2021-23470. Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 237, Service Contracting, and Related Clauses and Forms

AGENCY:

Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments regarding a proposed extension of an approved information collection requirement.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, DoD announces a proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: 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; the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 requirement for use through February 28, 2022. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for three additional years.

DATES:

Consideration will be given to all comments received by December 28, 2021.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by OMB Control Number 0704-0231, using any of the following methods:

○ Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

○ Email: [e-mail]. Include OMB Control Number 0704-0231 in the subject line of the message.

Comments received generally will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov,, including any personal information provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Barbara J. Trujillo, 571-372-6102.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title, Associated Form, and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 237, Service Contracting, associated DFARS Clauses at DFARS 252.237, DD Form 2062, and DD Form 2063; OMB Control Number 0704-0231.

Affected Public: Businesses and other for-profit and not-for profit institutions.

Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Number of Respondents: 2,737.

Responses per Respondent: 1.5, approximately.

Annual Responses: 4,019.

Average Burden per Response: 1.5, approximately.

Annual Burden Hours: 6,051.

Frequency: On occasion.

Needs and Uses: This information collection is used for the following purposes—

a. The information collected pursuant to DFARS solicitation provision 252.237-7000(c) is used to verify that the offeror is properly licensed in the state or other political jurisdiction where the offeror operates its professional practice.

b. DFARS 252.237-7011, the DD Form 2062, Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (Outside CONUS), and the DD Form 2063, Record of Preparation and Disposition of Remains (Within CONUS), are used to verify that the deceased's remains have been properly cared for by the mortuary contractor.

c. The written plan required by DFARS solicitation provision 252.237-7024, submitted by offerors concurrently with the proposal or offer, allows the contracting officer to assess the offeror's capability to continue providing contractually required services to support the DoD component's mission-essential functions in during periods of crisis.

d. The information collected pursuant to DFARS contract clause 252.237-7023 allows the contracting officer to provide approval of updates to the contractor's plan provided under DFARS clause 252.237-7024, to ensure that the contractor can continue to provide services in support of the DoD component's required mission-essential functions during crisis situations.

Summary of Information Collection

DFARS 237.270(d)(1) prescribes the use of the provision at DFARS 252.237-7000, Notice of Special Standards, in solicitations for the acquisition of audit services. The provision requires the apparently successful offeror to submit evidence that it is properly licensed in the state or political jurisdiction it operates its professional practice.

DFARS 237.7003(a)(8) prescribes the use of the clause at 252.237-7011, Preparation History, in all mortuary service solicitations and contracts. The information collected is used to verify that the remains have been properly cared for and the DD Forms 2062 and 2063 are generally used for this purpose.

DFARS 237.7603(b) prescribes the use of the provision at 252.237-7024, Notice of Continuation of Essential Contractor Services, in solicitations that require the acquisition of services that are in support of mission-essential functions, and that include the clause at 252.237-7023. The provision requires the offeror to submit a written plan demonstrating its capability to continue to provide the contractually required services to support a DoD component's mission-essential functions during crisis situations.

DFARS 237.7603(a) prescribes the use of the clause at DFARS 252.237-7023, Continuation of Essential Contractor Services, in solicitations and contracts for services in support of mission-essential functions. The clause requires the contractor to maintain and update its written plan as necessary to ensure that they can continue to provide services to support the DoD component's required mission-essential functions during crisis situations.

Jennifer D. Johnson,

Editor/Publisher, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.