95-5451. Federal Acquisition Regulation; Simplified Acquisition Procedures/FACNET  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 43 (Monday, March 6, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 12366-12384]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-5451]
    
    
    
    
    [[Page 12365]]
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    Part IX
    
    Department of Defense
    
    General Services Administration
    
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    48 CFR Part 2, et al.
    
    
    
    Federal Acquisition Regulation; Simplified Acquisition Procedures, 
    Federal Acquisition Computer Network Requirements (FACNET) and 
    Electronic Contracting; Proposed Rules
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 43 / Monday, March 6, 1995 / Proposed 
    Rules 
    [[Page 12366]] 
    
    DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
    
    GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
    
    NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
    
    48 CFR Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 
    29, 32, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 52, and 53
    
    [FAR Case 94-770]
    RIN 9000-AG18
    
    
    Federal Acquisition Regulation; Simplified Acquisition 
    Procedures/FACNET
    
    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 new simplified 
    acquisition and Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET) 
    requirements of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (the 
    Act). This regulatory action was subject to Office of Management and 
    Budget review under Executive Order 12866 dated September 30, 1993.
    
    DATES: Comments: Comments should be submitted on or before May 5, 1995 
    to be considered in the formulation of a final rule.
        Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held on April 3, 1995, at 
    9:30 a.m. in the GSA Auditorium on the first floor of the GSA Building.
        Oral and Written Statements: Persons wishing to make oral or 
    written statements at the public meeting should submit to the FAR 
    Secretariat a copy of the presentation by March 29, 1995.
    
    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 94-770 in all correspondence related to this 
    case.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Maykowskyj, Team Leader, 
    Simplified Acquisition Procedures/FACNET Team, on (703) 274-6307 in 
    reference to this FAR case. For general information, contact the FAR 
    Secretariat, Room 4037, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405 (202) 501-
    755. Please cite FAR Case 94-770, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    A. Background
    
        The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-355, 
    (the Act) 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 the 
    Act's implementation include the areas of commercial item acquisition, 
    simplified acquisition procedures, the Truth in Negotiation Act and 
    FACNET.
        The terms ``simplified acquisition'' and ``Federal Acquisition 
    Computer Network (FACNET)'' are defined by the Federal Acquisition 
    Streamlining Act of 1994 (the Act). The Act defines the simplified 
    acquisition threshold as $100,000. It limits use of simplified 
    acquisition procedures by procurement activities not having certified 
    Interim FACNET to procurements not exceeding $50,000. Use of simplified 
    acquisition procedures is also limited to procurements not exceeding 
    $50,000 if an agency does not have certified Full FACNET by January 1, 
    2000.
        Review of the law and the proposed implementing rule requires that 
    the difference between the simplified acquisition threshold and the use 
    of simplified acquisition procedures be recognized. The simplified 
    acquisition threshold is $100,000. The authority to use simplified 
    acquisition procedures depends on implementation and proper 
    certification of FACNET.
        This rule proposes to incorporate FAR Subpart 4.5 for FACNET 
    information and guidance. FAR Subpart 4.5 provides definitions, 
    certification information, and exemptions in accordance with the Act. 
    FAR case 91-104 (``Electronic Commerce'') and this implementation of 
    the Act are interdependent and are meant to be considered jointly. 
    Reviewers are advised that FACNET is not a single electronic system 
    that will be used by all executive agencies. It is, however, a 
    universal electronic capability that will permit potential contractors 
    to, as a minimum, obtain information on proposed procurements, submit 
    questions, and receive awards on a government-wide basis. Each agency 
    will determine the system(s) that will be used by its procuring 
    activities so that they can certify Interim FACNET for those activities 
    and Full FACNET for the agency. The Act and the proposed rule also 
    provide for exempting individual procurements and procuring activities 
    from the use of FACNET. This becomes significant when agencies certify 
    Full FACNET which is based, in part, on the percentage of non-exempt 
    transactions which were made through FACNET during the previous fiscal 
    year.
        Implementation of FACNET (Electronic Commerce) will include a 
    vendor registration requirement for any business entity wishing to do 
    business with the Government electronically. Contractor's information 
    will be submitted to the Centralized Contractor Registration System in 
    accordance with the Federal implementation conventions.
        There are technical requirements and other procedures with respect 
    to FACNET that are not appropriate for coverage in the FAR but are 
    needed by executive agencies to fully implement FACNET. This 
    information will be disseminated via other appropriate means.
        Public Meeting. A public meeting will be held on April 3, 1995 at 
    9:30 a.m. in the GSA Auditorium to enable the public to present its 
    views on this rule. This rule will only be discussed at the public 
    meeting session. Any subsequent public meetings will be devoted to 
    other revisions to the FAR. Persons or organizations wishing to make 
    presentations will be allowed 10 minutes each to present their views, 
    provided they notify the FAR Secretariat, at (202) 501-4755. Written 
    statements for presentation should be submitted to the FAR Secretariat 
    by March 29, 1995. Persons or organizations with similar positions are 
    encouraged to select a common spokesman for presentation of their 
    views. This meeting, in conjunction with the Federal Register notice 
    soliciting public comments on the rule, will be the only opportunity 
    for the public to present its views.
        This rule overlaps in some areas with the ``Electronic Commerce'' 
    rule (FAR case 91-104) appearing elsewhere in this issue of the Federal 
    Register. Presenters are welcome to submit prepared statements 
    concerning the ``electronic commerce'' rule to the extent that the 
    statement has some interrelation with this simplified acquisition/
    FACNET rule.
        Interested members of the public may obtain a copy of the desired 
    rule from the FAR Secretariat, see ADDRESSES caption.
    
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The proposed rule may have a significant positive 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 is 
    designed to reduce the burden on entities desiring to do business with 
    the Government and will apply to all large and small business 
    [[Page 12367]] entities, and all educational and non-profit 
    organizations who are interested in participating in Government 
    acquisitions. The proposed rule establishes the simplified acquisition 
    threshold and sets forth policies and guidance for the implementation 
    of FACNET pursuant to the Act. The implementation of FACNET will 
    provide for electronic exchange of acquisition information between the 
    private sector and the Federal Government that will increase the 
    opportunities for vendors currently doing business with the Government, 
    particularly small businesses. As a result of the Act, procurements 
    between $2,500 and $100,000 are exclusively reserved for small 
    business. It is recognized that an initial start-up cost will be 
    incurred for purchase of personal computer, modem, software, and 
    telephone lines estimated to be $1,500. Additionally, it is anticipated 
    that most small businesses will subscribe to third party value added 
    network (VAN) service to facilitate their communications with the 
    Government's computers. The cost of advance subscription ranges from 
    approximately $30 to $100 per month, depending on the type of services 
    obtained. The benefit of increased business opportunities should far 
    outweigh these initial start-up costs.
        An Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) has been prepared 
    and will be provided to the Chief Council for Advocacy for the Small 
    Business Administration. A copy of the IRFA may be obtained from the 
    FAR Secretariat. Comments from small entities concerning the affected 
    FAR parts will also be considered in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such 
    comments must be submitted separately and cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. 
    (FAR case 94-770), in correspondence.
    
    C. Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        The Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 96-511) applies because the 
    proposed rule contains information collection requirements that need 
    the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 44. 
    U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Contractors will be required to electronically 
    register with the Federal Contractor Registration System operated by 
    the Defense Information Megacenter. The information to be provided 
    electronically is information currently reported under several existing 
    forms, including SF-129, Solicitation Mailing List Application, the SF-
    3881, ACH vendor/Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form, and the DD-
    2051, request for Assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity 
    information pertaining to their EDI capabilities. Establishment of a 
    central registration system should eliminate the need to submit 
    multiple registrations with each contracting office the contractor is 
    doing business with.
        A request for approval of a new information collection requirement 
    concerning simplified acquisition procedures is being submitted to the 
    OMB. Public comments concerning this request are invited through a 
    Federal Register notice published elsewhere in this issue.
    
    List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 
    22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 52, 
    and 53
    
        Government procurement.
    Edward C. Loeb,
    Deputy Project Manager for Implementation of the Federal Acquisition 
    Streamlining Act of 1994.
        Therefore, 48 CFR Chapter 1 is proposed to be amended as set forth 
    below:
        1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 13, 
    15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 
    52, and 53 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 2--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS
    
        2. Section 2.201 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    2.201  Contract clause.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.202-1, 
    Definitions, in solicitations and contracts except when the contract is 
    not expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13. 
    If the contract is for personal services, construction, architect-
    engineer services, or dismantling, demolition, or removal of 
    improvements, the contracting officer shall use the clause with its 
    Alternate I. Additional definitions may be included, provided they are 
    consistent with the clause and the FAR.
    
    PART 3--IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF 
    INTEREST
    
        3. Section 3.103-1 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    3.103-1  Solicitation provision.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition 
    procedures in Part 13;
    * * * * *
        4. Section 3.104-10 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    3.104-10  Solicitation provision and contract clauses.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.203-10, 
    Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity, in all 
    solicitations where the resultant contract award is expected to exceed 
    the simplified acquisition threshold (see 13.000) and all contracts and 
    modifications to contracts exceeding that threshold which do not 
    already contain the clause when the modification is expected to exceed 
    that threshold.
    * * * * *
        5. Section 3.404 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    3.404  Solicitation provision and contract clause.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) The contract amount is expected to be at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13;
    * * * * *
        (c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.203-5, 
    Covenant Against Contingent Fees, in solicitations and contracts 
    exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
        6. Section 3.502-3 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    3.502-3  Contract clause.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.203-7, Anti-
    Kickback Procedures, in solicitations and contracts exceeding the 
    simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13.
        7. Section 3.503-2 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    3.503-2  Contract clause.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.203-6, 
    Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, in solicitations 
    and contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold in Part 
    13.
    
    PART 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
    
        8. Part 4 is amended by adding Subpart 4.5, consisting of sections 
    4.500 through 4.507, to read as follows:
    
    Subpart 4.5--Electronic Commerce in Contracting
    
    Sec.
    4.500  Scope of subpart.
    4.501  Definitions.
    4.502  Policy.
    4.503  Contractor registration.
    4.504  FACNET functions.
    4.505  FACNET certification. [[Page 12368]] 
    4.505-1  Interim certification.
    4.505-2  Full certification.
    4.505-3  Governmentwide certification.
    4.505-4  Contract actions excluded.
    4.506  Exemptions.
    4.507  Contract actions using simplified acquisition procedures.
    
    
    4.500  Scope of subpart.
    
        This subpart provides policy and procedures for the establishment 
    and use of FACNET as required by Section 30 of the Office of Federal 
    Procurement Policy (OFPP) Act (41 U.S.C. 426).
    
    
    4.501  Definitions.
    
        ``ANSI X12'' means the designation assigned by the American 
    National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the structure, format, and 
    content of electronic business transactions conducted through 
    Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The American National Standards 
    Institute is the coordinator and clearinghouse for national standards 
    in the United States.
        ``Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACNET)'' means the 
    governmentwide Electronic Commerce/Electronic Data Interchange systems 
    architecture for the acquisition of supplies and services that provides 
    for electronic data interchange of acquisition information between the 
    government and the private sector, employs nationally and 
    internationally recognized data formats, and provides universal user 
    access.
        ``Full FACNET'' means an agency has certified that it has 
    implemented all of the FACNET functions outlined in 4.504 and more than 
    75 percent of eligible contracts (not otherwise exempted from FACNET) 
    in amounts exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, but not exceeding 
    the simplified acquisition threshold (see Part 13), were entered into 
    by the agency during the preceding fiscal year using FACNET.
        ``Governmentwide FACNET'' means that the Federal government has 
    certified its FACNET capability and more than 75 percent of eligible 
    contracts in amounts exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, but not 
    exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (see Part 13), entered 
    into by the executive agencies during the preceding fiscal year were 
    made through full FACNET.
        ``Interim FACNET'' means a contracting activity has been certified 
    as having implemented a capability to provide widespread public notice 
    of, and issue, solicitations and receive responses to solicitations and 
    associated requests for information through FACNET. Such capability 
    must allow the private sector to access notices of solicitations, 
    access and review solicitations, and respond to solicitations.
        ``Transaction Set'' means the data that is exchanged to convey 
    meaning between Trading Partners engaged in EC/EDI.
        ``Value-Added Network (VAN)'' means an entity that provides 
    communications services, electronic mailboxing and other communications 
    services for EDI transmissions.
        ``Value-Added Service (VAS)'' means an entity that provides 
    services beyond communications to its customers. These services may 
    range from translation and segregation of the data to complete turn-key 
    business systems support for customers.
    
