95-296. Federal Acquisition Regulation; Contract Award Implementation AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 2472-2476]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-296]
    
    
    
    
    [[Page 2471]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part III
    
    Department of Defense
    
    General Services Administration
    
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    48 CFR Ch. 1
    
    
    
    Federal Acquisition Regulation; Contract Award Implementation; Proposed 
    Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 5 / Monday, January 9, 1995 / 
    Proposed Rules 
    [[Page 2472]]
    
    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
    GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
    NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    48 CFR Chapter 1
    [FAR Case 94-701]
    
    Federal Acquisition Regulation; Contract Award Implementation
    AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration 
    (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    SUMMARY: This proposed rule is issued pursuant to the Federal 
    Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to expand the reasons for 
    establishing or maintaining alternative sources of supplies or 
    services, clarify approval authority for use of other than full and 
    open competition, allow acquisition of expert services to support 
    litigation by other than full and open competition and provide an 
    exception to synopsis requirements, make procedures for award without 
    discussion the same for Department of Defense and civilian agencies and 
    clarify procedures for use of source selection evaluation factors in 
    solicitations, require a determination that an option is likely to be 
    exercised before providing for evaluation of options, clarify notice of 
    award and debriefing procedures, allow nonprofit agencies for the blind 
    or severely disabled to use Government supply sources in performing 
    Javits-Wagner-O'Day contracts, clarify procedures for award to a source 
    identified in a statute, and identify new Federal Procurement Data 
    System reporting requirements.
        This regulatory action was not subject to Office of Management and 
    Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993.
    
    DATES: Comments should be submitted on or before March 10, 1995 to be 
    considered in the formulation of a final rule.
    
    ADDRESSES: Interested parties should submit written comments to: -
    General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (VRS), 18th & F 
    Streets, NW, Room 4037, Washington, DC 20405.
        Please cite FAR case 94-701 in all correspondence related to this 
    case.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Melissa Rider, Contract Award Team 
    Leader, at (703) 614-1634 in reference to this FAR case. For general 
    information, contact the FAR Secretariat, Room 4037, GS Building, 
    Washington, DC 20405 (202) 501-4755. Please cite FAR case 94-701.
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    A. Background
    
        The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-355, 
    provides authorities that streamline the acquisition process and 
    minimize burdensome Government-unique requirements. Major changes that 
    can be expected in the acquisition process as a result of Federal 
    Acquisition Streamlining Act implementation include changes in the 
    areas of Commercial Item Acquisition, Simplified Acquisition 
    Procedures, the Truth in Negotiations Act, and Introduction of the 
    Federal Acquisition Computer Network.
        This notice announces proposed FAR revisions developed under FAR 
    Case 94-701, Contract Award Implementation, which implements the 
    following sections of the Act:
    
