E8-18501. Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Trade Agreements-New Thresholds (DFARS Case 2007-D023)

AGENCY:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

DoD has adopted as final, without change, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to incorporate increased dollar thresholds for application of the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement and the Free Trade Agreements, as determined by the United States Trade Representative.

DATES:

Effective Date: August 12, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Amy Williams, Defense Acquisition Regulations System, OUSD (AT&L) DPAP (DARS), IMD 3D139, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062. Telephone [phone]; facsimile 703-602-7887. Please cite DFARS Case 2007-D023.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

DoD published an interim DFARS rule at 73 FR 4115 on January 24, 2008, to reflect increased dollar thresholds for application of the trade agreements. Every two years, the trade agreement thresholds are escalated according to a pre-determined formula set forth in the agreements.

DoD received no comments on the interim rule. Therefore, DoD has adopted the interim rule as a final rule without change.

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

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

DoD certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because the trade agreement threshold changes are designed to keep pace with inflation and thus maintain the status quo.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

This rule affects the certification and information collection requirements in the provisions at DFARS 252.225-7020 and 252.225-7035, currently approved under Office of Management and Budget Control Number 0704-0229. The impact, however, is negligible. The dollar threshold changes are in line with inflation and maintain the status quo.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 225

Government procurement.

Michele P. Peterson,

Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

Interim Rule Adopted as Final Without Change

Accordingly, the interim rule amending 48 CFR part 225, which was published at 73 FR 4115 on January 24, 2008, is adopted as a final rule without change.