    
    4.502  Policy.
    
        (a) The Federal government shall acquire supplies and services via 
    FACNET whenever practicable or cost effective.
        (b) FACNET is the preferred method of acquiring supplies and 
    services exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and not exceeding the 
    simplified acquisition threshold (see 13.103(b)).
        (c) Contracting officers are authorized to use FACNET for any 
    contract action governed by the FAR, unless specifically exempted by 
    agencies.
        (d) Before using electronic data interchange, agencies shall ensure 
    that the electronic data interchange system is capable of ensuring 
    authentication and confidentiality commensurate with the risk and 
    magnitude of the harm from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access to or 
    modification of the information.
    
    
    4.503  Contractor registration.
    
        (a) In order for a contractor to conduct electronic commerce with 
    the Federal government, the contractor must provide registration 
    information to the Centralized Contractor Registration System.
        (b) The contractor will be required to submit information in 
    accordance with the Federal implementation conventions of the ASC ANSI 
    X.12 transaction set for contractor registration.
    
    
    4.504  FACNET functions.
    
        (a) FACNET shall allow agencies to do the following 
    electronically--
        (1) Provide widespread public notice of contracting opportunities, 
    and issue solicitations;
        (2) Receive responses to solicitations and associated requests for 
    information;
        (3) Provide public notice of awards of contracts and orders 
    (including price);
        (4) Receive questions regarding solicitations, if practicable;
        (5) Issue contracts and orders, if practicable;
        (6) Initiate payments to contractors, if practicable; and,
        (7) Archive data relating to each procurement action.
        (b) FACNET shall allow the private sector to do the following 
    electronically:
        (1) Access notices of solicitations;
        (2) Access and review solicitations;
        (3) Respond to solicitations;
        (4) Receive contracts and orders, if practicable;
        (5) Access information on awards of contracts and orders; and,
        (6) Receive payment by purchase card, electronic funds transfer, or 
    other automated means, if practicable.
    
    
    4.505  FACNET certification.
    
    
    4.505-1  Interim certification.
    
        A contracting activity is considered to have implemented interim 
    FACNET if:
        (a) The contracting activity has implemented the FACNET functions 
    described in 4.504(a) (1) and (2), and (b) (1), (2), and (3); and 
    issues notices of solicitations and receives responses to solicitations 
    in a system having those functions.
        (b) The contracting activity is using FACNET for contracts (not 
    otherwise exempted, see 4.506), that exceed the micro-purchase 
    threshold and do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold;
        (c) The senior procurement executive of the agency, or the Under 
    Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology for the Department 
    of Defense, has certified to the Administrator of OFPP that the 
    contracting activity has implemented interim FACNET.
        (d) The senior procurement executive of the agency, or the Under 
    Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology for the Department 
    of Defense, shall notify the private sector via the Commerce Business 
    Daily that a contracting activity of the agency has certified interim 
    FACNET. The notice shall establish a date after which it will be 
    required that all responses to solicitations issued by the contracting 
    activity through FACNET, must be submitted through FACNET, unless 
    otherwise authorized.
    
    
    4.505-2  Full certification.
    
        An agency is considered to have implemented full FACNET if:
        (a) The agency has implemented all of the FACNET functions 
    described in 4.504; and
        (b) During the preceding fiscal year, more than 75 percent of the 
    agency's eligible contract actions, not otherwise exempted (see 4.506), 
    that exceeded the micro-purchase threshold but did not exceed the 
    simplified acquisition threshold were made via FACNET; 
    and [[Page 12369]] 
        (c) The head of the agency, with the concurrence of the 
    Administrator of OFPP, has certified to the Congress that the agency 
    has implemented full FACNET.
        (d) Eligible contracts do not include any class or classes of 
    contracts that the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council determines, 
    after October 13, 1997, are not suitable for acquisition through 
    FACNET.
    
    
    4.505-3  Governmentwide certification.
    
        The Federal Government is considered to have implemented 
    Governmentwide FACNET if:
        (a) During the preceding fiscal year, at least 75 percent of 
    eligible contracts entered into by executive agencies that exceeded the 
    micro-purchase threshold and did not exceed the simplified acquisition 
    threshold were made via full FACNET; and
        (b) The Administrator of OFPP has certified implementation of 
    governmentwide FACNET to the Congress.
    
    
    4.505-4  Contract actions excluded.
    
        For purposes of calculating the percentage of FACNET use referred 
    to in 4.505-2 and 4.505-3, actions issued against established 
    contracts, such as delivery orders, task orders, and in scope 
    modifications shall not be included.
    
    
    4.506  Exemptions.
    
        The following contracts are exempted from the use of FACNET, as 
    specified below, and shall not be considered when determining 
    compliance with the requirements to implement FACNET:
        (a) Interim FACNET.
        (1) Classes of procurements exempted by the head of the contracting 
    activity after a written determination is made that FACNET processing 
    of those procurements is not cost effective or practicable; and 
    specific purchases for which the contracting officer determines that it 
    is not practicable or cost effective to process via FACNET. Such 
    determinations shall be centrally maintained at the contracting 
    activity.
        (2) Contracts that do not require notice under subpart 5.202.
        (b) Full FACNET--Contracts made by a contracting activity (or a 
    portion of a contracting activity), if the activity is exempted from 
    use of FACNET by the head of the agency or the Under Secretary of 
    Defense for Acquisition and Technology for the Department of Defense. 
    Any such exemption shall be based on a written determination that 
    FACNET processing is not cost effective or practicable for the 
    contracting activity, or portions thereof. Determinations shall be 
    maintained in the office of the senior procurement executive or the 
    Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Technology for the 
    Department of Defense.
    
    
    4.507  Contract actions using simplified acquisition procedures.
    
        Contracting officers shall refer to section 13.106 for evaluation 
    and documentation requirements when awarding contracts using simplified 
    acquisition procedures.
        9. Section 4.800 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    4.800  Scope of subpart.
    
        This subpart prescribes requirements for establishing, maintaining, 
    and disposing of contract files for all contractual actions. The 
    application of this subpart to contracts made using the simplified 
    acquisition procedures covered by Part 13 is optional. (See also 
    documentation requirements in 13.106-2).
        10. Section 4.804-1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1) and 
    (a)(2) to read as follows:
    
    
    4.804-1  Closeout by the office administering the contract.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) Files for contracts using simplified acquisition procedures 
    should be considered closed when the contracting officer receives 
    evidence of receipt of property and final payment, unless otherwise 
    specified by agency regulations.
        (2) Files for firm-fixed-price contracts other than those using 
    simplified acquisition procedures should be closed within 6 months 
    after the date in which the contracting officer receives evidence of 
    physical completion.
    * * * * *
        11. Section 4.804-2 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    4.804-2  Closeout of the contracting office files if another office 
    administers the contract.
    
        (a) Contract files for contracts using simplified acquisition 
    procedures should be considered closed when the contracting officer 
    receives evidence of receipt of property and final payment, unless 
    otherwise specified by regulation.
    * * * * *
        12. Section 4.805 is amended in the table in paragraph (b) by 
    revising the entries in the ``Document'' column of paragraphs (b)(5), 
    (10), (11), and (13) to read as follows:
    
    
    4.805  Storage, handling and disposal of contract files.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Retention
                               Document                              period 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    (5) Unsuccessful offers or quotations that pertain to                   
     contracts using simplified acquisition procedures...........  .........
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    (10) Records or documents other than those in paragraphs                
     4.805(b) (1)-(9) of this section pertaining to contracts               
     using simplified acquisition procedures.....................  .........
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    (11) Records or documents other than those in paragraphs                
     4.805(b) (1)-(10) of this section pertaining to contracts              
     using simplified acquisition procedures.....................  .........
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    (13) Solicited and unsolicited unsuccessful offers and                  
     quotations above the appropriate simplified acquisition                
     threshold in Part 13........................................  .........
                                                                            
                      *        *        *        *        *                 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    PART 5--PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS
    
        13. Section 5.002 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    5.002  Policy.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) Assist small business concerns, small disadvantaged business 
    concerns, and women owned small businesses in obtaining contracts and 
    subcontracts.
        14. Section 5.101 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) 
    introductory text, (a)(1), and (a)(2) introductory text and (a)(2)(ii) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    5.101  Methods of disseminating information.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) As required by the Small Business Act (U.S.C. 637(e)) and the 
    Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416), and unless 
    the contract action is being made by a contracting activity that has 
    been certified as having implemented a system with interim (until 
    December 31, 1999) or full (after December 31, 1999) FACNET and the 
    contract action will be made through FACNET, contracting officers shall 
    disseminate information on proposed contract actions as follows:
        (1) For contract actions expected to exceed $25,000, by synopsizing 
    in the [[Page 12370]] Commerce Business Daily (CBD) (see section 
    5.201); and
        (2) For proposed contract actions expected to exceed $10,000 
    ($5,000 for Defense activities), but not expected to exceed $25,000, by 
    displaying in a public place at the contracting office issuing the 
    solicitation, an unclassified notice of the solicitation or a copy of 
    the solicitation satisfying the requirements of 5.207(c) and (f). The 
    notice shall include a statement that all responsible sources may 
    submit a quotation which, if timely received, shall be considered by 
    the agency. Such information shall be posted not later than the date 
    the solicitation is issued and remain posted for at least 10 days or 
    until after quotations have been opened, whichever is later.
    * * * * *
        (ii) The contracting officer need not comply with the display 
    requirements set forth above when the exemptions at 5.202(a)(1), (5) 
    through (9) or (11) apply, or when oral solicitations are used. The 
    exemption from display requirements does not relieve the contracting 
    officer from the responsibility to consider all quotations timely 
    received from responsible sources.
    * * * * *
        15. Section 5.202 is amended by adding paragraph (a)(13) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    5.202  Exceptions.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) * * *
        13. The contract action is for an amount at or below $250,000 and 
    is made through certified FACNET after Governmentwide FACNET has been 
    certified. This exception does not apply when the contract action is 
    not made through certified FACNET. (see Subpart 4.5)
    * * * * *
        16. Section 5.203 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (b) 
    through (f) as (c) through (g), adding a new paragraph (b) and and 
    revising newly designated (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
    
    
    5.203  Publicizing and response time.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) The contracting officer shall establish a solicitation response 
    time which will afford potential offerors a reasonable opportunity to 
    respond for each contract action, including actions via FACNET, in an 
    amount estimated to be greater than $25,000, but not greater than the 
    simplified acquisition threshold. The contracting officer should 
    consider the circumstances of the individual procurement such as the 
    complexity, commerciality (see Part 12), availability, and urgency when 
    establishing the solicitation response time.
        (c) Agencies shall allow at least a 30 day response time for 
    receipt of bids or proposals from the date of issuance of a 
    solicitation if the contract action is expected to exceed the 
    simplified acquisition threshold.
        (d) Agencies shall allow at least a 30 day response time from the 
    date of publication of a proper notice of intent to contract for 
    architect-engineer services or before issuance of an order under a 
    basic ordering agreement or similar arrangement if the contract action 
    is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
        (e) Agencies shall allow at least a 45 day response time for 
    receipt of bids or proposals from the date of publication of the notice 
    required in 5.201 for contract actions categorized as research and 
    development if the contract action is expected to exceed the simplified 
    acquisition threshold.
    * * * * *
        17. Section 5.205 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    5.205  Special situations.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (1) Except when exempted by 5.202, synopsize each proposed contract 
    action for which the total fee (including phases and options) is 
    expected to exceed $25,000. Reference shall be made to the appropriate 
    CBD Numbered Note.
    * * * * *
        18. Section 5.207 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (c)(2)(xi) 
    through (c)(2)(xv) as (c)(2)(xii) through (c)(2)(xvi), adding new 
    paragraph (c)(2)(xi), and revising newly redesignated (c)(2)(xiv) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    5.207  Preparation and transmittal of synopses.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (xi) For a contract action in an amount estimated to be greater 
    than $25,000 but not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, 
    enter (A) a description of the procedures to be used in awarding the 
    contract (e.g., request for quotation or solicitation) and (B) the 
    anticipated award date.
    * * * * *
        (xiv) In the case of noncompetitive contract actions insert a 
    statement of the reason justifying other than full and open 
    competition, and identify the intended source(s) (see 5.207(e)(3)).
    * * * * *
        19. Section 5.301 is amended by adding a new (b)(7) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    5.301  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (7) The contract action is for an amount greater than $25,000 but 
    not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, the contract 
    action is made by a contracting activity that has been certified as 
    having implemented a system with interim (until December 31, 1999) or 
    full (after December 31, 1999) FACNET, and the contract action has been 
    made through FACNET.
    * * * * *
        20. Section 5.303 is amended by revising the introductory text of 
    paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    5.303  Announcement of contract awards.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Local announcement. Agencies may also release information on 
    contract awards to the local press or other media. When local 
    announcements are made for contract awards in excess of the simplified 
    acquisition threshold in 13.000, they shall include--
    * * * * *
        21. Section 5.503 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1), to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    5.503  Procedures.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) Forms. (1) When contracting directly with the media for 
    advertising, contracting officers:
        (i) Shall use Standard Form 26, Award/Contract, or Standard Form 
    1447, Solicitation/Contract, when the dollar amount of the acquisition 
    exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold; or
        (ii) May use Optional Form 347, Order for Supplies or Services, or 
    an approved agency form, when the dollar amount of the acquisition does 
    not exceed the threshold for use of simplified acquisition procedures 
    (see Part 13).
    * * * * *
    
    PART 6--COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS
    
        22. Section 6.001 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    6.001  Applicability.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) Contracts awarded using the simplified acquisition procedures 
    of Part 13;
    * * * * *
    [[Page 12371]]
    
    PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
    
        23. Section 8.203-1 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    8.203-1  Contract clause and solicitation provision.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) Contract actions not exceeding the simplified acquisition 
    threshold under Part 13;
    * * * * *
    
    PART 9--CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
    
    * * * * *
        24. Section 9.405-2 is amended by revising the second sentence of 
    paragraph (b) introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    9.405-2  Restrictions on subcontracting.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * * Contractors shall not enter into any subcontract in 
    excess of the simplified acquisition threshold with a contractor that 
    has been debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment unless there is 
    a compelling reason to do so.* * *
    * * * * *
        25. Section 9.409 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    9.409  Solicitation provision and contract clause.
    
