2013-08510. Proposed Information Collection (Brand Name or Equal) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Office of Acquisition and Logistics, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Office of Acquisition and Logistics (OA&L), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to allow firms to offer items that are equal to the brand name item stated in the bid.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 10, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov; or to Sylvester Rainey, Office of Acquisition and Logistics (003A2A), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420; or email: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0585” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sylvester Rainey at [phone] or Fax at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, OA&L invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of OA&L's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of OA&L's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.211-77, Brand Name or Equal (was 852.210-77).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0585.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VAAR clause 852.211-77 advises bidders or offerors who are proposing to offer an item that is alleged to be equal to the brand name item stated in the bid, that it is the bidder's or offeror's responsibility to show that the item offered is in fact, equal to the brand name item. This evidence may be in the form of descriptive literature or material, such as cuts, illustrations, drawings, or other information. While submission of the information is voluntary, failure to provide the information may result in rejection of the firm's bid or offer if the Government cannot otherwise determine that the item offered is equal. The contracting officer will use the information to evaluate whether or not the item offered meets the specification requirements.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,666 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.

Dated: April 8, 2013.

By direction of the Secretary.

William F. Russo,

Deputy Director, Office of Regulations Policy and Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.