04-21852. Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Extension of Partnership Agreement-8(a) Program

AGENCY:

Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

DoD has issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to reflect an extension in the expiration date of a partnership agreement between DoD and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The partnership agreement permits DoD to award contracts to 8(a) Program participants on behalf of SBA.

DATES:

Effective September 29, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Donna Hairston-Benford, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062. Telephone [phone]; facsimile [phone]. Please cite DFARS Case 2004-D015.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

By partnership agreement dated February 1, 2002, between the SBA and DoD, the SBA delegated to DoD its authority to enter into contracts under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)). The expiration date of the partnership agreement has been extended from September 30, 2004, to September 30, 2005. This final rule amends DFARS 219.800 to reflect the extension.

This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

This rule will not have a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors, or a significant effect beyond the internal operating procedures of DoD. Therefore, publication for public comment is not required. However, DoD will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected DFARS subpart in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such comments should cite DFARS Case 2004-D015.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the rule does not impose any information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 219

• Government procurement

Michele P. Peterson,

Executive Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council.

Therefore, 48 CFR part 219 is amended as follows:

1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 219 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 41 U.S.C. 421 and 48 CFR Chapter 1.

PART 219—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

219.800

[Amended]

2. Section 219.800 is amended in paragraph (a), in the last sentence, by removing “2004” and adding in its place “2005”.