    --Sections 1002 and 1052 amended 10 U.S.C. 2304(b) and 41 U.S.C. 253(b) 
    to--(1) ensure the continuous availability of a reliable source of 
    supply; (2) satisfy projected needs based on a history of high demand; 
    and (3) satisfy a critical need for medical, safety, or emergency 
    supplies, as reasons for establishing or maintaining alternative 
    sources. (Implementation at FAR 6.202.)
    --Sections 1003 and 1053 amended 10 U.S.C. 2304(f)(1)(B)(i) and 41 
    U.S.C. 253(f)(1)(B)(i) to clarify the approval authority for use of 
    other than full and open competition. (Implementation at FAR 6.304.)
    --Sections 1005 and 1055 amended 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(3) and 41 U.S.C. 
    253(c) to add the acquisition of expert services for use in any 
    litigation or dispute involving the Federal Government as an exception 
    to use of full and open competition. (Implementation at FAR 6.302-5.) 
    Section 1055 also amended 41 U.S.C. 416(c) and 15 U.S.C. 637(c) to 
    provide an exception to the publication of notices in the Commerce 
    Business Daily for acquisition of expert services. (Implementation at 
    FAR 5.202, 5.301, and 6.302-3.)
    --Sections 1011 and 1061 amend 10 U.S.C. 2305(a) and 41 253a to (1) 
    make procedures for award of contracts without discussion comparable in 
    Department of Defense and civilian agencies, (2) require solicitations 
    for competitive proposals to include all significant factors and 
    subfactors and whether they are more important, of equal importance or 
    less important than cost or price and (3) permit agencies to disclose 
    numerical weights assigned to evaluation factors at their discretion. 
    (Implementation at FAR 15.407, 15.605, 15.610, and 52.215-16.)
    --Sections 1012 and 1062 amend 10 U.S.C. 2305(a) and 41 U.S.C. 253(a) 
    to require a determination that it is likely that an option will be 
    exercised before providing for evaluation of prices of options in 
    solicitations for contracts awarded using sealed bid procedures. 
    (Implementation at FAR 17.202 and 17.208.)
    --Sections 1013 and 1063 amend 10 U.S.C. 2305(b) and 41 U.S.C. 253b to 
    require, within three days of contract award, notification to 
    unsuccessful offerors that a contract has been awarded and to allow 
    electronic transmission of the notice. (Implementation at FAR 14.407-1, 
    14.408-1, 15.1001, 15.1002 and 36.304.)
    --Sections 1014 and 1064 amend 10 U.S.C. 2305(b) and 41 U.S.C. 253b to 
    (1) allow offerors to request a debriefing within three days of receipt 
    of notice of award and requires agencies, to the maximum extent 
    practicable, to conduct the debriefings within five days, and (2) 
    specify minimum requirements for content of the debriefings. 
    (Implementation at FAR 15.1003 and 36.607.)
    --Section 1555 amends 40 U.S.C. 481 to allow nonprofit agencies for the 
    blind or severely disabled providing supplies or services under a 
    Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act contract to use Government supply sources in 
    performing the contract. (Implementation at FAR 51.101 and 51.102.)
    --Section 7203 amends 10 U.S.C. 2304 and 41 U.S.C. 253 to state 
    Congressional policy regarding legislative requirements for award of a 
    new contract to a specific non-Federal Government entity. 
    (Implementation at FAR 6.302-5.)
    --Section 1004 requires the Federal Procurement Data System to collect 
    from contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold data 
    on awards to small and disadvantaged businesses using either set asides 
    or full and open competition, awards to businesses owned and controlled 
    by women, the number of offers received in response to a solicitation, 
    task order contracts and contracts for the acquisition of commercial 
    items. (Implementation at FAR 4.601.)
    
        The FAR Council is interested in an exchange of ideas and opinions 
    with respect to the regulatory implementation of the Act. For that 
    reason, the Council is conducting a series of public meetings. However, 
    the Council has not scheduled a public [[Page 2473]] meeting on this 
    rule (FAR case 94-701) because of the clarity and non-controversial 
    nature of the rule. If the public believes such a meeting is needed 
    with respect to this rule, a letter requesting a public meeting and 
    outlining the nature of the requested meeting shall be submitted to and 
    received by the FAR Secretariat (see ADDRESSES caption) on or before 
    February 8, 1995. The FAR Council will consider such requests in 
    determining whether a public meeting on this rule should be scheduled.
    
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The proposed rule is not expected to have significant economic 
    impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of 
    the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. because it 
    affects internal operating procedures of the Federal Government. An 
    Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has, therefore, not been 
    performed. Comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR 
    subparts will also be considered in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610 of the 
    Act. Such comments must be submitted separately and cite 5 U.S.C. 601, 
    et seq. (FAR case 94-701) in correspondence.
    
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the proposed 
    changes to the FAR do not impose recordkeeping or information 
    collection requirements, or collections of information from offerors, 
    contractors, or members of the public which require the approval of the 
    Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
    
    List of Subjects in 48 CFR Chapter 1
    
        Government procurement.
    
        Dated: December 29, 1994.
    Edward C. Loeb,
    Deputy Project Manager for the Implementation of the Federal 
    Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994.
    
        Therefore, it is proposed that 48 CFR Chapter 1 be amended as set 
    forth below:
        1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Chapter 1 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 
    U.S.C. 2473(c).
    
    PART 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
    
        2. Section 4.601 is amended by redesignating existing paragraph (d) 
    as (e) and revising it; and adding a new paragraph (d) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    4.601  Record requirements.
    