        (a) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.209-5, 
    Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Proposed Debarment, and 
    Other Responsibilities Matters, in solicitations where the contract 
    value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
        (b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.209-6, 
    Protecting the Government's Interests when Subcontracting with 
    Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment, in 
    solicitations and contracts where the contract value exceeds the 
    simplified acquisition threshold.
        26. Section 9.507-1 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    9.507-1  Solicitation provisions.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.209-8, 
    Organizational Conflicts of Interest Certificate--Advisory and 
    Assistance Services, in solicitations for advisory and assistance 
    services if the contract is expected to exceed the simplified 
    acquisition threshold.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 13--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES
    
        27. 13.000 is revised to read as follows.
    
    
    13.000  Scope of part.
    
        This part prescribes policies and procedures for the acquisition of 
    supplies and services, including construction and research and 
    development, the aggregate amount of which does not exceed the 
    simplified acquisition threshold (see 13.103(b)). See 36.602-5 for 
    simplified procedures to be used when acquiring architect-engineering 
    services.
        28. 13.101 is amended by revising the definitions of ``bulk 
    funding,'' ``delivery order,'' and ``purchase order,''; removing the 
    definitions of ``small purchase,'' and ``small purchase procedures,'' 
    and adding, in alphabetical order, definitions for ``imprest fund,'' 
    ``simplified acquisition procedures,'' and ``simplified acquisition 
    threshold''.
    
    
    13.101  Definitions.
    
        ``Bulk funding,'' means a system whereby a contracting officer 
    receives authorization from a fiscal and accounting officer to obligate 
    funds on purchase documents against a specified lump sum of funds 
    reserved for the purpose for a specified period of time rather than 
    obtaining individual obligation authority on each purchase document.
        ``Delivery Order,'' means an order for supplies or services placed 
    against an established contract or with Government sources of supply.
    * * * * *
        ``Imprest Fund,'' means a cash fund of a fixed amount established 
    by an advance of funds, without charge to an appropriation, from an 
    agency finance or disbursing officer to a duly appointed cashier, for 
    disbursement as needed from time to time in making payment in cash for 
    relatively small amounts.
    * * * * *
        ``Purchase order,'' as used in this part, means an offer by the 
    Government to buy supplies or services, including construction and 
    research and development, upon specified terms and conditions, using 
    simplified acquisition procedures.
        ``Simplified acquisition procedures,'' means the methods prescribed 
    in this part for making purchases of supplies or services using imprest 
    funds, purchase orders, blanket purchase agreements, governmentwide 
    commercial purchase cards, FACNET or any other appropriate authorized 
    method. Contracting Officers are encouraged to use innovative 
    approaches in awarding contracts using the simplified acquisition 
    procedures under the authority of Part 13. For example, the procedures 
    of other FAR Parts may, as appropriate, be adapted for use in awarding 
    contracts under this part. Other FAR Parts that may be adapted include, 
    but are not limited to, (1) Part 14, Sealed Bidding; (2) Part 15, 
    Contracting by Negotiation; (3) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial 
    Items; or (4) Part 36, Construction and Architect-Engineer Contracts, 
    including the use of Standard Form 1442, Solicitation, Offer and Award 
    (Construction, Alteration, or Repair), for construction contracts (see 
    36.701(b)).
        ``Simplified acquisition threshold,'' means $100,000 (but see 
    13.103(b)). In the case of any DoD acquisition to be awarded and 
    performed, or purchase to be made, outside the United States in support 
    of a military contingency operation (10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13)), the term 
    means $200,000.
        29. 13.102 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.102  Purpose.
    
        The purpose of this part is to prescribe simplified acquisition 
    procedures in order to (a) reduce administrative costs; (b) improve 
    opportunities for small business, small disadvantaged business, and 
    women owned small business concerns to obtain a fair proportion of 
    Government contracts; (c) promote efficiency and economy in 
    contracting; and, (d) avoid unnecessary burdens for agencies and 
    contractors.
        30. 13.103 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.103  Policy.
    
        (a) Simplified acquisition procedures shall be used to the maximum 
    extent practicable for all purchases of supplies or services not 
    exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold unless requirements can 
    be met by using required sources of supply (see Part 8).
        (b) Simplified acquisition procedures may not be used for contract 
    actions exceeding $50,000, and not exceeding the simplified acquisition 
    threshold, unless the contracting activity making the purchase has been 
    certified as having interim FACNET. The contracting activity shall not 
    use simplified acquisition procedures for contract actions exceeding 
    $50,000 after December 31, 1999, unless the activity's cognizant agency 
    has certified full FACNET capability pursuant to section 4.505-2.
        (c) Simplified acquisition procedures shall not be used in the 
    acquisition of supplies and services initially estimated 
    [[Page 12372]] to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold even 
    though resulting awards do not exceed that threshold. Requirements 
    aggregating more than the simplified acquisition threshold shall not be 
    broken down into several purchases that are less than the threshold 
    merely to permit negotiation under simplified acquisition procedures.
        (d) Simplified acquisition procedures may be used to acquire 
    personal services if the agency has specific statutory authority to 
    acquire personal services (see 37.104).
        (e) FACNET is the preferred means for effecting the acquisition of 
    supplies and services, including construction and research and 
    development, in amounts exceeding the micro-purchase threshold but not 
    exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
        (f) Contracting officers shall establish deadlines for the 
    submission of responses to solicitations which afford contractors a 
    reasonable opportunity to respond.
        31. 13.104 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.104  Procedures.
    
        (a) Contracting officers shall make awards under this part in the 
    simplified manner that is most suitable, efficient, and economical in 
    the circumstances of each acquisition. Contracting officers may use the 
    procedures in this part in acquisitions from Government supply sources 
    (see Part 8), if their use is authorized by the basic contract or 
    concurred in by the source.
        (b) Related items (such as small hardware items or spare parts for 
    vehicles) may be included in one solicitation and the award made on an 
    ``all-or-none'' basis if suppliers are so advised when quotations are 
    requested.
        (c) Agencies shall use bulk funding to the maximum extent 
    practicable to reduce processing time, handling, and documentation. 
    Bulk funding is particularly appropriate if numerous purchases using 
    the same type of funds are to be made during a given period.
        (d) Agencies shall inspect items or services acquired under 
    simplified acquisition procedures as prescribed in section 46.404.
        (e) Agencies shall use United States-owned foreign currency, if 
    appropriate, in making payments when using simplified acquisition 
    procedures (see Subpart 25.3).
        (f) For proposed purchases covered by this part, see 5.101 for 
    public display requirements.
        32. 13.105 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.105  Small Business Set-asides.
    
        (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), of this 
    section, each acquisition of supplies or services that has an 
    anticipated dollar value exceeding the micro-purchase threshold (see 
    Subpart 13.6) and not exceeding $100,000, is reserved exclusively for 
    small business concerns and shall be set-aside (see 19.503-3).
        (b) The requirements of this section apply only to purchases in the 
    United States, its territories and possessions, Puerto Rico, and the 
    Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (see 19.000). Foreign concerns 
    shall not be solicited or awarded acquisitions reserved for small 
    business concerns.
        (c) The requirements of this section do not affect the 
    responsibility of agencies to make purchases from required sources of 
    supply, such as Federal Prison Industries, Committee for Purchase from 
    People who are Blind or Severely Disabled, and Federal Supply Schedule 
    contracts.
        (d)(1) Each written solicitation under a small business set-aside 
    shall contain the provision at 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business 
    Set-Aside. If the solicitation is oral, however, information 
    substantially identical to that which is in the provision shall be 
    given to potential quoters.
        (2) If the contracting officer determines there is no reasonable 
    expectation of obtaining quotations from two or more responsible small 
    business concerns that will be competitive in terms of market price, 
    quality, and delivery, the contracting officer need not proceed with 
    the small business set-aside and may purchase on an unrestricted basis. 
    If the SBA procurement center representative disagrees with a 
    contracting officer's decision not to proceed with the small business 
    set-aside, the SBA procurement center representative may appeal the 
    decision in accordance with the procedures set forth in 19.402.
        (3) If the contracting officer proceeds with the set-aside and 
    receives a quotation from only one responsible small business concern 
    at a reasonable price (see 13.106-2(a)), the contracting officer shall 
    make an award to that concern. However, if the contracting officer does 
    not receive a reasonable quotation from a responsible small business 
    concern, the contracting officer may cancel the set-aside and complete 
    the purchase on an unrestricted basis.
        (4) When proceeding under 13.105(d) (1) or (2), the contracting 
    officer shall ascertain the availability of small business suppliers by 
    telephone or other informal means (see 13.106-1(a)(7)).
        (5) If the purchase is on an unrestricted basis under 13.105(d)(2), 
    the contracting officer shall document in the file the reason for the 
    unrestricted purchase.
        (6) Nothing in this section 13.105 shall preclude award, using 
    simplified acquisition procedures, of an acquisition exceeding the 
    micro-purchase threshold and not exceeding $50,000 ($100,000 when 
    FACNET has been implemented) under:
        (i) 19.8, Contracting with the Small Business Administration;
        (ii) 19.1006(c), emerging small business set-asides; or
        (iii) 19.503-2, as a small disadvantaged business set-aside.
        (7)(i) Acquisitions exceeding the micro-purchase threshold in 
    Subpart 13.6 and not in excess of $25,000 for supplies and services in 
    the four designated industry groups pursuant to the Small Business 
    Competitiveness Demonstration Program (see 19.10) are set-aside for 
    emerging small businesses.
        (ii) For acquisitions exceeding $25,000 in the four designated 
    industry groups pursuant to the Small Business Competitiveness 
    Demonstration Program, see 19.10.
        33. 13.106 text is removed and the heading is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    13.106  Purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold.
    
        34. 13.106-1 is added to read as follows:
    
    
    13.106-1  Soliciting competition, evaluation of quotes, and award.
    
