# Acquisition Regulation Rewrite > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2010-7967 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Rule - **Published:** April 15, 2010 - **Citation:** 75 FR 19828 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary 48 CFR Chapter 14 RIN 1093-AA11 Acquisition Regulation Rewrite AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior. ACTION: Interim final rule. SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior (DOI) is taking interim final action on administrative changes to the Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR). This action revises the DIAR, 48 CFR Chapter 14, but does not impose any new requirements on DOI contractors. The revisions in this interim final rule will make minor corrections to and streamline DOI acquisition processes to be consistent with and non-duplicative of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Some DIAR coverage is being revised and obsolete material is being removed. FAR clauses are now available that provide coverage for the DIAR clauses that are removed by this rule. DATES: This rule is effective on May 17, 2010. Submit comments by June 14, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the rulemaking through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Please use the Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1093-AA11 in your message. Follow the instructions on the Web site for submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tiffany A. Schermerhorn, Senior Procurement Analyst, Office of Acquisition and Property Management, Office of the Secretary, telephone (202) 513-0747, fax (202) 219-4244, or e-mail tiffany_schermerhorn@ios.doi.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background This rule revises the Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR) in order to update references to other federal and Departmental directives, remove obsolete material and references, and clarify and streamline internal policies and procedures. This rule is a result of the DIAR Rewrite Project. DOI is undertaking this project to revise the DIAR to maintain consistency with the FAR and make other administrative changes. No DOI clauses are being changed, with the exception of the removal of obsolete clauses. We view this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipate no adverse comment. This rule does not impose any new requirements on DOI contractors. All changes are minor and are consistent with the FAR. We are providing an opportunity for the public to comment on this interim rule and will carefully consider and respond to any comments that we receive. We have found good cause to publish this rule without prior proposal. We have determined that it would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest to delay publication of this rule in final form pending an opportunity for public comment. II. Procedural Matters 1. Public Availability of Comments Public availability of comments Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. 2. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) This document is not a significant rule and is not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. (3) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects or entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of their recipients. (4) This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues. 3. The Regulatory Flexibility Act The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. ). This rule will not impose any new requirements on small entities. 4. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule: a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions. c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. 5. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The rule will not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ) is not required. 6. Takings (Executive Order 12630) Under the criteria in Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule does not have significant takings implications. This rule does not impose conditions or limitations on the use of any private property; consequently, a takings implication assessment is not required. 7. Federalism (Executive Order 13132) Under the criteria in Executive Order 13132, this rule does not have Federalism implications. This rule does not substantially or directly affect the relationship between Federal and State governments or impose costs on States or localities. A Federalism Assessment is not required. 8. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988) This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. Specifically, this rule: (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be written to minimize litigation; and (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) of the Order. 9. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 This rule does not contain an information collection, as defined by the Paperwork Reduction Act. 10. National Environmental Policy Act This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is not required. 