    * * * * *-
        (d) In addition to the information described in paragraphs (b) and 
    (c) of this section, for procurements exceeding $25,000, the following 
    information shall be accessible:
        (1) Awards to small disadvantaged businesses using either set-
    asides or full and open competition.
        (2) Awards to business concerns owned and controlled by women.
        (3) The number of offers received in response to a solicitation.-
        (4) Task or delivery order contracts.
        (5) Contracts for the acquisition of commercial items.-
        (e) This information shall be transmitted to the Federal 
    Procurement Data System in accordance with agency procedures.
    
    PART 5--PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS
    
    
    5.201   [Amended]-
    
        3. Section 5.201 is amended in paragraph (a) by removing ``(15 
    U.S.C. 637(c))'' and inserting ``(15 U.S.C. 637(e))''.-
        4. Section 5.202 is amended at the end of paragraph (a)(11) by 
    removing P``;or''; at the end of paragraph (a)(12) by removing the 
    period and inserting ``; or''; and by adding paragraph (a)(13) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    5.202  Exceptions.
    
    * * * * *-
        (a) * * *-
        (13) The contract action is for the services of an expert to 
    support the Federal Government in any current or anticipated litigation 
    or dispute.
    * * * * *-
        5. Section 5.301 is amended at the end of paragraph (b)(5) by 
    removing P``or''; at the end of paragraph (b)(6) by removing the period 
    and inserting ``; or''; and by adding paragraph (b)(7) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    5.301   General.
    
    * * * * *-
        (b) * * *-
        (7) The award is for the services of an expert to support the 
    Federal Government in any current or anticipated litigation or dispute.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 6--COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS-
    
        6. Section 6.202 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1); at the 
    end of paragraph (a)(2) by removing ``or''; at the end of paragraph 
    (a)(3) by removing the period and inserting a semicolon; adding 
    paragraphs (a)(4) through (a)(6); and removing from paragraphs (b)(1) 
    and (b)(3) the word ``above'' and inserting ``of this section''. The 
    revised text reads as follows:
    
    
    6.202  Establishing or maintaining alternative sources.-
    
        (a) * * *-
        (1) Increase or maintain competition and likely result in reduced 
    overall costs for the acquisition, or for any anticipated acquisition;
    * * * * *-
        (4) Ensure the continuous availability of a reliable source of 
    supplies or services;-
        (5) Satisfy projected needs based on a history of high demand; or-
        (6) Satisfy a critical need for medical, safety, or emergency 
    supplies.
    * * * * *-
        7. Section 6.302-3 is amended by revising the heading and paragraph 
    (a)(2); and by adding paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows:
    
    
    6.302-3   Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or 
    research capability; or expert services.-
    
        (a) * * *-
        (2) Full and open competition need not be provided for when it is 
    necessary to award the contract to a particular source or sources in 
    order (i) to maintain a facility, producer, manufacturer, or other 
    supplier available for furnishing supplies or services in case of a 
    national emergency or to achieve industrial mobilization, (ii) to 
    establish or maintain an essential engineering, research, or 
    development capability to be provided by an educational or other 
    nonprofit institution or a federally funded research and development 
    center, or (iii) to acquire the services of an expert for any current 
    or anticipated litigation or dispute.-
        (b) * * *-
        (3) Use of the authority in paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of this 
    subsection may be appropriate when it is necessary to acquire the 
    services of--
        (i) An expert to---
        (A) Assist the Government in the analysis, presentation, or defense 
    of any claim or request for adjustment to contract terms or conditions, 
    whether asserted by a contractor or the Government, which is in 
    litigation or dispute, or is anticipated to result in dispute or 
    litigation before any court, administrative tribunal, or agency, or -
        (B) Participate in any part of an alternative dispute resolution 
    process, including but not limited to evaluators, factfinders, or 
    witnesses, regardless of whether the expert is expected to testify; or 
    -
        (ii) A neutral person, e.g., mediators or arbitrators, to 
    facilitate the resolution [[Page 2474]] of issues in an alternative 
    dispute resolution process.
    * * * * *
        8. Section 6.302-5 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1) and 
    adding paragraph (c)(3) to read as follows:
    
    
    6.302-5  Authorized or required by statute.
    