        (a) Soliciting competition. (1) Contracting officers shall solicit 
    a reasonable number of sources to promote competition to the maximum 
    extent practicable and ensure that the purchase is advantageous to the 
    Government, based, as appropriate on either price alone, or price and 
    other factors (e.g., past performance and quality considered, including 
    the administrative cost of the purchase). Requests for quotations or 
    solicitations shall notify suppliers that award is to be made based on 
    price alone, or price and other factors.
        (2) FACNET is the preferred method of soliciting and awarding 
    simplified acquisitions. However, if FACNET is not available, or the 
    contracting officer has made a determination that it is not practicable 
    or cost effective to process a specific purchase via FACNET, or the 
    head of the contracting activity has made a determination that it is 
    not practicable or cost effective to process a class of purchases via 
    FACNET (see Subpart 4.506), quotations may be solicited through other 
    appropriate [[Page 12373]] means. Requests for quotations should be 
    solicited orally to the maximum extent practicable for contract actions 
    not to exceed $25,000 when FACNET is not available or a determination 
    has been made that it is practicable or cost effective to purchase via 
    FACNET. Paper solicitations for contract actions not expected to exceed 
    $25,000 should only be issued when obtaining electronic or oral 
    quotations is not considered economical or practical. Solicitations for 
    construction contracts over $2,000 shall only be issued electronically 
    or by paper solicitation.
        (3) When not soliciting quotations electronically, maximum 
    practicable competition ordinarily can be obtained without soliciting 
    quotations or offers from sources outside the trade area in which the 
    contracting office is located for actions that do not exceed $25,000. 
    Generally, solicitation of at least three sources may be considered to 
    promote competition to the maximum extent practicable if the contract 
    action does not exceed $25,000. If practicable, two sources not 
    included in the previous solicitation should be requested to furnish 
    quotations. The following factors influence the number of quotations 
    required in connection with any particular purchase:
        (i) The nature of the article or service to be purchased and 
    whether it is highly competitive and readily available in several makes 
    or brands, or is relatively noncompetitive.
        (ii) Information obtained in making recent purchases of the same or 
    similar item.
        (iii) The urgency of the proposed purchase.
        (iv) The dollar value of the proposed purchase.
        (v) Past experience concerning specific dealers' prices.
        (4) Contracting officers may solicit from one source if the 
    contracting officer determines that the circumstances of the contract 
    action deem only one source being reasonably available (e.g., only one 
    available source, urgency).
        (5) Contracting officers shall not limit solicitations to suppliers 
    of well known and widely distributed makes or brands, nor shall 
    quotations be solicited on a personal preference basis. If required to 
    maintain a list of sources, new supply sources disclosed through trade 
    journals or other media, shall be continuously reviewed and, if 
    appropriate, added to the list.
        (6) Consistent with the applicable principles in 14.407-3, 
    contracting officers shall make every effort to obtain trade and prompt 
    payment discounts. However, prompt payment discounts shall not be 
    considered in the evaluation of quotations.
        (7)(i) Unless exempted from this requirement by the head of the 
    contracting activity or purchases are made through FACNET, each 
    contracting office should maintain a source list (or lists, if more 
    convenient) and should record on the list the status of each source 
    (when the status is made known to the contracting office) in the 
    following categories:
        (A) Small business.
        (B) Small disadvantaged business.
        (C) Women-owned small business.
        (ii) The status information should be used to ensure that small 
    business concerns are given opportunities to respond to solicitations 
    issued using simplified acquisition procedures.
        (b) Evaluation of quotes. (1) Contracting officers may evaluate 
    quotations or offers based on price alone or price and other factors 
    (e.g., past performance, or quality). When evaluating quotations or 
    offers on price and other factors, contractor's quotations or offers 
    shall be evaluated solely on the basis of criteria established in the 
    solicitation. Methods to accomplish this may include, but are not 
    limited to simplified solicitations, streamlined evaluation methods, 
    and award with simplified award documentation. Formal evaluation plans, 
    conduct of discussions and scoring of quotes or offers are not 
    required. Evaluation of other factors does not require the creation or 
    existence of a formal data base, but may be based on such information 
    as the contracting officer's knowledge, previous experience, or 
    customer surveys.
        (2) If suppliers furnish standing price quotations on supplies or 
    services required on an intermittent and recurring basis, the 
    information may be used in lieu of obtaining individual quotations each 
    time a purchase is contemplated. The buyer shall ensure that the price 
    information is current and that the Government obtains the benefit of 
    maximum discounts.
        (3) Contracting officers shall evaluate quotations inclusive of 
    transportation charges from the shipping point of the supplier to the 
    delivery destination.
        (4) Contracting officers shall comply with the policy in section 
    7.202 relating to economic purchase quantities, when practicable.
        (c) Award. (1) Occasionally an item can be obtained only from a 
    supplier who quotes a minimum order price or quantity that either 
    unreasonably exceeds stated quantity requirements or results in an 
    unreasonable price for the quantities required. In these instances, the 
    contracting officer should inform the requiring activity of all facts 
    regarding the quotation and request it to confirm or alter its 
    requirement. The file shall be documented to support the final action 
    taken.
        (2) Notification to unsuccessful suppliers shall be given only if 
    requested. When a supplier requests information on an award which was 
    based on other than price alone, the notification shall include a brief 
    explanation of the basis for the contract award decision.
        35. 13.106-2 is added to read as follows:
    
    
    13.106-2  Data to support purchases.
    
        (a) The determination that a proposed price is reasonable should be 
    based on competitive quotations. If only one response is received, or 
    the price variance between multiple responses reflects lack of adequate 
    competition, a statement shall be included in the contract file giving 
    the basis of the determination of fair and reasonable price. The 
    determination may be based on a comparison of the proposed price with 
    prices found reasonable on previous purchases, current price lists, 
    catalogs, advertisements, similar items in a related industry, value 
    analysis, the contracting officer's personal knowledge of the item 
    being purchased or any other reasonable basis.
        (b) When other than price related factors are considered in 
    selecting the supplier (see 13.106-1(b)(1)), the contracting officer 
    shall document the file to support the final contract award decision.
        (c) If only one source is solicited, an additional notation shall 
    be made to explain the absence of competition, except for acquisition 
    of utility services available only from one source or of educational 
    services from nonprofit institutions.
        (d) Simplified documentation practices should be used. The 
    following illustrate the extent to which quotation information should 
    be recorded.
        (1) Oral solicitations. The contracting office should establish and 
    maintain informal records of oral price quotations in order to reflect 
    clearly the propriety of placing the order at the price paid with the 
    supplier concerned. In most cases this will consist merely of showing 
    the names of the suppliers contacted and the prices and other terms and 
    conditions quoted by each.
        (2) Written (see 2.101) solicitations. Written records of 
    solicitations may be limited to notes or abstracts to show prices, 
    delivery, references to printed price lists used, the supplier or 
    [[Page 12374]] suppliers contacted, and other pertinent data.
        (e) Purchasing offices shall retain data supporting purchases using 
    simplified acquisition procedures to the minimum extent and duration 
    necessary for management review purposes. (See Subpart 4.8)
        36. 13.107 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.107  Solicitation forms.
    
        (a) Except when quotations are solicited via FACNET or orally, 
    Standard Form 18, Request for Quotations (illustrated in 53.301-18), is 
    available, but not required, for use by all agencies.
        (b) Optional Form 336, Continuation Sheet, may be used with 
    Standard Form 18 when additional space is needed.
        (c) If Standard Form 18 is not used for written solicitations, 
    contracting officers may request quotations using an agency-designed 
    form, an agency-approved automated format, or electronically.
        (d) Each agency-designed request for quotations form shall conform 
    with Standard Form 18, insofar as practical.
        (e) When using an unsigned electronic purchase orders (see 13.506) 
    for transmission of a request for quotations, the provisions and 
    clauses applicable to the solicitation shall be incorporated by 
    reference.
        37. 13.108 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.108  Legal effect of quotations.
    
        (a) A quotation is not an offer and, consequently, cannot be 
    accepted by the Government to form a binding contract (see 15.402(e)). 
    Therefore, issuance by the Government of an order for supplies or 
    services in response to a suppliers quotation does not establish a 
    contract. The order is an offer by the Government to the supplier to 
    buy certain supplies or services upon specified terms and conditions. A 
    contract is established when the supplier accepts the offer or begins 
    performance.
        (b) When appropriate, the contracting officer may request the 
    supplier to indicate acceptance of an order by notification to the 
    Government, preferably in writing. In other circumstances, the supplier 
    may indicate acceptance by furnishing the supplies or services ordered 
    or by proceeding with the work to the point where substantial 
    performance has occurred.
        (c) If the Government issues an order resulting from a quotation, 
    the Government may (by written notice to the supplier, at any time 
    before acceptance occurs) withdraw, amend, or cancel its offer. (See 
    13.504 for procedures on termination or cancellation of purchase 
    orders.)
        38. 13.109 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    13.109  Agency use of indefinite delivery contracts.
    
        Costs and processing time for acquisitions at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold may be reduced through the use of 
    indefinite delivery contracts (see Subpart 16.5) that permit delivery 
    orders to be placed by several contracting or ordering offices in one 
    or more executive agencies. Therefore contracting offices are 
    encouraged to seek opportunities to cooperate with each other to 
    achieve efficiency and economy through the use of indefinite delivery 
    contracts.
        39. 13.110 is added to read as follows:
    
    
    13.110  Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (FASTA) list of 
    inapplicable laws.
    
        (a) The following laws are inapplicable to all contracts and 
    subcontracts (if otherwise applicable to subcontractors) at or below 
    the simplified acquisition threshold:
        (1) 41 U.S.C. 57(a) & (b) (Anti-Kickback Act of 1986)(Only the 
    requirement for the incorporation of the contractor procedures for the 
    prevention and detection of violations, and the contractual requirement 
    for contractor cooperation in investigations are inapplicable.)
        (2) 40 U.S.C. 27 (Miller Act) (but see Part 28)
        (3) 40 U.S.C. 329 (Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act--
    Overtime Compensation)
        (4) 41 U.S.C. 701(a)(1) (Section 5152 of the Drug Free Workplace 
    Act of 1988)
        (5) 42 U.S.C. 6962 (Solid Waste Disposal Act) (Only the requirement 
    for providing the estimate of material utilized for the performance of 
    the contract which is recovered materials is inapplicable.)
        (6) 10 U.S.C. 2306(b) and 41 U.S.C. 254(a) (Contract Clause 
    Regarding Contingent Fees.)
        (7) 10 U.S.C. 2313 and 41 U.S.C. 254(c) (Authority to Examine Books 
    and Records of Contractors.)
        (8) 10 U.S.C. 2384(b) (Requirement to Identify Suppliers and 
    Sources of Supply.)
        (9) 10 U.S.C. 2393(d) (Prohibition Against Doing Business with 
    Certain Offerors or Contractors.)
        (10) 10 U.S.C. 2402 and 41 U.S.C. 253g (Prohibition on Limiting 
    Subcontractor Direct Sales to the United States.)
        (11) 10 U.S.C. 2408(a) (Prohibition on Persons Convicted of Defense 
    Related Felonies.)
        (12) 10 U.S.C. 2410b (Contractor Inventory Accounting System 
    Standards.)
        (13) 10 U.S.C. 2534 (Miscellaneous Procurement Limitations.)
        (b) The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council will include any law 
    enacted after October 13, 1994 that sets forth policies, procedures, 
    requirements, or restrictions for the procurement of property or 
    services on the list set forth in 13.110(a), unless the FAR Council 
    makes a written determination that it is in the best interests of the 
    government that the enactment should apply to contracts or subcontracts 
    not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold.
        (c) The provisions of 13.110(b) do not apply to laws that:
        (1) provide for criminal or civil penalties; or
        (2) specifically state that notwithstanding the language of Section 
    4101, Pub. L. 103-355, the enactment will be applicable to contracts or 
    subcontracts in amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition 
    threshold.
        (d) Any individual may petition the Administrator for Federal 
    Procurement Policy to include any applicable provision of law not 
    included on the list set forth in 13.110(a) unless the FAR Council has 
    already determined in writing that the law is applicable.
        (e) The Administrator of OFPP will include the law on the list in 
    13.110(a) unless the FAR Council makes a determination that it is 
    applicable within sixty days of receiving the petition.
        40. Subpart 13.2 is revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart 13.2--Blanket Purchase Agreements
    
    Sec.
    13.201  General.
    13.202  [Reserved]
    13.203  Establishment of Blanket Purchase Agreements.
    13.203-1  General.
    13.203-2  Clauses.
    13.204  Purchases under Blanket Purchase Agreements.
    13.205  Review procedures.
    13.206  Completion of Blanket Purchase Agreements.
    
    
    13.201  General.
    
        (a) A blanket purchase agreement (BPA) is a simplified method of 
    filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by 
    establishing ``charge accounts'' with qualified sources of supply (see 
    Subpart 16.7 for additional coverage of agreements).
        (b) BPAs should be established at the appropriate level responsible 
    for [[Page 12375]] providing supplies for its own operations or for 
    other offices, installations, projects, or functions. Such levels, for 
    example, may be organized supply points, separate independent or 
    detached field parties, or one-person posts or activities.
        (c) The use of BPAs does not exempt the agency from the 
    responsibility for keeping obligations and expenditures within 
    available funds, but this should be done by using simplified methods 
    and by avoiding formal fiscal recording of individual deliveries and 
    transactions.
    
    
    13.202  [Reserved]
    
    
    13.203  Establishment of Blanket Purchase Agreements.
    
    
    13.203-1  General.
    
