96-20780. Revision to NASA FAR Supplement Coverage on Acquisition of Japanese Products and Services

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 159 (Thursday, August 15, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42394-42395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20780]


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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Part 1825


Revision to NASA FAR Supplement Coverage on Acquisition of 
Japanese Products and Services

AGENCY: Office of Procurement, Contract Management Division, National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule revises the NASA FAR Supplement regarding 
acquisitions by NASA when Japanese products or

[[Page 42395]]

services are offered. In negotiations with Japan, the U.S. Trade 
Representative has removed NASA from the list of agencies required to 
acquire Japanese products and services on a non-discriminatory basis. 
Previously, NASA had excluded Japan as a designated country for 
purposes of the Trade Agreements Act, but this action was more 
restrictive than was required by the U.S. Trade Representative.
    Therefore, NASA is revising its policy to apply the Buy American 
Act and the Balance of Payments Program to the purchase of Japanese 
products and services in all acquisitions, regardless of dollar value.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective August 15, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Office of Procurement, Contract Management Division (Code 
HK), NASA Headquarters, 300 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20546.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Christopher T. Jedrey, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    NASA certifies that this final rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This final rule does 
not impose any reporting or record keeping requirements subject to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 1825

    Government procurement.
Tom Luedtke,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Procurement.

    Accordingly, 48 CFR Part 1825 is amended as follows:
    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 1825 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(1).

PART 1825--FOREIGN ACQUISITION

    2. Section 1825.400 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 1825.400  Scope of subpart.

    For acquisition of Japanese end products or services, NASA is not a 
covered agency. Thus, the Buy American Act and the Balance of Payments 
Program apply to all NASA acquisitions where Japanese end products or 
services may be offered, regardless of dollar amount. The Trade 
Agreements Act and waiver requirement in FAR 25.402(c) do not apply.


Sec. 1825.401  [Removed]

    3. Section 1825.401 is removed.

[FR Doc. 96-20780 Filed 8-14-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7510-01-M