    * * * * *-
        (c) Limitations. (1) This authority shall not be used to support 
    new awards to specified non-Federal Government entities unless a 
    provision of law specifically refers to 10 U.S.C. 2304(j) for armed 
    services acquisitions or section 303(h) of the Federal Property and 
    Administrative Services Act of 1949 for civilian agency acquisitions 
    and requires an agency to award a new contract to a named non-Federal 
    Government entity and specifically states that award to this entity 
    shall be made in contravention of the merit-based selection procedures 
    in subsection 7203(b) of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 
    1994 (10 U.S.C. 2304(j) and section 303(h) of the Federal Property and 
    Administrative Services Act of 1949). However, this limitation does not 
    apply--
        (i) When the work provided for in the contract is a continuation of 
    the work performed by the specified entity under a preceding contract; 
    or-
        (ii) To any contract requiring the National Academy of Sciences to 
    investigate, examine, or experiment upon any subject of science or art 
    of significance to an executive agency and to report on those matters 
    to the Congress or any agency of the Federal Government.
    * * * * *-
        (3) The authority in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this subsection may be 
    used only for purchases of brand-name commercial items for resale 
    through commissaries or other similar facilities. Ordinarily, these 
    purchases will involve articles desired or preferred by customers of 
    the selling activities (but see 6.301(d)).
        9. Section 6.304 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    6.304   Approval of the justification.
    
        (a) * * *-
        (2) For a proposed contract over $100,000 but not exceeding 
    $1,000,000, by the competition advocate for the procuring activity 
    designated pursuant to 6.501 or an official described in paragraphs 
    (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section. This authority is not delegable.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 14--SEALED BIDDING
    
        10. Section 14.407-1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1) and 
    (d)(2) to read as follows:
    
    
    14.407-1  General.
    
        (a) * * * (1) by written or electronic notice, * * *
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (2) use of the Award portion of SF 33, SF 26, or SF 1447, does not 
    preclude the additional use of informal documents, including telegrams 
    or electronic transmissions, as notices of awards.
        11. Section 14.408-1 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    14.408-1  Award of unclassified contracts.
    
        (a)(1) The contracting officer shall as a minimum (subject to any 
    restrictions in 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4)--
        (i) Notify each unsuccessful bidder in writing or electronically 
    within three days after contract award, that its bid was not accepted;
        (ii) Extend appreciation for the interest the unsuccessful bidder 
    has shown in submitting a bid; and
        (iii) When Award is made to other than a low bidder, state the 
    reason for rejection in the notice to each of the unsuccessful low 
    bidders.
        (2) For acquisitions subject to the Trade Agreements Act or the 
    North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act (see 
    25.405(e)), agencies shall include in notices given unsuccessful 
    offerors from designated or NAFTA countries--
        (i) The dollar amount of the successful offer; and
        (ii) The name and address of the successful offeror.
        (b) Information included in paragraph (a)(2) of this subsection 
    shall be provided to any unsuccessful bidder upon request except when 
    multiple awards have been made and furnishing information on the 
    successful bids would require so much work as to interfere with normal 
    operations of the contracting office. In such circumstances, only 
    information concerning location of the abstract of offers need be 
    given.
        (c) When a request is received concerning an unclassified 
    invitation from an inquirer who is neither a bidder nor a 
    representative of a bidder, the contracting officer should make every 
    effort to furnish the names of successful bidders and, if requested, 
    the prices at which awards were made. However, when such requests 
    require so much work as to interfere with the normal operations of the 
    contracting office, the inquirer will be advised where a copy of the 
    abstract of offers may be seen.
        (d) Requests for records shall be governed by agency regulations 
    implementing 48 CFR part 24, subpart 24.2.
    
