01-5587. Information Collection Requirements; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Part 232, Contract Financing

AGENCY:

Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

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

SUMMARY:

In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), DoD announces the proposed extension of a public information collection requirement and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. DoD invites comments on: (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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 August 31, 2001. DoD proposes that OMB extend its approval for use through August 31, 2004.

DATES:

DoD will consider all comments received by May 7, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Respondents may submit comments directly on the World Wide Web at http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/​dar/​dfars.nsf/​pubcomm. As an alternative, respondents may e-mail comments to: [e-mail]. Please cite OMB Control Number 0704-0359 in the subject line of e-mailed comments.

Respondents that cannot submit comments using either of the above methods may submit comments to: Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Attn: Ms. Sandra Haberlin, OUSD(AT&L)DP(DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062; facsimile [phone]. Please cite OMB Control Number 0704-0359.

At the end of the comment period, interested parties may view public comments on the World Wide Web at http://emissary.acq.osd.mil/​dar/​dfars.nsf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Sandra Haberlin, [phone]. The information collection requirements addressed in this notice are available electronically on the World Wide Web at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/​dp/​dars/​dfars.html. Paper copies are available from Ms. Sandra Haberlin, OUSD (AT&L)DP(DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title and OMB Number: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 232, Contract Financing, and related clause at DFARS 252.237-7007, Limitation of Government's Obligation; OMB Control Number 0704-0359.

Needs and Uses: This information collection requires contractors that are awarded incrementally funded, fixed-price DoD contracts to notify the Government when the work under the contract will, within 90 days, reach the point at which the amount payable by the Government (including any termination costs) approximates 85 percent of the funds currently allotted to the contract. This information will be used to determine what course of action the Government will take (e.g., allot additional funds for continued performance, terminate the contract, or terminate certain contract line items).

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

Annual Burden Hours: 800.

Number of Respondents: 800.

Responses Per Respondent: 1.

Annual Responses: 800.

Average Burden Per Response: 1 hour.

Frequency: On occasion.

Summary of Information Collection

This information collection includes requirements related to contract financing and payment in DFARS Part 232, Contract Financing, and the related clause at DFARS 252.232-7007, Limitation of Government's Obligation. DFARS Subpart 232.7, Contract Funding, limits the use of incrementally funded fixed-price contracts to situations where the contract is funded with research and development appropriations; where Congress has otherwise incrementally appropriated program funds; or where the head of the contracting activity approves the use of incremental funding for either base services contracts or hazardous/toxic waste remediation contracts. The clause at DFARS 252.232-7007 identifies procedures for incrementally funding the contract and requires the contractor to provide the Government with written notice when the work will reach the point at which the amount payable by the Government, including any termination costs, approximates 85 percent of the funds currently allotted to the contract.

Michele P. Peterson,

Executive Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council.