2023-13030. Information Collection; Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds

AGENCY:

Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, DoD, GSA, and NASA invite the public to comment on an extension concerning prospective subcontractor requests for bonds. DoD, GSA, and NASA invite comments on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of Federal Government acquisitions, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. OMB has approved this information collection for use through January 31, 2024. DoD, GSA, and NASA propose that OMB extend its approval for use for three additional years beyond the current expiration date.

DATES:

DoD, GSA, and NASA will consider all comments received by August 21, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

DoD, GSA, and NASA invite interested persons to submit comments on this collection through https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions on the site. This website provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field or attach a file for lengthier comments. If there are difficulties submitting comments, contact the GSA Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202–501–4755 or [e-mail].

Instructions: All items submitted must cite OMB Control No. 9000–0135, Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds. Comments received generally will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal and/or business confidential information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov, approximately two-to-three days after submission to verify posting.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, at telephone [phone], or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. OMB Control Number, Title, and Any Associated Form(s)

9000–0135, Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds.

B. Need and Uses

Part 28 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contains guidance related to obtaining financial protection against losses under Federal contracts ( e.g., bonds, bid guarantees, etc.). Part 52 contains the corresponding provisions and clauses. These collectively implement the statutory requirement for Federal contractors to furnish payment bonds under construction contracts subject to 40 U.S.C. chapter 31, subchapter III, Bonds.

This information collection is mandated by section 806(a)(3) of Public Law 102–190, as amended by sections 2091 and 8105 of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (10 U.S.C. 4601 note prec.) (Pub. L. 103–335). Accordingly, the FAR clause at 52.228–12, Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds, requires prime contractors to promptly provide a copy of a payment bond, upon the request of a prospective subcontractor or supplier offering to furnish labor or material under a construction contract for which a payment bond has been furnished pursuant to 40 U.S.C. chapter 31.

C. Common Form

The General Services Administration is the sponsor agency of this common form. All executive agencies covered by the FAR will use this common form. Each executive agency will report their agency burden separately, and the reported information will be available at Reginfo.gov.

D. Annual Burden

General Services Administration

Respondents: 317.

Total Annual Responses: 793.

Total Burden Hours: 270.

Obtaining Copies: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the GSA Regulatory Secretariat Division by calling 202–501–4755 or emailing [e-mail]. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000–0135, Prospective Subcontractor Requests for Bonds.

Janet Fry,

Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division, Office of Governmentwide Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition Policy, Office of Governmentwide Policy.