11. Data Quality Act In developing this rule we did not conduct or use a study, experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554). 12. Effects on the Energy Supply This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required. 13. Clarity of This Regulation We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must: (a) Be logically organized; (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly; (c) Use clear language rather than jargon; (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible. If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are too long, which sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Chapter 14 Government Procurement. Dated: March 22, 2010. Pamela K. Haze, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Budget, Finance, Performance and Acquisition. For the reasons set out in the preamble, we are revising Chapter 14 of Title 48 Code of Federal Regulations to read as follows: Title 48—Federal Acquisition Regulations System CHAPTER 14—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL PART 1401—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ACQUISITION REGULATION SYSTEM PART 1402—DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS PART 1403—IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PART 1404—ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS SUBCHAPTER B—COMPETITION AND ACQUISITION PLANNING PART 1405—PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS PART 1406—COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS PART 1407—ACQUISITION PLANNING PART 1408—REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES PART 1409—CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS PARTS 1410—1412 [RESERVED] SUBCHAPTER C—CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES PART 1413—SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES PART 1414—SEALED BIDDING PART 1415—CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION PART 1416—TYPES OF CONTRACTS PART 1417—SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS PART 1418—[RESERVED] SUBCHAPTER D—SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS PART 1419—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS PARTS 1420—1421 [RESERVED] PART 1422—APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS PART 1423—[RESERVED] PART 1424—PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION PART 1425—FOREIGN ACQUISITION PART 1426—OTHER SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS SUBCHAPTER E—GENERAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS PART 1427—PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS PART 1428—BONDS AND INSURANCE PART 1429—TAXES PART 1430—COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION PART 1431—CONTRACT COST PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES PART 1432—CONTRACT FINANCING PART 1433—PROTESTS, DISPUTES, AND APPEALS SUBCHAPTER F—SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF CONTRACTING PART 1434—[RESERVED] PART 1435—RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING PART 1436—CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS PART 1437—SERVICE CONTRACTING PARTS 1438—1441 —[RESERVED] SUBCHAPTER G—CONTRACT MANAGEMENT PART 1442—CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT SERVICES PART 1443—CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS PART 1444—[RESERVED] PART 1445—GOVERNMENT PROPERTY PART 1446—QUALITY ASSURANCE PART 1447—[RESERVED] PART 1448—VALUE ENGINEERING PART 1449—TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS PART 1450—EXTRAORDINARY CONTRACTUAL ACTIONS AND THE SAFETY ACT PART 1451—USES OF GOVERNMENT SOURCES BY CONTRACTORS PART 1452—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL PART 1401—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ACQUISITION REGULATION SYSTEM Subpart 1401.1—Purpose, Authority, Issuance Sec. 1401.105-3 Copies. Subpart 1401.2—Administration 1401.201 Maintenance of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). 1401.201-1 The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC). Subpart 1401.3—Agency Acquisition Regulations 1401.301 Policy. 1401.301-70 Definitions. 1401.303 Publication and codification. 1401.304 Agency control and compliance procedures. 1401.370 Acquisition Managers' Partnership. Subpart 1401.4—Deviations from the FAR and DIAR 1401.403 Individual deviations. 1401.404 Class deviations. 1401.405 Deviations pertaining to treaties and executive agreements. Subpart 1401.6—Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities 1401.601 General. 1401.602 Contracting officers. 1401.602-1 Authority. 1401.602-3 Ratification of unauthorized commitments. 1401.603 Selection, appointment and termination of appointment. 1401.603-1 General. 1401.603-2 Selection. 1401.603-3 Appointment. 1401.670 Contracting officers' representatives. 1401.670-1 Contract clause. Subpart 1401.70—Acquisition Reviews 1401.7000 Scope of subpart. 1401.7001 Review and approval of contract actions. 1401.7001-1 Review and approval by Assistant Secretaries. 1401.7001-2 Legal review by the Office of the Solicitor. 