        (a) The following are circumstances under which contracting 
    officers may establish BPAs:
        (1) If there is a wide variety of items in a broad class of goods 
    (e.g., hardware) that are generally purchased but the exact items, 
    quantities, and delivery requirements are not known in advance and may 
    vary considerably.
        (2) If there is a need to provide commercial sources of supply for 
    one or more offices or projects in a given area that do not have or 
    need authority to purchase otherwise.
        (3) In any other case in which the writing of numerous purchase 
    orders can be avoided through the use of this procedure.
        (b) A BPA should be established without a purchase requisition.
        (c) A BPA shall not cite accounting and appropriation data (but see 
    13.204(e)(4)).
        (d) BPAs should be made with firms from which numerous individual 
    purchases will likely be made in a given period. For example, if past 
    experience has shown that certain firms are dependable and consistently 
    lower in price than other firms dealing in the same commodities, and if 
    numerous purchases at or below the simplified acquisition threshold are 
    usually made from such suppliers, it would be advantageous to establish 
    BPAs with those firms.
        (e) To the extent practical, BPAs for items of the same type should 
    be placed concurrently with more than one supplier. All competitive 
    sources should be given an equal opportunity to furnish supplies or 
    services under BPAs.
        (f) BPAs may also be established with Federal Supply Schedule 
    contractors and GSA Nonmandatory ADP Schedule contractors (see Part 
    39), if not inconsistent with the terms of the applicable schedule 
    contract.
        (g) If it is determined that BPAs would be advantageous, suppliers 
    should be contacted to make the necessary arrangements for securing 
    maximum discounts, documenting the individual purchase transactions, 
    periodic billing, and other necessary details.
        (h) A BPA may be limited to furnishing individual items or 
    commodity groups or classes, or it may be unlimited for all items or 
    services that the source of supply is in a position to furnish.
        (i) BPAs shall be prepared and issued on any agency-authorized 
    purchase order form.
        (j) BPAs shall contain the following terms and conditions:
        (1) Description of agreement. A statement that the supplier shall 
    furnish supplies or services, described in general terms, if and when 
    requested by the contracting officer (or the authorized representative 
    of the contracting officer) during a specified period and within a 
    stipulated aggregate amount, if any.
        (2) Extent of obligation. A statement that the Government is 
    obligated only to the extent of authorized purchases actually made 
    under the BPA.
        (3) Purchase limitation. A statement that specifies the dollar 
    limitation for each individual purchase under the BPA (see 13.204(b)).
        (4) Notice of individuals authorized to purchase under the BPA and 
    dollar limitations by title of position or name. A statement that a 
    list of individuals authorized to purchase under the BPA, identified 
    either by title of position or by name of individual, organizational 
    component, and the dollar limitation per purchase for each position 
    title or individual shall be furnished to the supplier by the 
    contracting officer.
        (5) Delivery tickets. A requirement that all shipments under the 
    agreement, except subscriptions and other charges for newspapers, 
    magazines, or other periodicals, shall be accompanied by delivery 
    tickets or sales slips which shall contain the following minimum 
    information:
        (i) Name of supplier.
        (ii) BPA number.
        (iii) Date of purchase.
        (iv) Purchase number.
        (v) Itemized list of supplies or services furnished.
        (vi) Quantity, unit price, and extension of each item, less 
    applicable discounts (unit prices and extensions need not be shown when 
    incompatible with the use of automated systems; provided, that the 
    invoice is itemized to show this information).
        (vii) Date of delivery or shipment.
        (6) Invoices. One of the following statements (except that the 
    statement in paragraph (j)(6)(iii) of this section should not be used 
    if the accumulation of the individual invoices by the Government 
    materially increases the administrative costs of this purchase method):
        (i) A summary invoice shall be submitted at least monthly or upon 
    expiration of this BPA, whichever occurs first, for all deliveries made 
    during a billing period, identifying the delivery tickets covered 
    therein, stating their total dollar value, and supported by receipt 
    copies of the delivery tickets.
        (ii) An itemized invoice shall be submitted at least monthly or 
    upon expiration of this BPA, whichever occurs first, for all deliveries 
    made during a billing period and for which payment has not been 
    received. These invoices need not be supported by copies of delivery 
    tickets.
        (iii) When billing procedures provide for an individual invoice for 
    each delivery, these invoices shall be accumulated; provided, that--
        (A) A consolidated payment will be made for each specified period; 
    and
        (B) The period of any discounts will commence on the final date of 
    the billing period or on the date of receipt of invoices for all 
    deliveries accepted during the billing period, whichever is later.
        (iv) An invoice for subscriptions or other charges for newspapers, 
    magazines, or other periodicals shall show the starting and ending 
    dates and shall state either that ordered subscriptions have been 
    placed in effect or will be placed in effect upon receipt of payment.
        (k) BPAs in which the fast payment procedure is used shall include 
    the requirements stated under 13.303(b).
    
    
    13.203-2  Clauses.
    
        (a) The contracting officer shall insert in each BPA the clauses 
    prescribed elsewhere in the FAR that are required for or applicable to 
    the particular BPA.
        (b) Unless a clause prescription specifies otherwise, (e.g., see 
    22.305(a)(1), 22.605(a)(5), or 22.1006), if the prescription includes a 
    dollar threshold, the amount to be compared to that threshold is that 
    of any particular order under the BPA.
    
    
    13.204  Purchases under Blanket Purchase Agreements.
    
        (a) The use of a BPA does not authorize purchases that are not 
    otherwise authorized by law or regulation. For example, the blanket 
    purchase agreement, being a method of [[Page 12376]] simplifying the 
    making of individual purchases, shall not be used to avoid the 
    simplified acquisition threshold.
        (b) Unless otherwise specified in agency regulations, individual 
    purchases under BPAs, except those BPAs established in accordance with 
    13.203-1(f), shall not exceed (i) $50,000, or (ii) $100,000 when the 
    procuring activity has certified interim FACNET (see 13.103(b)).
        (c) The existence of a BPA does not justify purchasing from only 
    one source or avoiding small business set-asides. The requirements of 
    13.105 and 13.106 also apply to each order under a BPA.
        (d) If there is an insufficient number of BPAs to ensure maximum 
    practicable competition for a particular purchase, the contracting 
    officer shall--
        (1) Solicit quotations from other sources and make the purchase as 
    appropriate; and
        (2) Establish additional BPAs to facilitate future purchases if (i) 
    recurring requirements for the same or similar items or services seem 
    likely, (ii) qualified sources are willing to accept BPAs, and (iii) it 
    is otherwise practical to do so.
        (e) Documentation of purchases under BPAs shall be limited to 
    essential information and forms, as follows:
        (1) Purchases under BPAs generally should be made electronically, 
    or orally when it is not considered economical or practical to use 
    electronic methods.
        (2) A paper purchase document may be issued if written 
    communications are necessary to ensure that the vendor and the 
    purchaser agree concerning the transaction.
        (3) If a paper document is not issued, the essential elements 
    (e.g., date, vendor, items or services, price, delivery date) shall be 
    recorded on the purchase requisition, in an informal memorandum, or on 
    a form developed locally for the purpose.
        (4) Documentation of individual purchases under BPAs shall also 
    cite the pertinent purchase requisitions and the accounting and 
    appropriation data.
        (5) When delivery is made or the services are performed, the 
    vendor's sales document, delivery document, or invoice may (if it 
    reflects the essential elements) be used for the purpose of recording 
    receipt and acceptance of the items or services. However, if the 
    purchase is assigned to another activity for administration, receipt 
    and acceptance of supplies or services shall be documented by signature 
    and date on the agency specified form by the authorized Government 
    representative after verification and notation of any exceptions.
    
    
    13.205  Review procedures.
    
        (a) The contracting officer placing orders under a BPA, or the 
    designated representative of the contracting officer, shall review a 
    sufficient random sample of the BPA files at least annually to ensure 
    that authorized procedures are being followed.
        (b) The contracting officer that entered into the BPA shall--
        (1) Ensure that each BPA is reviewed at least annually and, if 
    necessary, updated at that time; and
        (2) Maintain awareness of changes in market conditions, sources of 
    supply, and other pertinent factors that may warrant making new 
    arrangements with different suppliers or modifying existing 
    arrangements.
        (c) If an office other than the purchasing office that established 
    a BPA is authorized to make purchases under that BPA, the agency that 
    has jurisdiction over the office authorized to make the purchases shall 
    ensure that the procedures in paragraph (a) of this section are being 
    followed.
    
    
    13.206  Completion of Blanket Purchase Agreements.
    
        An individual BPA is considered complete when the purchases under 
    it equal its total dollar limitation, if any, or when its stated time 
    period expires.
        41. Subpart 13.3 is revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart 13.3--Fast Payment Procedure
    
    Sec.
    13.301  General.
    13.302  Conditions for use.
    13.303  Preparation and execution of orders.
    13.304  Responsibility for collection of debts.
    13.305  Contract clause.
    
    
    13.301  General.
    
        The fast payment procedure allows payment under limited conditions 
    to a contractor prior to the Government's verification that supplies 
    have been received and accepted. The procedure provides for payment for 
    supplies based on the contractor's submission of an invoice that 
    constitutes a representation that--
        (a) The supplies have been delivered to a post office, common 
    carrier, or point of first receipt by the Government; and
        (b) The contractor agrees to replace, repair, or correct supplies 
    not received at destination, damaged in transit, or not conforming to 
    purchase agreements.
    
    
    13.302  Conditions for use.
    
        If the conditions in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section are 
    present, the fast payment procedure may be used, provided that use of 
    the procedure is consistent with the other conditions of the purchase. 
    The conditions for use of the fast payment procedure are as follows:
        (a) Individual orders do not exceed $25,000 except that executive 
    agencies may permit higher dollar limitations for specified activities 
    or items on a case-by-case basis.
        (b) Deliveries of supplies are to occur at locations where there is 
    both a geographical separation and a lack of adequate communications 
    facilities between Government receiving and disbursing activities that 
    will make it impractical to make timely payment based on evidence of 
    Government acceptance. Use of the fast payment procedure would not be 
    indicated, for example, for small purchases by an activity if material 
    being purchased is destined for use at that activity and contract 
    administration will be performed by the purchasing office at that 
    activity.
        (c) Title to the supplies will vest in the Government (1) upon 
    delivery to a post office or common carrier for mailing or shipment to 
    destination, or (2) upon receipt by the Government if the shipment is 
    by means other than Postal Service or common carrier.
        (d) The supplier agrees to replace, repair, or correct supplies not 
    received at destination, damaged in transit, or not conforming to 
    purchase requirements.
        (e) The purchasing instrument is a firm-fixed price contract, a 
    purchase order, or a delivery order for supplies.
        (f) A system is in place to ensure (1) documenting evidence of 
    contractor performance under fast payment acquisitions, (2) timely 
    feedback to the contracting officer in case of contractor deficiencies, 
    and (3) identification of suppliers who have a current history of 
    abusing the fast payment procedure. (Also see Subpart 9.1.)
    
    
    13.303  Preparation and execution of orders.
    
        (a) Except when orders are placed via FACNET, orders incorporating 
    the fast payment procedure should be issued on Optional Form 347, Order 
    for Supplies or Services, or other agency authorized purchase order 
    form (but see 13.204(e) for purchases under BPAs). Orders may be either 
    priced or unpriced.
        (b) Contracts, purchase orders, or BPAs using the fast payment 
    procedure shall include the following:
        (1) A requirement that the supplies be shipped transportation or 
    postage prepaid.
        (2) A requirement that invoices be submitted directly to the 
    finance or other office designated in the order, or [[Page 12377]] in 
    the case of unpriced purchase orders, to the contracting officer (see 
    13.502(c)).
        (3) The following statement on consignee's copy:
    
    Consignee's Notification to Purchasing Activity of Nonreceipt, 
    Damage, or Nonconformance
    
        The consignee shall notify the purchasing office promptly after 
    the specified date of delivery of supplies not received, damaged in 
    transit, or not conforming to specifications of the purchase order. 
    Unless extenuating circumstances exist, the notification should be 
    made not later than 60 days after the specified date of delivery.
    
        (4) A requirement that the contractor mark outer shipping 
    containers ``FAST PAY.''
    
    
    13.304  Responsibility for collection of debts.
    
        The contracting officer shall be primarily responsible for 
    collecting debts resulting from failure of contractors to properly 
    replace, repair, or correct supplies lost, damaged, or not conforming 
    to purchase requirements (see 32.605(b) and 32.606).
    
    
    13.305  Contract clause.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.213-1, Fast 
    Payment Procedure, in solicitations and contracts when the conditions 
    in 13.302 are applicable and it is intended that the fast payment 
    procedure be used in the contract (in the case of BPAs, the contracting 
    officer may elect to insert the clause either in the BPA or in orders 
    under the BPA).
        42. Subpart 13.4 is revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart 13.4--Imprest Fund
    
    Sec.
    13.401  General.
    13.402  Agency responsibilities.
    13.403  Conditions for use.
    13.404  Procedures.
    
    
    13.401  General.
    
        This subpart prescribes policies and procedures for using imprest 
    funds to purchase supplies or services. Related policies and 
    regulations concerning the establishment of and accounting for imprest 
    funds, including the responsibilities of designated cashiers and 
    alternates, are contained in Part IV of the Treasury Financial Manual 
    for Guidance of Departments and Agencies, Title 7 of the General 
    Accounting Office Policy and Procedures Manual for Guidance of Federal 
    Agencies, and the agency implementing regulations. Agencies shall also 
    be guided by the Manual of Procedures and Instructions for Cashiers, 
    issued by the Financial Management Service, Department of the Treasury.
    
