (FAR) 52.241-8, the 
    contracting officer shall notify the Associate Administrator for 
    Procurement, NASA Headquarters (Code HS) and the Environmental 
    Management Division, NASA Headquarters (Code JE). The notification 
    shall include sufficient information to permit a determination of the 
    monetary effect of the proposed changes, a recommendation under 
    paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of this section, and the basis for the 
    recommendation.
        (1) When notice is received that the contractor has filed an 
    application for rate changes before the local regulatory body, the 
    contracting officer shall recommend whether or not the Government 
    should intervene at the hearing on the application. If it is 
    recommended that the Government intervene, the recommendation shall be 
    accompanied by a statement containing the basis for intervention and 
    the extent to which the installation can support intervention by 
    presenting testimony, preparing exhibits, and furnishing legal counsel.
        (2) When notice is received that the contractor requests that rate 
    changes be negotiated, the contracting officer shall recommend the 
    position to be taken by the Government regarding the rate changes and 
    state the extent to which installation personnel are available to 
    support this position.
        (b) The Associate Administrator for Procurement, NASA Headquarters, 
    with the technical assistance of the Environmental Management Division 
    (Code JE), NASA Headquarters, shall furnish the contracting officer a 
    recommendation concerning the proposed rate changes and the extent to 
    which NASA Headquarters will participate in the intervention before the 
    local regulatory body or in negotiations with the contractor. Before 
    recommending any action, the Associate Administrator for Procurement, 
    NASA Headquarters shall, as necessary, coordinate with other staff 
    offices or divisions, or other Government agencies. The contracting 
    officer shall await the instructions of the Associate Administrator for 
    Procurement, NASA Headquarters, for at least 30 calendar days before 
    submitting the matter to GSA (see 48 CFR (FAR) 41.402(b)) or taking 
    other action concerning the proposed rate changes.
    
    Subpart 1841.5--Solicitation Provision and Contract Clauses
    
    
    1841.501  Solicitation provision and contract clauses.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 48 CFR 1852.241-
    70, Renewal of Contract, whenever it is desirable that the utility 
    service be provided under the same terms and conditions for more than 1 
    year (see 1841.205-70).
    
    PART 1842--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
    
    
    1842.202-70  [Amended]
    
        29. In section 1842.202-70, paragraph (d), ``Headquarters Supply 
    and Equipment Management Office, Code JLE'' is revised to read 
    ``Headquarters Logistics Management Office, Code JLG''.
    
    Subpart 1842.73   [Added]
    
        30. Subpart 1842.73 is added as set forth below:
    
    Subpart 1842.73--Audit Tracking and Resolution
    
    
    1842.7301  NASA external audit followup system.
    
        (a) This section implements OMB Circular No. A-50, NASA Management 
    Instruction (NMI) 9970.1A, Audit Followup, and NASA Audit Followup 
    Handbook 9970.2, which provide more detailed guidance. Recommendations 
    for external audits (contracts and OMB Circulars No. A-128, Audits of 
    State and Local Governments, and A-133, Audits of Institutions of 
    Higher Learning and Other Non-Profit Institutions) shall be resolved by 
    formal review and approval procedures analogous to those at 48 CFR 
    1815.807-71.
        (b) The external audit followup system tracks all contract and OMB 
    Circular A-128 or A-133 audits where NASA has resolution and 
    disposition authority. The objective of the tracking system is to 
    ensure that audit recommendations are resolved as expeditiously as 
    possible, but at a maximum, within 6 months of the date of the audit 
    report.
        (c) (1) The identification and tracking of contract audit reports 
    under NASA cognizance are accomplished in cooperation with DCAA by 
    means of the DCAA form, Contract Audit Followup Summary Sheet. The use 
    of this form by DCAA and NASA is covered in Chapter 6 of the NASA Audit 
    Followup Handbook.
        (2) Identification and tracking of A-128 and A-133 audit reports 
    are accomplished in cooperation with the [[Page 16063]] NASA Office of 
    the Inspector General (OIG) by means of a transmittal memorandum. A 
    transmittal memorandum is sent by the OIG to the procurement officer of 
    each NASA field installation having an award (contract, grant, or other 
    agreement) covered by the audit report. The transmittal memorandum will 
    identify whether there were any audit findings.
        (d) (1) Chapter 6 of the NASA Audit Followup Handbook identifies 
    which contract audit reports are reportable semiannually to Code HC.
        (2) Only trackable A-128 and A-133 audit reports involving the 
    following shall be reported semiannually to Code HC--
        (i) A significant management control issue; or
        (ii) For an individual NASA award, either the lower of 10 percent 
    or $10,000 of the costs incurred in the period covered by the audit are 
    questioned; or for institution-wide issues, the lower of 10 percent or 
    $10,000 of the total costs incurred involving Government funds for the 
    period covered by the audit are questioned.
        (e) (1) The resolution and disposition of contract audits is 
    covered by Chapter 6 of the NASA Audit Followup Handbook.
        (2) The resolution and disposition of A-128 and A-133 are handled 
    as follows:
        (i) Audit findings pertaining to an individual NASA award are the 
    responsiblility of the procurement officer administering that award.
        (ii) Audit findings having an institution-wide impact are the 
    responsibility of the cognizant Federal agency. OMB's January 6, 1986, 
    Federal Register Notice (51 FR 552), titled ``Federal Agencies 
    Responsible for Cost Negotiation and Audit of State and Local 
    Governments,'' provides cognizant agency assignments for OMB Circular 
    A-128. For organizations subject to OMB Circular A-133, the cognizant 
    agency is either assigned pursuant to OMB Circular A-88, ``Indirect 
    Cost Rates, Audit, and Audit Followup at Educational Institutions,'' or 
    if not formally assigned, it is based on which Federal agency provided 
    the largest amount of funds for the audited period. In such cases where 
    NASA is the cognizant Federal agency, audit resolution and disposition 
    is the responsibility of the procurement officer for the ``cognizant 
    field installation,'' i.e., the field installation having the largest 
    total award dollar amount for the audited period. A copy of the 
    memorandum dispositioning the findings shall be provided by each field 
    installation having resolution responsibility for the particular report 
    to the OIG Center office within whose geographic area of responsibility 
    the audited organization is located.
    