1401.7001-3 Administrative review and approval by bureaus and offices. 1401.7001-4 Acquisition performance measurement systems. 1401.7001-5 Acquisition Management Reviews (AMRs). Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1401.1—Purpose, Authority, Issuance 1401.105-3 Copies. Copies of the Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (DIAR) and Department-wide internal guidance may be obtained from the Office of Acquisition and Property Management, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street (MS 2607-MIB), NW., Washington, DC 20240. Additional information on DOI may be obtained on the Internet at http://www.doi.gov/pam. Subpart 1401.2—Administration 1401.201 Maintenance of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). 1401.201-1 The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC). The Department of the Interior is represented on the CAAC by a member of the Office of Acquisition and Property Management (PAM). Subpart 1401.3—Agency Acquisition Regulations 1401.301 Policy. (a)(1) Subject to the authorities in paragraph (c) of this section, the Department issues acquisition regulations which implement or supplement the FAR under the DIAR System. The regulation, as part of the FAR system, is issued in accordance with the policy in FAR 1.301(a)(1). (2) Subject to the authorities in paragraph (c) of this section, the Department also issues internal guidance and instructions under the DIAR System in accordance with the policy in FAR 1.301(a)(2). (b) Public participation in promulgating acquisition regulations, which are published in the Federal Register , shall follow the Department's rulemaking procedures prescribed in Part 318, Chapter 5 of the Departmental Manual (318 DM 5) and the procedures in FAR Subpart 1.5. (c) Regulations and internal guidance under the DIAR System are issued pursuant to the authority of the Secretary of the Interior under 5 U.S.C. 301 and 40 U.S.C. 486(c). This authority has been delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Policy, Management and Budget under Part 209, Chapter 4.1A of the Departmental Manual (209 DM 4.1A). 1401.301-70 Definitions. (a) “Implement,” as used in this subpart, means coverage that expands upon or specifically indicates the manner of compliance with related higher level coverage. (b) “Supplement,” as used in this subpart, means material for which there is no counterpart in higher-level coverage. 1401.303 Publication and codification. (a)(1) Implementing and supplementing regulations issued under the DIAR System are codified under Chapter 14 in Title 48, Code of Federal Regulations and shall parallel the FAR in format, arrangement, and numbering system. (2)(i) Department-wide regulations are assigned parts 1401 through 1479 under 48 CFR, Chapter 14. (ii) Where material in the FAR requires no implementation, there will be no corresponding number in the DIAR. Thus, there are gaps in the DIAR sequence of numbers where the FAR, as written, is deemed adequate. Supplemental material shall be numbered as specified in FAR 1.303. (3) Bureau-wide regulations are authorized for codification in Appendices to Chapter 14, as assigned by the Director, PAM, in accordance with 1401.304(a)(3). (b) Regulations implementing the FAR or DIAR are numbered using Parts 1401 through 1479. Supplemental material is numbered using Parts 1480 through 1499. Numbers for implementing or supplementing regulations by bureaus/offices are preceded by a prefix to the number 14 (indicating Chapter 14-DIAR) for the organization indicated by lettered appendices as follows: (1) Bureau of Indian Affairs—BIA (2) Bureau of Reclamation—WBR (3) National Business Center—NBC (4) Bureau of Land Management—LLM (5) U.S. Geological Survey—WGS (6) Office of Surface Mining Reclamation & Enforcement—LSM (7) Minerals Management Service—LMS (8) National Park Service—FNP (9) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—FWS (c) e.g., FAR 1.3 then DIAR 1401.3 [Department level] then in Appendix A, BIA 1401.3 [Bureau level]. 1401.304 Agency control and compliance procedures. (a)(1) The DIAR System is under the direct oversight and control of the Director, PAM, who is responsible for reviewing and preparing the issuance of all Department-wide and bureau-wide acquisition regulations published in the Federal Register to ensure compliance with FAR Part 1. Review procedures are contained in Part 401 of the Departmental Manual (401 DM) and paragraph (a)(3) of this section. One copy of all material issued shall be furnished to the Director, PAM, at the time of issuance. (2) The Director, PAM, is also responsible for reviewing and issuing unpublished Department-wide internal guidance under the DIAR System. (3) A bureau wishing to issue bureau-wide regulations shall submit a request to the Director, PAM, for authority to proceed with the regulation. The request shall include a justification for the regulation and a proposed outline of the regulation and the significant contents of the coverage to be included. The Director, PAM, shall review the request