    
    13.402  Agency responsibilities.
    
        Each agency using imprest funds shall--
        (a) Periodically review and determine whether there is continuing 
    need for each fund established, and that amounts of those funds are not 
    in excess of actual needs;
        (b) Take prompt action to have imprest funds adjusted to a level 
    commensurate with demonstrated needs whenever circumstances warrant 
    such action; and
        (c) Develop and issue appropriate implementing regulations. These 
    regulations shall include (but are not limited to) procedures 
    covering--
        (1) Designation of personnel authorized to make purchases using 
    imprest funds; and
        (2) Documentation of purchases using imprest funds, including 
    documentation of (i) receipt and acceptance of supplies and services by 
    the Government, (ii) receipt of cash payments by the suppliers, and 
    (iii) cash advances and reimbursements.
    
    
    13.403  Conditions for use.
    
        Imprest funds may be used for purchases when--
        (a) the transaction does not exceed $500 or such other limits as 
    have been approved by the agency head;
        (b) the use of imprest funds is considered to be advantageous to 
    the Government; and
        (c) the use of imprest funds for the transaction otherwise complies 
    with any additional conditions established by agencies and with the 
    policies and regulations referenced in 13.402.
    
    
    13.404  Procedures.
    
        (a) Each purchase using imprest funds shall be based upon an 
    authorized purchase requisition.
        (b) Normally, orders to suppliers should be placed orally and 
    without soliciting competition if prices are considered reasonable.
        (c) Purchases shall be distributed equitably among qualified 
    suppliers (see 13.105).
        (d) Prompt payment discounts shall be solicited.
        (e) Any agency-authorized purchase order form or Standard Form 
    1165, Receipt for Cash-Subvoucher, may be used if a written order is 
    considered necessary; e.g., if required by the supplier for discount, 
    tax exemption, or other reasons. If a purchase order is used for this 
    purpose, it shall be endorsed ``Payment to be made from Imprest Fund.''
        (f) The individual authorized to make purchases using imprest funds 
    shall--
        (1) Furnish to the imprest fund cashier a copy of the purchase 
    requisition annotated to reflect (i) that an imprest fund purchase has 
    been made, (ii) the unit prices and extensions, (iii) the supplier's 
    name and address, and (iv) the date of anticipated delivery; and
        (2) Require the supplier to include with delivery of the supplies 
    an invoice, packing slip, or other sales instrument giving (i) the 
    supplier's name and address, (ii) list and quantity of items, (iii) 
    unit prices and extensions, and (iv) cash discount, if any.
        43. Subpart 13.5 is revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart 13.5--Purchase Orders
    
    Sec.
    13.501  General.
    13.502  Unpriced purchase orders.
    13.503  Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase 
    orders.
    13.504  Termination or cancellation of purchase orders.
    13.505  Purchase order and related forms.
    13.505-1  Optional Form (OF) 347, Order for Supplies or Services, 
    and Optional Form 348, Order for Supplies or Services Schedule-
    Continuation.
    13.505-2  [Reserved]
    13.505-3  Standard Form 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher.
    13.506  Unsigned electronic purchase orders.
    13.507  Provisions and clauses.
    13.508  Use of options in acquisitions using simplified acquisition 
    procedures.
    
    
    13.501  General.
    
        (a) Except as provided under the unpriced purchase order method 
    (see 13.502), purchase orders shall be issued on a fixed-price basis 
    unless otherwise authorized by agency procedures.
        (b) Purchase orders shall include any trade and prompt payment 
    discounts that are offered, consistent with the applicable principles 
    in 14.407-3.
        (c) Purchase orders shall specify the quantity of supplies or 
    services ordered.
        (d) Inspections under simplified acquisition procedures shall be as 
    prescribed in Part 46. Orders generally shall provide that inspection 
    and acceptance will be at destination and source inspection should be 
    specified only if required by Part 46. If inspection and acceptance are 
    to be performed at destination, advance copies of the purchase order 
    shall be furnished to consignee(s) for material receipt purposes. 
    Receiving reports shall be accomplished immediately upon receipt and 
    acceptance of material.
        (e) F.o.b. destination shall be specified for supplies to be 
    delivered within the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii, unless 
    there are valid reasons to the contrary.
        (f) Each purchase order shall contain a determinable date by which 
    delivery [[Page 12378]] of supplies or performance of services is 
    required.
        (g) The contracting officer's signature on purchase orders shall be 
    in accordance with 4.101. Facsimile signature may be used in the 
    production of purchase orders by automated methods.
        (h) Distribution of copies of purchase orders and related forms 
    shall be limited to those copies required for essential administration 
    and transmission of contractual information.
    
    
    13.502  Unpriced purchase orders.
    
        (a) An unpriced purchase order is an order for supplies or 
    services, the price of which is not established at the time of issuance 
    of the order.
        (b) An unpriced purchase order may be used only when--
        (1) It is anticipated that the transaction will not exceed
        (i) $50,000, or (ii) $100,000 when the contracting activity of an 
    agency has certified interim or full FACNET (see 13.103(b)).
        (2) It is impractical to obtain pricing in advance of issuance of 
    the purchase order; and
        (3) The purchase is for--
        (i) Repairs to equipment requiring disassembly to determine the 
    nature and extent of repairs;
        (ii) Material available from only one source and for which cost 
    cannot be readily established; or
        (iii) Supplies or services for which prices are known to be 
    competitive but exact prices are not known (e.g., miscellaneous repair 
    parts, maintenance agreements).
        (c) Unpriced purchase orders may be issued by using written 
    purchase orders or electronically (see 13.506). A realistic monetary 
    limitation, either for each line item or for the total order, shall be 
    placed on each unpriced purchase order. The monetary limitation shall 
    be an obligation subject to adjustment when the firm price is 
    established. The contracting office shall follow-up each order to 
    ensure timely pricing. The contracting officer or the contracting 
    officer's designated representative shall review the invoice price and, 
    if reasonable (see 13.106-2(a)), process the invoice for payment.
    
    
    13.503  Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase orders.
    
        (a) When it is desired to consummate a binding contract between the 
    parties before the contractor undertakes performance, the contracting 
    officer shall require written acceptance of the purchase order by the 
    contractor.
        (b) A purchase order may be modified by use of
        (1) Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of 
    Contract;
        (2) An agency-designed form or an agency-approved automated format; 
    or
        (3) A purchase order form, if not prohibited by agency regulations.
        (c) Each purchase order modification shall identify the order it 
    modifies and shall contain an appropriate modification number.
        (d) Contracting officers need not obtain a contractor's written 
    acceptance of a purchase order modification, unless the written 
    acceptance is--
        (1) Determined by the contracting officer to be necessary to ensure 
    the contractor's compliance with the purchase order as revised; or
        (2) Required by agency regulations.
    
    
    13.504  Termination or cancellation of purchase orders.
    
        (a) If a purchase order that has been accepted in writing by the 
    contractor is to be terminated, the contracting officer shall process 
    the termination action as prescribed by Part 49.
        (b) If a purchase order that has not been accepted in writing by 
    the contractor is to be canceled, the contracting officer shall notify 
    the contractor in writing that the purchase order has been canceled, 
    request the contractor's written acceptance of the cancellation, and 
    proceed as follows:
        (1) If the contractor accepts the cancellation and does not claim 
    that costs were incurred as a result of beginning performance under the 
    purchase order, no further action is required; i.e., the purchase order 
    shall be considered canceled.
        (2) If the contractor does not accept the cancellation or claims 
    that costs were incurred as a result of beginning performance under the 
    purchase order, the contracting officer shall process the termination 
    action as prescribed by Part 49.
    
    
    13.505  Purchase order and related forms.
    
    
    13.505-1  Optional Form (OF) 347, Order for Supplies or Services, and 
    Optional Form 348, Order for Supplies or Services Schedule-
    Continuation.
    
        (a) Optional Form 347 (illustrated in 53.302-347) and Optional Form 
    348 (illustrated in 53.302-348) are multipurpose forms designed for the 
    following:
        (1) Negotiated purchases of supplies or services.
        (2) Delivery orders.
        (3) Inspection and receiving reports.
        (4) Invoices.
        (b) Agencies may use order forms other than Optional Form 347 and 
    348 and may print on those forms the clauses they consider to be 
    generally suitable for their purchases using simplified acquisition 
    procedures. The clauses may include agency clauses, if they do not 
    conflict with clauses prescribed by the FAR and are designated as 
    agency clauses.
    
    
    13.505-2  [Reserved]
    
    
    13.505-3  Standard Form 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher.
    
        (a) Standard Form 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher (illustrated 
    in 53.301-44) is a pocket-size purchase order form designed primarily 
    for on-the-spot, over-the-counter purchases of supplies and nonpersonal 
    services while away from the purchasing office or at isolated 
    activities. It is a multipurpose form that can be used as a purchase 
    order, receiving report, invoice, and public voucher.
        (b) Standard Form 44 may be used if all of the following conditions 
    are satisfied:
        (1) The amount of the purchase is at or below the micro-purchase 
    threshold, except for purchases made under unusual and compelling 
    urgency or in support of a military contingency operation. Agencies may 
    establish higher dollar limitations for specific activities or items.
        (2) The supplies or services are immediately available.
        (3) One delivery and one payment will be made.
        (4) Its use is determined to be more economical and efficient than 
    use of other simplified acquisition methods.
        (c) General procedural instructions governing the use of Standard 
    Form 44 are printed on the form and on the inside front cover of each 
    book of forms.
        (d) Since there is, for all practical purposes, simultaneous 
    placing of purchase orders on Standard Form 44 and delivery of the 
    items ordered, clauses are not required for purchases using this form.
        (e) Agencies shall provide adequate safeguards regarding the 
    control of forms and accounting for purchases.
    
    
    13.506  Unsigned electronic purchase orders.
    
        (a) An unsigned electronic purchase order (EPO) may be issued when 
    the following conditions are present--
        (1) Its use is more advantageous to the Government than any other 
    simplified acquisition method;
        (2) It is acceptable to the supplier;
        (3) It is approved by the contracting officer;
        (4) It does not require written acceptance by the supplier; and
        (5) The purchasing office retains all contract administration 
    functions.
        (b) When an unsigned EPO is used-- [[Page 12379]] 
        (1) Appropriate clauses shall be incorporated by reference;
        (2) Administrative information that is not needed by the supplier 
    shall be placed only on copies intended for internal distribution;
        (3) The same distribution shall be made of the unsigned EPO as is 
    made of signed purchase orders; and
        (4) No purchase order form is required.
        (c) An unsigned EPO may be unpriced if it meets the conditions in 
    13.502.
    
    
    13.507  Provisions and clauses.
    
        (a) Each purchase order (and each purchase order modification (see 
    13.503)) shall incorporate all clauses required for or applicable to 
    the particular acquisition.
        (b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.213-2, 
    Invoices, in purchase orders that authorize advance payments (see 31 
    U.S.C. 3324(d)(2)) for subscriptions or other charges for newspapers, 
    magazines, periodicals, or other publications (i.e., any publication 
    printed, microfilmed, photocopied, or magnetically or otherwise 
    recorded for auditory or visual usage).
        (c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.213-3, 
    Notice to Supplier, in unpriced purchase orders.
        (d) Pursuant to Pub.L. 103-355, the following provisions and 
    clauses are inapplicable to contracts and subcontracts at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold:
        (1) 28.102-4, Miller Act solicitation requirements. However, Part 
    28 sets forth alternatives to payment bonds as payment protections for 
    suppliers of labor and materials for contracts exceeding $25,000, but 
    not exceeding $100,000.
    
    (2) 52.203-1, Officials Not to Benefit
    (3) 52.203-4, Contingent Fee Representation and Agreement
    (4) 52.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees
    (5) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government
    (6) 52.203-7, Anti-Kickback Procedures
    (7) 52.215-1, Examination of Records by Comptroller General
    (8) 52.222-4, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act--Overtime 
    Compensation
    (9) 52.223-5, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
    (10) 52.223-6, Drug-Free Workplace
    
    
    13.508  Use of options in acquisitions using simplified acquisition 
    procedures.
    
        Options may be included in acquisitions using simplified 
    acquisition procedures provided that the requirements of subpart 17.2 
    are met and that the aggregate value of the acquisition and all options 
    does not exceed the dollar threshold for use of simplified acquisition 
    procedures under this part.
    