    PART 1845--GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
    
    
    1845.106-70  [Amended]
    
        31. In section 1845.106-70, paragraph (e), ``Supply and Equipment 
    Management Office (Code JLE)'' is revised to read ``Logistics 
    Management Office (Code JLG)''.
    
    
    1845.405  [Amended]
    
        32. In section 1845.405, paragraph (b), ``Supply and Equipment 
    Management Office (Code JLE)'' is revised to read ``Logistics 
    Management Office (Code JLG)'' and ``Code IRD'' is revised to read 
    ``Code IR''.
    
    
    1845.407  [Amended]
    
        33. In section 1845.407, paragraph (a), ``Supply and Equipment 
    Management Office (Code JLE)'' is revised to read ``Logistics 
    Management Office (Code JLG)''.
    
    
    1845.608-6  [Amended]
    
        34. In section 1845.608-6, ``Supply and Equipment Management Office 
    (Code JLE)'' is revised to read ``Logistics Management Office (Code 
    JLG)''.
    
    
    1845.610-2  [Amended]
    
        35. In section 1845.610-2, ``Supply and Equipment Management Office 
    (Code JLE)'' is revised to read ``Logistics Management Office (Code 
    JLG)''.
    
    
    1845.7203  [Amended]
    
        36. In section 1845.7203, ``Supply and Equipment Management Office 
    is revised to read ``Logistics Management Office'' and ``Code JLE'' is 
    revised to read ``Code JLG'' in two occurrences.
    
    
    1845.7205  [Amended]
    
        37. In section 1845.7205, paragraph (f)(1), ``Code JLE'' is revised 
    to read ``Code JLG''.
        38. In section 1845.7205, paragraph (i), ``Code JLE'' is revised to 
    read ``Code JLG''.
    
    
    1845.7213  [Amended]
    
        39. In section 1845.7213, paragraph (c)(1) introductory text, 
    ``Supply and Equipment Management Office (Code JLE)'' is revised to 
    read ``Logistics Management Office (Code JLG)''.
    
    PART 1851--USE OF GOVERNMENT SOURCES BY CONTRACTORS
    
        40. In section 1851.102, the first sentence of paragraph (b) is 
    revised to read as follows:
    
    
    1851.102  Authorization to use Government supply sources.
    
        (a) * * *
        (b) The contracting officer shall forward letters of authorization 
    to the installation's Logistics Management Officer, Attention: Activity 
    Address Code Coordinator, who will forward them to the Logistics 
    Management Office, NASA Headquarters (Code JLG), for verification and 
    transmittal to GSA. * * *
    * * * * *
    
    PART 1852--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
    
    
    1852.208-70, 1852.208-71, 1852.208-72, 1852.208-73, 1852.208-74, 
    1852.208-76, 1852.208-77, 1852.208-78, 1852.208-79, 1852.208-80, 
    1852.208-83  [Removed]
    
        41. Sections 1852.208-70, 1852.208-71, 1852.208-72, 1852.208-73, 
    1852.208-74, 1852.208-76, 1852.208-77, 1852.208-78, 1852.208-79, 
    1852.208-80, and 1852.208-83 are removed.
    
    
    1852.208-75  [Redesignated as 1852.241-70]
    
        42. Section 1852.208-75 is redesignated as section 1852.241-70 and 
    the introductory text is revised to read as follow:
    
    
    1852.241-70  Renewal of Contract.
    
        As prescribed in 48 CFR 1841.501(b), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    PART 1870--NASA SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
    
    
    1870.103  NASA acquisition of investigations.
    
        43. In Appendix C to Appendix I of section 1870.103, Section II, 
    paragraph A.3.a., ``Office of Policy Coordination and International 
    Relations, Code IRD'' is revised to read ``Office of External 
    Relations, Code IR'' and in paragraph A.3.d., ``Code IRD'' is revised 
    to read ``Code IR'' and ``Office of Policy Coordination and 
    International Relations'' is revised to read ``Office of External 
    Relations''.
    
    [FR Doc. 95-7612 Filed 3-28-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 7510-01-M
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/31/1995
Published:
03/29/1995
Department:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-7612
Dates:
March 31, 1995.
Pages:
16058-16063 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
NFSD 89-18
RINs:
2700-AB83
PDF File:
95-7612.pdf
CFR: (9)
48 CFR 1801
48 CFR 1804
48 CFR 1806
48 CFR 1808
48 CFR 1813
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