to determine whether the regulation should be considered for inclusion in the DIAR or FAR. If a determination is made that the regulation is appropriate for inclusion in the DIAR or FAR, PAM will process the regulation accordingly. If a determination is made that the regulation is appropriate for inclusion in bureau-wide regulations only, the Director, PAM, shall assign an appendix to 48 CFR Chapter 14 and authorization shall be granted for the bureau to proceed with the regulation in accordance with the procedures referenced in 1401.301(b). Rulemaking notices shall be submitted to the Director, PAM, for processing of AS/PMB approval under 401 DM 1.4C(3), before the appropriate program Assistant Secretary signs them. (4) HCAs are responsible for establishing and implementing formal procedures for oversight and control of all unpublished bureau-wide internal guidance issued to implement FAR or DIAR requirements. The Director, PAM, shall review and approve these procedures and they shall include: (i) Provisions for centralized issuance of all guidance and instructions using a directives system; (ii) Methods for periodic review and updating of all issuances; (iii) Distribution processes which ensure timely receipt by all affected contracting offices; and (iv) Provisions for maintaining compliance with FAR 1.304. (b) The Director, PAM, is responsible for evaluating coverage under the DIAR System to determine applicability to other agencies and for recommending coverage to the FAR Secretariat for inclusion in the FAR. 1401.370 Acquisition Managers' Partnership. (a) The Acquisition Managers' Partnership (AMP) is a forum for DOI's senior acquisition management community to work cooperatively and continuously to improve the management, efficiency and effectiveness of its procurement services in support of DOI's mission. (b) The AMP consists of the BPCs and representatives from PAM and OSDBU. (c) The AMP Charter provides that the Chairperson and Associate Chairperson are leadership roles that will rotate annually. The AMP Chairperson determines when the partnership will meet and develops meeting agendas. The Chairperson will distribute the meeting minutes to all members. Subpart 1401.4—Deviations from the FAR and DIAR 1401.403 Individual deviations. (a) The Director, PAM, is authorized to approve deviations of FAR provisions (see FAR 1.4) or DIAR provisions which affect only one contracting action. (b) Requests for deviations under paragraph (a) of this section shall be submitted by the BPC and include justification for the deviation. (c) A copy of the approved deviation shall be included in the contract file. 1401.404 Class deviations. (a) The Director, PAM, is authorized to approve class deviations of FAR or DIAR provisions which affect more than one contracting action. (b) Requests for deviations under paragraph (a) of this section shall be submitted by the HCA and include justification for the deviation and the number of contracting actions which will be affected. (c) For a FAR class deviation the Director, PAM, shall consult with the CAAC, as required in FAR 1.404(a)(1), before authorizing the deviation. (d) A copy of each approved class deviation shall be referenced in the contract file. (e) Recommended revisions to the FAR and a copy of each approved class FAR deviation shall be transmitted to the FAR Secretariat by the Director, PAM, as required in FAR 1.404. 1401.405 Deviations pertaining to treaties and executive agreements. (a) The Director, PAM, is responsible for transmitting to the FAR Secretariat the information required in FAR 1.405(d). (b) For deviations not authorized by FAR 1.405(b) or (c), the Director, PAM, shall process the request for deviation through the FAR Secretariat. (c) Deviations authorized or requested under paragraph (d) or (e) of this section shall be submitted by the HCA to the Director, PAM for further action. Subpart 1401.6—Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities 1401.601 General. (a) The authority and responsibility vested in the Secretary to contract for authorized supplies and services is delegated to Assistant Secretaries. (b) The contracting authority and responsibility delegated to Assistant Secretaries may be redelegated to heads of bureaus and offices under their supervision in accordance with 200 DM 3. Such redelegations are published in bureau chapters of the Part 200 series of the Departmental Manual. (c) Bureau heads and assistant or associate heads thereof (known as HCAs as defined in 1402.1) may redelegate contracting authority only as prescribed in 1401.603. 1401.602 Contracting officers. 1401.602-1 Authority. Information on the limits of CO's authority shall be maintained by the HCA as required in FAR 1.602-1. 1401.602-3 Ratification of unauthorized commitments. (a) The HCA may redelegate ratification authority to the CCO as defined in Subpart 1402.1 and implemented in bureau procedures. (b) Legal concurrence is required prior to ratification of unauthorized actions for amounts greater than the micropurchase threshold. (c) Nonratifiable commitments shall be coordinated with the SOL. 1401.603 Selection, appointment and termination of appointment. 