    PART 15--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION
    
        44. Section 15.106-1 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    15.106-1  Examination of Records clause.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) The contract amount is at or below the simplified acquisition 
    threshold;
    * * * * *
        45. Section 15.106-2 is amended by revising the first sentence in 
    paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    15.106-2  Audit-Negotiation clause.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.215-2, 
    Audit-Negotiation, in solicitations and contracts when contracting by 
    negotiation, unless the acquisition is made under simplified 
    acquisition procedures. * * *
        46. Section 15.401 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    15.401  Applicability.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) Acquisitions made under simplified acquisition procedures (see 
    Part 13.); and
    * * * * *
        47. Section 15.602 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    15.602  Applicability.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) This subpart does not apply to acquisitions made under 
    simplified acquisition procedures (see Part 13.).
        48. Section 15.804-2 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(4) and 
    (5) to read as follows:
    
    
    15.804-2  Requiring certified cost or pricing data.
    
        (a) * * *
    * * * * *
        (4) The contracting officer shall not require certified cost or 
    pricing data when awarding a contract below the simplified acquisition 
    threshold in Part 13.
        (5) When certified cost or pricing data are not required, the 
    contracting officer may request partial or limited data to determine a 
    reasonable price.
    * * * * *
        49. Section 15.812-2 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    15.812-2  Contract clause.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) Acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold;
    * * * * *
        50. Section 15.1001 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
    paragraph (b)(1) and paragraphs (c)(1) introductory text and (3) 
    amended to read as follows:
    
    
    15.1002  Notification to unsuccessful offerors.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Preaward notices. (1) When the proposal evaluation period for a 
    solicitation not using simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13 is 
    expected to exceed 30 days, or when a limited number of offerors have 
    been selected as being within the competitive range (see 15.609), the 
    contracting officer, upon determining that a proposal is unacceptable, 
    shall promptly notify the offeror. * * *
    * * * * *
        (c) Postaward notices. (1) After award of contracts resulting from 
    solicitations not using simplified acquisition procedures, 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--
    * * * * *
        (3) Upon request, the contracting officer shall furnish the 
    information described in 15.1002(c)(1) (i) through (v) to unsuccessful 
    offerors in solicitations using simplified acquisition procedures in 
    Part 13.
    
    PART 16--TYPES OF CONTRACTS
    
        51. Section 16.000 is amended by revising the first sentence to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    16.000  Scope of part.
    
        This part describes types of contracts that may be used in 
    acquisitions other than those made under simplified acquisition 
    procedures in Part 13, unless otherwise authorized by agency 
    procedures. * * *
        52. Section 16.103 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    16.103  Negotiating contract type.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (1) acquisitions made under simplified acquisition procedures in 
    Part 13, unless otherwise required under agency procedures,
    * * * * *
        53. Section 16.105 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    16.105  Solicitation provision.
    
        The contracting officer shall complete and insert the provision at 
    52.216-1, [[Page 12380]] Type of Contract, in a solicitation unless it 
    is for:
        (a) A fixed-price acquisition made under simplified acquisition 
    procedures (see Part 13) or
        (b) Information or planning purposes.
    
    PART 22--APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS
    
        54. Section 22.202 is amended in the introductory text by adding 
    the phrase ``except for purchases made at or below the micro-purchase 
    threshold,'' after ``contracts''.
    
    
    22.202  Contract clause.
    
        55. Section 22.305 is amended by revising the first sentence of the 
    introductory text and paragraph (a), removing paragraph (b) and 
    redesignating paragraphs (c) through (h) as (b) through (g) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    22.305  Contract clause.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.222-4, 
    Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act--Overtime Compensation, in 
    solicitations and contracts (including, for this purpose, basic 
    ordering agreements) when the contract may require or involve the 
    employment of laborers or mechanics. * * *
        (a) Contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.
    * * * * *
    
    
    22.1006  Contract clauses.
    
        56. Section 22.1006 is amended by revising the heading to read as 
    set forth above and by removing from the first two sentences of 
    paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) the phrase ``small purchase 
    limitation(s)'' and inserting ``simplified acquisition threshold(s)'' 
    in their places.
    
    PART 23--ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, AND DRUG-
    FREE WORKPLACE
    
        57. Section 23.101 is amended by revising the first sentence to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    23.101  Applicability.
    
        This subpart does not apply to contracts below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold or to the use of facilities outside the United 
    States. * * *
        58. Section 23.501 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    23.501  Applicability.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) Contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold; 
    however, the requirements of this subpart shall apply to contracts of 
    any value if the contract is awarded to an individual;
    * * * * *
        59. Section 23.504 is amended by revising the introductory text of 
    paragraph (a) to read as follows:
    
    
    23.504  Policy.
    
        (a) No offeror other than an individual shall be considered a 
    responsible source (see 9.104-1) for a contract that exceeds the 
    simplified acquisition threshold, unless it has certified, pursuant to 
    52.223-5, Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace by--
    * * * * *
        60. Section 23.505 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) an 
    adding paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows:
    
    
    23.505  Solicitation provision and contract clause.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) * * *
        (2) Expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold if the 
    contract is expected to be awarded to other than an individual; or
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (4) The resultant contract is expected to be at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold.
    
    PART 25--FOREIGN ACQUISITION
    
        61. Section 25.302 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    25.302  Policy.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) The estimated cost of the product or service is at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13.
    * * * * *
        62. Section 25.703 is amended by revising the third sentence to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    25.703  Exceptions.
    
        * * * The approval level for this exception is the contracting 
    officer for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition 
    threshold unless otherwise provided by agency procedures. In the case 
    of contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, the 
    approval level is the agency head. * * *
    
    PART 27--PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS
    
        63. Section 27.201-2 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    27.201-2  Clauses on authorization and consent.
    
        (a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52-227- 1, 
    Authorization and Consent, in solicitations and contracts (including 
    those for construction; architect-engineer services; dismantling, 
    demolition, or removal of improvements; and noncommon carrier 
    communication services), except when using simplified acquisition 
    procedures or both complete performance and delivery are outside the 
    United States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico. Although the clause is 
    not required when simplified acquisition procedures are used, it may be 
    used with them.
    * * * * *
        64. Section 27.202-2 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    27.202-2  Clause on notice and assistance.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.227-2, Notice 
    and Assistance Regarding Patent and Copyright Infringement, in supply, 
    service, or research and development solicitations and contracts 
    (including construction and architech-engineer contracts) which 
    anticipate a contract value above the simplified acquisition threshold, 
    except when complete performance and delivery are outside the United 
    States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico, unless the contracts indicate 
    that the supplies or other deliverables are ultimately to be shipped 
    into one of those areas.
        65. Section 27.203-1 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    27.203-1  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (4) When the contract is awarded using simplified acquisition 
    procedures.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 28--BONDS AND INSURANCE
    
        66. Section 28.103-2 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
    paragraph (a) to read as follows:
    
    
    28.103-2  Performance bonds.
    
        (a) Performance bonds may be required for contracts exceeding the 
    simplified acquisition threshold when necessary to protect the 
    Government's interest.* * *
    
    
    28.103-3  Payment bonds.
    
        67. Section 28.103-3(a) is amended by removing the word ``A'' at 
    the beginning of the paragraph and inserting the phrase ``For 
    acquisitions in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold a'' in 
    its place. [[Page 12381]] 
        68. Section 28.310 is amended by revising paragraph (a) 
    introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    28.310  Contract clause for work on a Government installation.
    
        (a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.228-5, 
    Insurance--Work on a Government Installation, in solicitations and 
    contracts when a fixed-price contract is contemplated, the contract 
    amount is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold in 
    Part 13, and the contract will require work on a Government 
    installation, unless--
    * * * * *
    
    PART 29--TAXES
    
        69. Section 29.401-3 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    29.401-3  Competitive contracts.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52-229-3, 
    Federal, State, and Local Taxes, in solicitations and contracts if the 
    contract is to be performed wholly or partly within the United States, 
    its possessions, or Puerto Rico when a fixed-price contract is 
    contemplated, and the contract is expected to exceed the simplified 
    acquisition threshold in 13.000, unless the clause at 52.229-4, 
    Federal, State, and Local Taxes (Noncompetitive Contract), is included 
    in the contract.
    
    
    29.401-4  [Amended]
    
        70. Section 29.401-4 is amended by removing the words ``small 
    purchase limitation'' after the words ``exceeds the'' and inserting the 
    words ``simplified acquisition threshold.''
    * * * * *
    
    PART 32--CONTRACT FINANCING
    
        71. Section 32.617 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    32.617  Contract clause.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) Contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.
    * * * * *
        72. Section 32.901 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    32.901  Applicability.
    
        This subpart applies to all Government contracts (including 
    contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold as defined 
    in Subpart 13.1), except contracts with payment penalties established 
    by other governmental authority (e.g., tariffs).
        73. Section 32.908 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    32.908  Contract clause.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.232-25, 
    Prompt Payment, in all other solicitations and contracts (including 
    contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13), 
    except as indicated in 32.901.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 36--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS
    
    
    36.502, 36.503, 36.506, 36.508, 36.509, 36.510, 36.512, 36.513, 36.515, 
    36.521, 36.602-5, and 36.702  [Amended]
    
        74a. Part 36 amended by removing the phrase ``exceed the small 
    purchase limitation'' and inserting ``exceed the simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' in its place in the following locations:
    
    36.502  36.509    36.515
    36.503  36.510    36.521
    36.506  36.512    36.602-5
    36.508  36.513(a) 36.702(b)(2)
    
    
    36.511, 36.701, 36.702  [Amended]
    
        74b. Part 36 amended by removing the phrase ``exceed the small 
    purchase limitations'' and inserting ``exceed the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' in the following locations: 36.511, 36.701(b), 
    and 36.702(b)(2).
    
    
    36.502, 36.503, 36.506, 36.508, 36.509, 36.510, 36.512, 36.513, 36.521, 
    36.701, and 36.702  [Amended]
    
        74c. Part 36 is amended by removing the phrase ``within the small 
    purchase limitation'' and inserting ``at or below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' in its place at the following locations: 
    36.502, 36.503, 36.506, 36.508, 36.509, 36.510, 36.512, 36.513(a), 
    36.515, 36.521, 36.602-5, 36.701(c).
    
    
    36.511, 36.701, and 36.702  [Amended]
    
        74d. Part 36 is amended by removing the phrase ``within the small 
    purchase limitations'' and inserting ``at or below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' in its place at the following locations: 
    36.511, 36.701(b), 36.702-(b)(2).
    
    PART 41--ACQUISITION OF UTILITY SERVICES
    
        75. In 41.201(b) the first sentence is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    41.201  Policy.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Except for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition 
    threshold in Part 13, agencies shall acquire utility services by a 
    bilateral written contract, which must include the clauses required by 
    41.501, regardless of whether rates or terms and conditions of service 
    are fixed or adjusted by a regulatory body.* * *
    * * * * *
    
    PART 42--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
    
    
    42.903  [Amended]
    
        76. In 42.903 the phrase ``small purchase limitation'' is removed 
    and ``simplified acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    
    42.1104  [Amended]
    
        77. In 42.1104(b), the phrase ``Contracts of value less than the 
    small purchase'' is removed and ``Contracts at or below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    PART 43--CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS
    
    
    43.205  [Amended]
    
        78. In section 43.205(d)(2) and (e), the phrase ``applicable small 
    purchase limitation'' is removed and ``simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    PART 44--SUBCONTRACTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
    
    
    44.201-2 and 44.204  [Amended]
    
        79. In sections 44.201-2(b) and 44.204(e), the phrase ``small 
    purchase limitation is removed and ``simplified acquisition threshold'' 
    is inserted in its place.
    
    PART 45--GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
    
        80. Section 45.106 is amended by revising paragraph (e) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    45.106  Government property clauses.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) When the cost of the item to be repaired does not exceed the 
    simplified acquisition threshold (but see 13.103(b)), purchase orders 
    for property repair need not include a Government property clause.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 46--QUALITY ASSURANCE
    
    
    46.202-1  [Amended]
    
        81. In section 46.202-1(a), the phrase ``under small purchases'' is 
    removed and ``at or below the simplified acquisition threshold'' is 
    inserted in its place.
    
    
    46.301  [Amended]
    
        82. In section 46.301 in the introductory text the phrase ``within 
    the small purchase limitation'' is removed and ``at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its place. 
    [[Page 12382]] 
    
    
    46.302  [Amended]
    
        83. In the first sentence of section 46.302 the phrase ``small 
    purchase limitation'' is removed and ``simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' is inserted in its place; and in the second sentence the 
    phrase ``within the small purchase limitation'' is removed and ``at or 
    below the simplified acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    
    46.304  [Amended]
    
        84. In section 46.304 the phrase ``small purchase limitation'' is 
    removed and ``simplified acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its 
    place and the phrase ``within the small purchase limitation'' is 
    removed and ``at or below the simplified acquisition threshold'' is 
    inserted in its place.
    