    PART 15--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION
    
        12. Section 15.407 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(4) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    15.407  Solicitation provisions.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (4) Insert in RFP's the provision at 52.215-16, Contract Award.
        (i) If the RFP is for construction, the contracting officer shall 
    use the provision with its Alternate I or the provision with its 
    Alternate I or the provision with its Alternate I and Alternate II.
        (ii) If the contracting officer intends to evaluate offers and make 
    award without discussions, use the basic provision with its Alternate 
    II.
    * * * * *
        13. Section 15.605 is amended by revising the heading, and 
    paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) to read as follows:
    
    
    15.605  Evaluation factors and subfactors.
    
        (a) The factors and subfactors that will be considered in 
    evaluating proposals shall be tailored to each acquisition and include 
    only those factors that will have an impact on the source selection 
    decision.
        (b) The evaluation factors and subfactors that apply to an 
    acquisition and their relative importance are within the broad 
    discretion of agency acquisition officials. However, price or cost to 
    the Government shall be included as an evaluation factor in every 
    source selection. Quality also shall be addressed in every source 
    selection. In evaluation factors, quality may be expressed in terms of 
    technical capability, management capability, personnel qualifications, 
    prior experience, past performance, and schedule compliance. Any other 
    relevant factors and subfactors, such as cost realism, may also be 
    included.
    * * * * *
        (e) The solicitation shall clearly state the significant evaluation 
    factors and significant subfactors, including cost or price, cost or 
    price-related factors and subfactors, and non-cost or non-price-related 
    factors and subfactors, that will be considered in making the source 
    selection and their relative importance (see 15.406-5(c)). The 
    solicitation shall state whether all evaluation factors other than cost 
    or price, when combined, are (1) significantly more 
    [[Page 2475]] important than cost or price; (2) approximately equal to 
    cost or price; or (3) significantly less important than cost or price. 
    The solicitation may elaborate on the relative weights at the 
    discretion of the contracting officer. The solicitation shall inform 
    offerors of minimum requirements that apply to evaluation factors and 
    significant subfactors. Numerical weights may be used at the discretion 
    of the head of the agency. If numerical weights are used in proposal 
    evaluation, they may be disclosed in the solicitation on a case-by-case 
    basis. The solicitation may state that award will be made to the low 
    priced offeror that meets the solicitation's minimum criteria for 
    acceptable proposals.
    * * * * *
        14. Section 15.610 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    15.610  Written or oral discussion.
    
        (a) The requirement in paragraph (b) of this section for written or 
    oral discussion need not be applied in acquisitions--
        (1) In which prices are fixed by law or regulation;
        (2) Of the set-aside portion of a partial set-aside; or
        (3) In which the solicitation notified all offerors that the 
    Government intends to evaluate proposals and make award without 
    discussion unless the contracting officer determines that discussions 
    (other than communications conducted for the purpose of minor 
    clarification) are considered necessary (see 15.407(d)(4)). Once the 
    Government states its intent to award without discussions, the 
    rationale for reversal of this decision shall be documented in the 
    contract file.
        (b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the 
    contracting officer shall conduct written or oral discussion with all 
    responsible offerors who submit proposals within the competitive range. 
    The content and extent of the discussions is a matter of the 
    contracting officer's judgment, based on the particular facts of each 
    acquisition (but see paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section).
    * * * * *
    
    
    15.1001 through 15.1005  [Redesignated as 15.1002 through 15.1006]
    
        15. Sections 15.1001 through 15.1005 are redesignated as 15.1002 
    through 15.1006, respectively; and a new 15.1001 is added to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    15.1001  General.
    
        This subpart applies to the use of competitive proposals, as 
    described in 6.102(b), and a combination of competitive procedures, as 
    described in 6.102(d). To the extent practicable, however, the 
    procedures and intent of this subpart, with reasonable modification, 
    should be followed for these acquisitions: broad agency announcements, 
    small business innovation research contracts and architect-engineer 
    contracts.
        16. Newly designated section 15.1002 is amended by revising 
    paragraph (a), and the introductory text of paragraphs (b)(2) and 
    (c)(1); by removing paragraph (c)(2) and redesignating paragraph (c)(3) 
    as (c)(2); and by amending the newly designated paragraph (c)(2) by 
    removing ``15.1001(c)(1)(i)'' and inserting ``15.1002(c)(1)(i). The 
    revised text reads as follows:
    