1401.603-1 General. BPCs are authorized to select and appoint COs and terminate their appointment as prescribed in the Department's Certificate of Appointment (COA) Manual. Copies of the manual may be obtained at http://www.doi.gov/pam/Acqworkfor.html. 1401.603-2 Selection. COs, regardless of series or organizational placement, must be certified at a level commensurate with their appointment level, as prescribed in the Department's Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Program Manual. Director, PAM, is the approving authority for all new and reinstated FAC-C certifications. BPCs are authorized to approve renewal FAC-C certifications. 1401.603-3 Appointment. Purchase card holders may be appointed in writing or in accordance with the bureau/office procedures within the constraints of DOI Integrated Charge Card Program Policy Manual located at http://www.doi.gov/pam/chargecard. Additional guidance is available in the GSA Smart Pay program at http://www.gsa.gov/smartpay. 1401.670 Contracting officers' representatives. When a CO elects to appoint an individual to act as an authorized representative in the administration of a contract, such appointment must be made in accordance with the DOI Contracting Officers' Representative Manual available at http://www.doi.gov/pam/Acqworkfor.html. 1401.670-1 Contract clause. Insert the clause at 1452.201-70 in solicitations and contracts under which a COR or COTR will be appointed. Complete the fill-in before award. Subpart 1401.70—Acquisition Reviews 1401.7000 Scope of subpart. This subpart sets forth requirements for review and approval of contract actions and the conduct of acquisition management reviews. 1401.7001 Review and approval of contract actions. 1401.7001-1 Review and approval by Assistant Secretaries. Contract actions shall be reviewed and approved by Assistant Secretaries as prescribed in 211-255 DM. Their approvals shall be obtained before requesting any other approvals prescribed in the DIAR. 1401.7001-2 Legal review by the Office of the Solicitor. The Office of the Solicitor (SOL) will review for legal sufficiency selected types and portions of contract actions from Bureaus and offices as required by the FAR, DIAR, and Department-wide policy. COs may request SOL advice or guidance on acquisition-related matters at any time. Matters related to legal sufficiency reviews that cannot be resolved between the respective CO and SOL Attorney-Advisor must be submitted for resolution to the HCA and the Assistant Solicitor for Acquisitions and Intellectual Property, Washington, DC. 1401.7001-3 Administrative review and approval by bureaus and offices. (a) Administrative review and approval requirements for contract actions shall be established by the HCA and issued as internal bureau procedures. At a minimum, the review and approval requirements must address a representative percentage of the overall contract actions within a bureau/office. The procedures shall include: (1) Identifying the type and dollar amounts of the actions to be reviewed based on the volume and nature of the contracting office workload; (2) Designating the stage(s) in the acquisition process when the review(s) shall be performed; (3) Establishing review and approval levels based on the type and dollar amount of the action and the capabilities of the reviewing office; (4) Specifying what information is required to review the action, which includes creating a review and approval form and mechanism for following up on the correction of deficiencies noted in the review; and (5) Providing for periodic review of procedures and revision as required, to assure necessary controls are maintained. 1401.7001-4 Acquisition performance measurement systems. (a) The acquisition performance measurement system is a three-pronged approach that includes self assessment, statistical data for validation and flexible quality reviews and assessment techniques. This system is required to: (1) Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of bureau and office acquisition systems; (2) Assess the adequacy of policies, procedures and regulations governing the acquisition process; and (3) Identify and implement changes necessary to improve the systems. (b) HCA's are responsible for ensuring contracting activity compliance with law and regulations through the review and oversight process. 1401.7001-5 Acquisition Management Reviews. Acquisition Management Reviews (AMRs) are to be conducted using the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) “Framework for Assessing the Acquisition Function at Federal Agencies” available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d05218g.pdf. PART 1402—DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS Subpart 1402.1—Definitions Sec. 1402.101 Definitions. 1402.170 Acronyms. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1402.1—Definitions 1402.101 Definitions. As used in this part: Bureau procurement chief (BPC) is defined as the senior GS-1102 official in a bureau or office. His/her authority may be delegated, unless specified otherwise, to the CCO. If the BPC is also the CO for an action requiring approval of the BPC, then approval shall be at the HCA level. Chief of the contracting office (CCO) is defined as the senior GS-1102 within a contracting office unless otherwise specified by bureau/office regulation. If the CCO is also the Contracting Officer (CO) for an action requiring approval of the CCO, then approval shall be at a level above the CCO in accordance with bureau procedures. Contracting activity is defined as an office with delegated procurement authority. Within the Office of the Secretary (OS), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a contracting activity. The National Business Center (NBC) contracts for the OS. Head of the agency (also called “agency head”) is defined as the Secretary of the Interior and the Assistant Secretary— Policy, Management and Budget (AS/PMB). Head of the contracting activity (HCA ) is defined as the assistant or associate administrative head of each bureau and office who has overall responsibility for managing contracting. In reference to the OS, the HCAs are the Assistant Inspector General for Management and Policy and the Director, NBC. The authority of the HCA may be redelegated to the BPC unless otherwise specified. Senior procurement executive is defined as the Director, Office of Acquisition and Property Management (PAM). 1402.170 Acronyms. A&E Architect & Engineering ACMIS Acquisition Career Management Information System AMP Acquisition Manager's Partnership AMR Acquisition Management Review AS/PMB Assistant Secretary—Policy, Management and Budget BPA Blanket Purchase Agreement BPC Bureau Procurement Chief BUDS Business Utilization Development Specialist CA Competition Advocate CAAC Civilian Agency Acquisition Council CAS Cost Accounting Standards CASB Cost Accounting Standards Board CBCA Civilian Board of Contract Appeals CCO Chief of the Contracting Office CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CIO Chief Information Officer CO Contracting Officer COA Certificate of Appointment COI Conflicts of Interest COR Contracting Officer's Representative COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative DISP Defense Industrial Security Program DM Departmental Manual DOI Department of the Interior DOL Department of Labor EC Electronic Commerce FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FBMS Financial Business Management System FPDS—NG Federal Procurement Data System—Next Generation GAO Government Accountability Office GIDEP Government-Industry Data Exchange Program GPE Government Point of Entry GPO Government Printing Office GSA General Services Administration GSBCA General Services Board of Contract Appeals HCA Head of the Contracting Activity IT Information Technology IPMD Interior Property Management Directives MBDA Minority Business Development Agency OCIO Office of Chief Information Officer OIG/IG Office of Inspector General/Inspector General OFPP Office of Federal Procurement Policy OHA Office of Hearings and Appeals OMB Office of Management and Budget OS Office of the Secretary OSDBU Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization PAM Office of Acquisition and Property Management PMO Property Management Officer PNM Procurement Negotiation Memorandum SAT Simplified Acquisition Threshold SBA Small Business Administration SOL Office of the Solicitor TFM Treasury Financial Manual U.S.C. United States Code VECP Value Engineering Change Proposal PART 1403—IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Subpart 1403.1—Safeguards Sec. 1403.101 Standards of conduct. 1403.101-3 Agency regulations. 1403.101-70 Technical evaluators and advisors. 1403.104 Procurement integrity. 1403.104-2 Applicability. 1403.104-4 Disclosure, protection and marking of contractor bid or proposal information and source selection information. 1403.104-7 Violations or possible violations. Subpart 1403.2—Contractor Gratuities to Government Personnel 1403.203 Reporting suspected violations of the Gratuities clause. 1403.204 Treatment of violations. Subpart 1403.3—Reports of Suspected Antitrust Violations 1403.303 Reporting suspected antitrust violations. Subpart 1403.4—Contingent Fees 1403.405 Misrepresentations or violations of the Covenant Against Contingent Fees. Subpart 1403.5—Other Improper Business Practices 1403.570 Restrictions on contractor advertising. 1403.570-1 Policy. 1403.570-2 Procedures. 1403.570-3 Contract clause. Subpart 1403.6—Contracts With Government Employees or Organizations Owned or Controlled by Them 1403.602 Exceptions. 1403.603 Responsibilities of the contracting officer. Subpart 1403.7—Voiding and Rescinding Contracts 1403.704 Policy. 1403.705 Procedures. Subpart 1403.8—Limitation on the Payment of Funds to Influence Federal Transactions 1403.804 Policy. 1403.806 Processing suspected violations. Subpart 1403.10—Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct 1403.1004 Contract clause. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1403.1—Safeguards 1403.101 Standards of conduct. 