    
    46.307  [Amended]
    
        85. In Section 46.307(a)(3), the phrase ``small purchase 
    limitation'' is removed and ``simplified acquisition threshold'' is 
    inserted in its place; and in paragraph (b) the phrase ``within the 
    small purchase limitation'' is removed and ``at or below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    
    46.312  [Amended]
    
        86. In the first sentence of section 46.312 the phrase ``small 
    purchase limitation'' is removed and ``simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' is inserted in its place; and in the second sentence the 
    phrase ``within small purchase limitation'' is removed and ``at or 
    below the simplified acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    
    46.316  [Amended]
    
        87. In Section 46.316, the phrase ``small purchase limitation'' is 
    removed and ``simplified acquisition threshold'' is inserted in its 
    place; and in the second sentence the phrase ``within small purchase 
    limitation'' is removed and ``at or below the simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' is inserted in its place.
    
    
    46.404  Government contract quality assurance for acquisitions at or 
    below the simplified acquisition threshold.
    
        88. Section 46.404 is amended by revising the heading; removing the 
    words ``small purchases'' in paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) and inserting 
    ``contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold'' in their 
    place.
        89. Section 46.805 is amended by revising the heading of the 
    introductory text of paragraph (a) and revising paragraph (b) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    46.805  Contract clauses.
    
        (a) Contracts that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold in 
    13.000.* * *
    * * * * *
        (b) Acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold 
    in 13.000. The clauses prescribed by paragraph (a) of this section are 
    not required for contracts at or below the simplified acquisition 
    threshold in 13.000. However in response to a contractor's specific 
    request, the contracting officer may insert the clauses prescribed in 
    paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(4) of this section in a contract at or below 
    the simplified acquisition threshold in 13.000 and obtain any price 
    reduction that is appropriate.
    
    PART 47--TRANSPORTATION
    
        90. Section 47.104-4(a)(2), is amended by removing the phrase 
    ``small purchases under'' and inserting ``contracts at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold in'' in its place; and revising 
    paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    47.104-4  Contract clause.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) The contracting officer may insert the clause at 52.247-1, 
    Commercial Bill of Lading Notations, in solicitations and contracts 
    made at or below the simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13 when 
    it is contemplated that the delivery terms will be f.o.b. origin.
    
    
    47.200  [Amended]
    
        91. In 47.200(b)(4), remove the phrase ``Small purchases under'' 
    and insert ``Contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold 
    in'' in its place.
    
    
    47.205  [Amended]
    
        92. In section 47.205, paragraph (b), remove the phrase ``small 
    purchase limitation'' and insert ``the threshold for use of simplified 
    acquisition procedures in Part 13 `` in its place; and remove the 
    phrase ``the small purchase procedures'' and insert ``simplified 
    acquisition procedures'' in its place.
    
    
    47.305-16  [Amended]
    
        93. In the first sentence of 47.305-16(b)(1) remove the phrase 
    ``awarded under small purchase procedures of'' and insert ``at or below 
    the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place.
        94. Section 47.405 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    47.405  Contract clause.
    
        The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.247-63, 
    Preference for U.S.-Flag Air Carriers, in solicitations and contracts 
    whenever it is possible that U.S. Government-financed international air 
    transportation of personnel (and their personal effects) or property 
    will occur in the performance of the contract. This clause does not 
    apply to contracts awarded using the simplified acquisition procedures 
    in Part 13.
        95. Section 47.504 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    47.504  Exceptions.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) Contracts awarded using the simplified acquisition procedures 
    in Part 13.
    
    PART 49--TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS
    
    
    49.504  [Amended]
    
        96. In section 49.504 at paragraphs (a)(1), (b) and (c)(1) in the 
    first sentence remove the phrase ``small purchase limitation'' and 
    insert ``simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place; and in the 
    second sentence remove the phrase ``not expected to exceed the small 
    purchase limitation'' and insert ``at or below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold;''
    
    PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
    
    
    52.203-6  [Amended]
    
        97. In the clause at 52.203-6 the date of the clause is revised to 
    read (XXX 1995) and at the end of paragraph (c) add the phrase ``, 
    which exceed $100,000.''
    
    
    52.203-7  [Amended]
    
        98. In the clause at 52.203-7 the date of the clause is revised to 
    read (XXX 1995) and at the end of paragraph (c)(5) add the phrase ``, 
    which exceed $100,000.''
    
    
    52.209-6  [Amended]
    
        99. In the clause at 52.209-6 the date of the clause is revised to 
    read (XXX 1995) and in the second sentence of paragraph (a) and in 
    paragraph (b) remove the phrase ``small purchase limitation'' and 
    insert ``simplified acquisition threshold.''
        100. Sections 52.213-2 and 52.213-3 are amended by revising the 
    introductory paragraphs to read as follows:
    
    
    52.213-2  Invoices.
    
        As prescribed in 13.507(b), insert the following clause:
    * * * * * [[Page 12383]] 
    
    
    52.213-3  Notice to Supplier.
    
        As prescribed in 13.507(c), insert the following clause in unpriced 
    purchase orders:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.215-1  [Amended]
    
        101. In the clause at 52.215-1 the date of the clause is revised to 
    read (XXX 1995) and in the first sentence of paragraph (c) after the 
    first appearance of ``subcontracts'' add the phrase ``, exceeding 
    $100,000,''.
    
    
    52.215-2  [Amended]
    
        102. In the clause in section 52.215-2, the date is revised to read 
    (XXX 1995) and in paragraph (f) remove the phrase ``are over the small 
    purchase limitation'' and insert ``exceed the simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' in its place.
        103. Section 52.216-1 is amended by revising the introductory 
    paragraph to read as follows:
    
    
    52.216-1  Type of contract.
    
        As prescribed in 16.105, complete and insert the following 
    provision:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.222-4  [Amended]
    
        104. In the clause at 52.222-4 the date is revised to read (XXX 
    1995) and in the first sentence of paragraph (e) following 
    ``subcontracts'' the first time it appears add the phrase ``, exceeding 
    $100,000,''
        105. Section 52.223-5 is amended in the clause by revising the date 
    and revising paragraph (b) introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    52.223-5  Certification regarding a drug-free workplace.
    
    * * * * *
    
    Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace (XXX 1995)
    
    * * * * *
        (b) By submission of its offer, the offeror (other than an 
    individual responding to a solicitation that is expected to exceed the 
    simplified acquisition threshold), certifies and agrees, that with 
    respect to all employees of the offeror to be employed under a contract 
    resulting from this solicitation, it will--no later than 30 calendar 
    days after contract award (unless a longer period is agreed to in 
    writing), for contracts of 30 calendar days or more performance 
    duration; or as soon as possible for contracts of less than 30 calendar 
    days performance duration, but in any case, by a date prior to when 
    performance is expected to be completed--
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.227-1  [Amended]
    
        106. In the clause at section 52.227-1, revise the clause date to 
    read ``(XXX 1995)'' and paragraph (b) remove ``$25,000'' after the word 
    exceed'' and insert ``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its 
    place; and remove the phrase ``under or over $25,000'' and insert 
    ``including those at or below the simplified acquisition threshold'' in 
    its place.
    
    
    52.227-3  [Amended]
    
        107. In section 52.227-3, Alternate III, revise the clause date to 
    read ``(XXX 1995)'' and remove ``$25,000'' and insert ``the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' in its place
        108. The introductory paragraphs in sections 52.236-2, 52.236-3, 
    52.236-6, 52.236-8, 52.236-9, 52.236-10, 52.236-11, 52.236-12, 52.236-
    15, 52.236-21, and 52.243-5 are revised to read as follows:
    
    
    52.236-2  Differing site conditions.
    
        As prescribed in 36.502, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-3  Site investigation and conditions Affecting the Work.
    
        As prescribed in 36.503, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-6  Superintendence by the contractor.
    
        As prescribed in 36.506, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-8  Other contracts.
    
        As prescribed in 36.508, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-9  Protection of existing vegetation, structures, equipment, 
    utilities, and improvements.
    
        As prescribed in 36.509, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-10  Operations and storage areas.
    
        As prescribed in 36.510, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-11  Use and possession prior to completion.
    
        As prescribed in 36.511, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-12  Cleaning up.
    
        As prescribed in 36.512, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-15  Schedules for construction contracts.
    
        As prescribed in 36.515, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.236-21  Specifications and drawings for construction.
    
        As prescribed in 36.521, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.243-5  Changes and changed conditions.
    
        As prescribed in 43.205(e), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.244-2  [Amended]
    
        109. In section 52.244-2, Alternate I, revise the parenthetical 
    date to read ``(XXX 1995)'' and in paragraph (a)(2) remove the phrase 
    ``small purchase limitation'' and insert ``simplified acquisition 
    threshold'' in its place.
        110. Section 52.244-5 is amended by revising the introductory text 
    and removing paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    52.244-5  Competition in subcontracting.
    
        As prescribed in 44.204(e), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
        111. The introductory paragraphs of sections 52.246-1, 52.246-7, 
    52.246-12, 52.246-16, 52.246-23, 52.246-24, and 52.246-25 are revised 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    52.246-1  Contractor inspection requirements.
    
        As prescribed in 46.301, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.246-7  Inspection of research and development-fixed price.
    
        As prescribed in 46.307(a), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.246-12  Inspection of construction.
    
        As prescribed in 46.312, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.246-16  Responsibilities for suppliers.
    
        As prescribed in 46.316, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.246-23  Limitation of liability.
    
        As prescribed in 46.805, insert the following clause:
    * * * * * [[Page 12384]] 
    
    
    52.246-24  Limitation of liability-high-value items.
    
        As prescribed in 46.805, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.246-25  Limitation of liability-services.
    
        As prescribed in 46.805, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
        112. Section 52.247-1 is amended by adding the introductory 
    paragraph and removing paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    52.247-1  Commercial bill of lading notations.
    
        As prescribed in 47.104-4, insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.247-64  [Amended]
    
        113. In the clause at section 52.247-64, the date is revised to 
    read ``(XXX 1995)''; in paragraph (d) remove the words ``small 
    purchases'' and insert ``contracts at or below the simplified 
    acquisition threshold'' in their place; and in paragraph (e)(1), remove 
    the words ``Small purchases'' and insert ``Contracts at or below the 
    simplified acquisition threshold'' in their place.
        114. In sections 52.249-8, 52.249-9, and 52.249-10 the introductory 
    paragraphs are revised to read as follows:
    
    
    52.249-8  Default (Fixed-price supply and service).
    
        As prescribed in 49.504(a)(1), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.249-9  Default (Fixed-price research and development).
    
        As prescribed in 49.504(b), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    
    52.249-10  Default (Fixed-price construction).
    
        As prescribed in 49.504(c)(1), insert the following clause:
    * * * * *
    
    PART 53--FORMS
    
        115. Section 53.213 is amended by revising the heading, the 
    introductory paragraph, and paragraphs (a), (c), and (e)(1) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    53.213  Simplified acquisition procedures (SF's 18, 30, 44, 1165, OF's 
    347, 348).
    
        The following forms are prescribed as stated below for use in 
    simplified acquisition procedures, orders under existing contracts or 
    agreements, and orders from required sources of supplies and services;
        (a) SF 18 (Rev. 5/93), Request for Quotations. SF 18 prescribed in 
    53.215-1(a), shall be used in obtaining price, cost, delivery, and 
    related information from suppliers as specified in 13.107(a).
    * * * * *
        (c) SF 44 (Rev. 10/83), Purchase Order Invoice Voucher. SF 44 is 
    prescribed for use in simplified acquisition procedures, as specified 
    in 13.505-3.
    * * * * *
        (e) * * *
        (1) To accomplish acquisitions under simplified acquisition 
    procedures, as specified in 13.505-1(a)(2).
    * * * * *
        116. Section 53.215-1 is amended by revising the introductory 
    paragraph to read as follows:
    
    
    53.215-1  Solicitation and receipt of proposals and quotations.
    
        The following forms are prescribed, as stated below, for use in 
    contracting by negotiation (except for construction, architect-engineer 
    services, or acquisitions made using simplified acquisition 
    procedures):
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 95-5451 Filed 3-3-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 6820-34-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
03/06/1995
Department:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
95-5451
Dates:
Comments: Comments should be submitted on or before May 5, 1995 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule.
Pages:
12366-12384 (19 pages)
Docket Numbers:
FAR Case 94-770
RINs:
9000-AG18
PDF File:
95-5451.pdf
CFR: (51)
48 CFR 13.503))
48 CFR 22.305(a)(1)
48 CFR 4.805(b)
48 CFR 13.502(c))
48 CFR 13.204(e)(4))
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