    
    15.1002  Notifications to unsuccessful offerors.
    
        (a) General. Within three days of contract award, the contracting 
    officer shall notify, in writing or electronically, each offeror whose 
    proposal is determined to be unacceptable or whose offer is not 
    selected for award.
        (b) * * *
        (2) In a small business set-aside (see 48 CFR part 19, subpart 
    19.5), upon completion of negotiations and determinations of 
    responsibility, but prior to award, the contracting officer shall 
    notify each unsuccessful offeror in writing or electronically of the 
    name and location of the apparent successful offeror. The notice shall 
    also state that * * *-
        (c) Postaward notices. (1) After award of contracts resulting from 
    solicitations exceeding the small purchase limitation in part 13, the 
    contracting officer shall notify unsuccessful offerors in writing or 
    electronically, unless preaward notice was given under paragraph (b) of 
    this section. The notice shall include--
    * * * * *
        17. Newly designated section 15.1003 is amended by revising the 
    first sentence to read as follows:
    
    
    15.1003  Notification to successful offeror.
    
        The contracting officer shall award a contract with reasonable 
    promptness to the successful offeror (selected in accordance with 
    15.611(d)) by transmitting written or electronic notice of the award to 
    that offeror (but see 15.608(b)). * * *
        18. Newly designated section 15.1004 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    15.1004  Debriefing of offerors.
    
        (a) When a contract is awarded on the basis of competitive 
    proposals, offerors, upon their written request received by the agency 
    within three days after the date the unsuccessful offeror receives 
    notice of contract award, shall be debriefed and furnished the basis 
    for the selection decision and contract award. When practicable, 
    debriefing requests received more than three days after the offeror 
    receives notice of contract award shall be accommodated. To the maximum 
    extent practicable, the debriefing should occur within five days after 
    receipt of the written request.
        (b) Debriefings of successful and unsuccessful offerors may be done 
    orally, in writing, by electronic means, or any other method mutually 
    acceptable to both the offeror and the contracting officer.
        (c) The contracting officer shall chair the debriefing session with 
    the support of individuals actually responsible for the evaluations.
        (d) At a minimum, the debriefing information shall include--
        (1) The Government's evaluation of the significant weaknesses or 
    deficiencies in the offeror's proposal;
        (2) The overall evaluated cost and technical rating of the 
    successful and debriefed offerors;
        (3) The overall ranking of all offerors when any ranking was 
    developed by the agency during the source selection;
        (4) A summary of the rationale for award;
        (5) For commercial end items delivered under the contract, the make 
    and model of the item being provided by the successful offeror; and
        (6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions about whether source 
    selection procedures contained in the solicitation, applicable 
    regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed.
        (e) The debriefing shall not include point-by-point comparisons of 
    the debriefed offeror's proposal with those of other offerors. 
    Moreover, debriefing shall not reveal any information exempt from 
    release under the Freedom of Information Act including--
        (1) Trade secrets;
        (2) Privileged or confidential manufacturing processes and 
    techniques; and-
        (3) Commercial and financial information that is privileged or 
    confidential, including cost breakdowns, profit, indirect cost rates, 
    and similar information.
        (f) The contracting officer shall include an official written 
    summary of the debriefing in the contract file.
        (g) If, within one year of contract award, a successful protest 
    causes the agency to issue either a new solicitation or a new request 
    for best and final offers on the protested contract award, the 
    [[Page 2476]] agency shall make available to all offerors--
        (1) Information provided in any debriefings conducted on the 
    original award about the successful offeror's proposal; and
        (2) Other nonproprietary information that would have been provided 
    to the original offerors.
    
    PART 17--SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS
    
        19. Section 17.202 is amended by revising paragraph (a), and at the 
    end of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) by removing ``; or'' and inserting a 
    period. The revised text reads as follows:
    