1403.101-3 Agency regulations. (a) Policy. DOI regulations governing the conduct and responsibilities of regular and special employees are contained in 43 CFR Part 20. Additional guidance is contained in the DOI publication “Ethics Guide for Department of the Interior Employees.” Copies of the Guide can be obtained from the Bureau/Office Ethics Office or on the Internet at http://www.doi.gov/ethics/ . With regard to the provisions of 43 CFR Part 20, officials who participate personally and substantially in DOI procurements (as defined in FAR 3.104-3), may not solicit or accept any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from a competing contractor during the conduct of a procurement. (b)(1) Officials may not accept or solicit from any competing contractor any services that involve the development of specifications, statements of work, evaluation criteria, or formal cost estimates to be used in a procurement unless such services are formally contracted for pursuant to the FAR and DIAR, and until the organizational COI provisions in FAR Subpart 9.5 have been fully addressed. This does not preclude COs from issuing formal Requests for Comment (RFC) or draft RFPs. (2) IT resources shall not be accepted, installed or utilized by the Department on a no cost, free of charge basis (this includes donated equipment but not public domain software), except as permitted by law. 1403.101-70 Technical evaluators and advisors. (a) Technical evaluators and advisors, including members of proposal evaluation committees, must render impartial, technically sound, and objective assistance and advice. (b) With the exception of contracting personnel, proposal evaluators and advisors are not required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (SF450) unless they occupy positions identified in 43 CFR 20.735.30(b). Therefore, when an individual is appointed as an evaluator or advisor, he/she must sign and return to the CO a Conflict of Interest Certificate in a format approved by the HCA. If a potential COI exists, the appointee must not be allowed to evaluate or advise on an offeror's proposal until the conflict has been resolved with the servicing Ethics Counselor. (c) During the evaluation process, each evaluator and advisor is responsible for ensuring that there are no financial or employment interests that conflict or give the appearance of conflicting with his or her duty to evaluate proposals impartially and objectively. Examples of situations that may be prohibited or represent a potential COI include: (1) Financial interest, including stocks and bonds, in a firm that submits, or is expected to submit, an offer in response to the solicitation; (2) Outstanding financial commitments to any actual or potential offeror; (3) Employment in any capacity, even if otherwise permissible, by any actual or potential offeror; (4) Employment within the last 12 months by an actual or potential offeror; (5) Any non-vested pension or re-employment rights, or interest in profit sharing or stock bonus plans arising out of past employment by an actual or potential offeror; or (6) Employment of any member of the immediate family by an actual or potential offeror. (d) Bureaus shall include a notice similar to the following in all correspondence notifying employees of appointments to serve as technical evaluators or advisors, formally called Technical Evaluation Panels (TEP) and/or Source Evaluation Boards (SEB): You shall not solicit or accept any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from a competing contractor involved in any action for which you participate personally and substantially under this delegation of authority. You are also reminded of other conduct prohibitions in FAR 3.104-3, including negotiating with competing contractors for future employment, disclosure of contractor bid or proposal information or source selection information, and post-Government employment restrictions. Such notice shall include an acknowledgement of receipt signed and returned by the employee. 1403.104 Procurement integrity. 1403.104-2 Applicability. Construction contracts (or subcontracts in such cases where the tribal contractor has subcontracted the activity) awarded under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93-638, as amended, are subject to the provisions promulgated under that Act. 1403.104-4 Disclosure, protection, and marking of contractor bid or proposal information and source selection information. (a) The following classes of persons may be authorized access to contractor bid or proposal information and source selection information to the extent necessary to accomplish their requisite duties and responsibilities with respect to a particular procurement: (1) Individuals who generate contract requirements, including program and technical experts involved in the development of statements of work, specifications or similar documents; (2) Contracting personnel acting in support of the CO; (3) Secretarial, clerical and administrative personnel of the contracting activity