2017-17956. Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Part 15 Negotiation

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

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

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DoD, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved this information collection requirement for use through November 30, 2017. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use for three additional years beyond the current expiration date.

DATES:

DoD will consider all comments received by October 23, 2017.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments, identified by OMB Control Number 0704-0497, using any of the following methods:

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

○ Email: [e-mail]. Include OMB Control Number 0704-0245 in the subject line of the message.

○ Fax: [phone].

○ Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Mr. Mark Gomersall, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3060.

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

Instructions: Search for “Docket Number: DARS-2017-0008.” Select “Comment Now” and follow the instructions provided to submit a comment. All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this notice. Comments received generally will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov,, including any personal information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov,, approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. Mark Gomersall, 571-372-6099.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 15 Negotiation; OMB Control Number 0704-0497.

Needs and Uses: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 215.403-5 provides contractors with guidance for the submittal of forward pricing rate proposals, and includes a checklist for contractors to use in preparing their proposals. The checklist is submitted to DoD with the forward pricing rate proposal.

Type of Collection: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits.

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

Number of Respondents: 277

Responses per Respondent: 1

Annual Responses: 277

Average Burden per Response: 4 hours

Annual Burden Hours: 1,108

Frequency: On Occasion.

Summary of Information Collection

The purpose of this information collection is to improve the efficiency of the negotiations process by ensuring the submission of thorough, accurate, and complete forward pricing rate proposals. If the contracting officer determines that a forward pricing rate proposal should be obtained pursuant to FAR 42.1701, then contractors following the commercial contract cost principles in FAR subpart 31.2 will be required to submit a forward pricing rate proposal that complies with FAR 15.408, Table 15-2, and DFARS 215.403-5 and 215.407-5-70. The forward pricing rate proposal adequacy checklist at Table 215.403-5(b)(3) is used by the contracting officer and the contractor to ensure the proposal is complete. The completed forward pricing rate proposal adequacy checklist will be submitted to DoD with the forward pricing rate proposal.

Jennifer L. Hawes,

Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.