    
    17.202  Use of options.-
    
        (a) Subject to the limitations of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this 
    section, for both sealed bidding and contracting by negotiation the 
    contracting officer may include options in contracts when it is in the 
    Government's interest. When using sealed bids, the contracting officer 
    shall make a written determination that there is a reasonable 
    likelihood that the options will be exercised before including the 
    clause at 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options, in the solicitation. (See 
    17.207(f) with regard to the exercise of options.)
    * * * * *
        20. Section 17.208 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c)(4) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    17.208  Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) The contracting officer shall insert a provision substantially 
    the same as the provision at 52.217-4, Evaluation of Options Exercised 
    at Time of Contract Award, in solicitations when the solicitation 
    includes an option clause, the contracting officer has determined that 
    there is a reasonable likelihood that the option will be exercised, and 
    the option may be exercised at the time of contract award.
        (c) * * *
        (4) The contracting officer has determined that there is a 
    reasonable likelihood that the option will be exercised. For sealed 
    bids, the determination shall be in writing.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 25--FOREIGN ACQUISITION
    
        21. Section 25.405 is amended by revising paragraph (e) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    25.405  Procedures.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) Within three days after a contract award for an eligible 
    product, agencies shall give unsuccessful offerors from designated or 
    NAFTA countries notice in accordance with 14.408-1 and 15.1002.
    
    PART 36--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS
    
        22. Section 36.304 is amended by revising the introductory text to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    36.304  Notice of award.
    
        When a notice of award is issued, it shall be done in writing or 
    electronically, within three days of contract award, shall contain 
    information required by 14.407 and shall--
    * * * * *
        23. Section 36.607 is amended by designating the existing text as 
    paragraph (a) and adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    36.607  Release of information on firm selection.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Debriefings of successful and unsuccessful firms will be held 
    after final selection has taken place and will be conducted in 
    accordance with 15.1003(b) through (g). Note that 15.1003(d)(2) through 
    (d)(5) does not apply to architect-engineer contracts.
    
    PART 51--USE OF GOVERNMENT SOURCES BY CONTRACTORS
    
        24. Section 51.101 is amended at the end of paragraph (a)(1) by 
    removing ``or'' and at the end of paragraph (a)(2) by removing the 
    period and inserting ``; or'' and by adding paragraph (a)(3) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    51.101  Policy.-
    
        (a) * * *
        (3) A contract under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et 
    seq.) if (i) the nonprofit agency requesting use of the supplies and 
    services is providing a commodity or service to the Federal Government, 
    and (ii) the supplies or services received are directly used in making 
    or providing a commodity or service approved by the Committee for 
    Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled to the Federal 
    Government (See 48 CFR part 8, subpart 8.7).
    * * * * *
        25. Section 51.102 is amended in paragraph (a) by revising the last 
    sentence to read as follows:
    
    
    51.102  Authorization to use Government supply sources.
    
        (a) * * * Except for findings under 51.101(a)(3), the determination 
    shall be based on, but not limited to, considerations of the following 
    factors:
    * * * * *
    
    PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
    
        26. Section 52.215-16 is amended by revising the date in the clause 
    heading and paragraph (c); adding paragraph (h); by removing from 
    Alternate I ``15.407(d)(4)(ii)'' and inserting ``15.407(d)(4)(i)''; by 
    removing Alternate II; and by redesignating Alternate III as II and 
    revising it. The revisions read as follows:
    
    
    52.215-16  Contract Award.
    
    * * * * *
    Contract Award (Date)
    * * * * *
        (c) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a 
    contract after conducting written or oral discussions with all 
    responsible offerors whose proposals have been determined to be within 
    the competitive range. However, each initial offer should contain the 
    offeror's best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint.
    * * * * *
        (h) The Government may disclose the following information in post-
    award debriefings to other offerors: (1) The overall evaluated cost and 
    technical rating of the successful offeror; (2) The overall ranking of 
    all offerors, if one was performed during the source selection; and (3) 
    for acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item 
    being provided by the successful offeror.
    * * * * *
        Alternate II (Date). As prescribed in 15.407(d)(4)(ii), substitute 
    the following paragraph (c) for paragraph (c) of the basic provision:
        (c) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a 
    contract without discussions with offerors (except communications 
    conducted for the purpose of minor clarification). Therefore, each 
    initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a cost or 
    price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the 
    right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting 
    Officer to be necessary.
    [FR Doc. 95-296 Filed 1-6-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6820-34-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/09/1995
Department:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-296
Dates:
Comments should be submitted on or before March 10, 1995 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule.
Pages:
2472-2476 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FAR Case 94-701
PDF File:
95-296.pdf
CFR: (1)
48 CFR None