directly involved in the procurement; (4) Supervisors in the CO's chain of command; (5) Attorneys in the SOL; (6) OIG contract auditors, and auditors of other agencies such as the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and DHHS when requested to perform contract audits by the OIG; (7) Engineers and other technical support personnel who provide support to the CO; (8) Small Business Technical Advisors and BUDS; (9) SBA personnel responsible for reviewing determinations related to set-aside acquisitions, determining the small business status of offerors, processing applications for Certificates of Competency, reviewing subcontracting plans, or awarding contracts under the 8(a) program; (10) Personnel in DOL responsible for making eligibility determinations or for processing preaward EEO clearances; (11) Personnel who review bid protests in the GAO and the CBCA; (12) Personnel serving on technical evaluation boards or source selection evaluation boards; (13) Contract clearance personnel; (14) Departmental and bureau/office Competition Advocates; (15) Personnel in the Congressional liaison offices; (16) Agency ethics official and servicing Ethics Counselors; (17) Members of Congress and members of their staff. (See also DIAR 1405.403.); and (18) Anyone specifically authorized by the CO. 1403.104-7 Violations or possible violations. (a)(1) The CO's determination that there is no impact on the procurement due to a possible violation of the Procurement Integrity Act and decision to proceed with contract award shall receive concurrence from an individual one level above the CO. (2) In case of nonconcurrence with the CO's determination, the HCA shall provide a copy of the reported violation and recommended action to the OIG in accordance with Part 111 DM 3. The CO, in consultation with the SOL and the OIG, must justify the compelling circumstances for immediate award and obtain approval to proceed from the BPC without the power of redelegation. Copies of the determination to proceed with the award will be sent to the Director, PAM, for submission to the AS/PMB. Subpart 1403.2—Contractor Gratuities to Government Personnel 1403.203 Reporting suspected violations of the Gratuities clause. When suspected violations of the clause at FAR 52.203-3, Gratuities, become known to a Federal Government employee, the matter shall be reported, in writing, to the cognizant CO or the CO's supervisor, as appropriate. The report shall clearly state the alleged circumstances surrounding the incident or incidents in which the contractor offered or gave a gratuity to a Federal Government employee and intended to obtain a contract or favorable treatment under a contract because of the gratuity. The date(s), location(s) and name(s) of all parties involved in the incident shall be included in the report. 1403.204 Treatment of violations. (a) The CO will provide the contractor with a formal notice that summarizes the events involving the suspected violation and affords the contractor the opportunity to take the action(s) listed under FAR 3.204(b). The notice shall contain a time limit for reply and shall be sent by certified mail return receipt requested. The CO will submit the report, additional documentary evidence and other pertinent information to the HCA for disposition with a recommended course of action. A copy of this submission must also be sent to the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. In consultation with the SOL and the OIG, and based on the results of any further discussion with the contractor, its counsel or witnesses, the HCA may make a recommendation to the Director, PAM, pursuant to FAR 3.204(c) and shall provide formal notice to the contractor of such recommendation. (b) If the decision involves the termination of a contract (see FAR 3.204(c)(1)), the CO will be responsible for implementing the decision. Subpart 1403.3—Reports of Suspected Antitrust Violations 1403.303 Reporting suspected antitrust violations. (a) Reports on suspected violations of antitrust laws as required by FAR 3.303 shall be prepared by the CO, reviewed by the SOL, and submitted by the HCA directly to the Attorney General, Department of Justice. A copy of this submission must also be sent to the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. (b) Depending on the nature of the suspected violation or the disposition of the matter, the HCA may recommend debarment or suspension in accordance with FAR 9.406-2(a)(2) or 9.407-2(a)(2) and Subpart 1409.4. Subpart 1403.4—Contingent Fees 1403.405 Misrepresentation or violations of the Covenant Against Contingent Fees. (a) In addition to notifying the CO, the matter must also be reported to the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations and the HCA. (b) The HCA may recommend debarment and suspension in accordance with Subpart 1409.4. (c) The CCO shall consult with the SOL and OIG prior to forwarding a report of suspected fraudulent or criminal violations to the Department of Justice for action. Subpart 1403.5—Other Improper Business Practices 1403.570 Restrictions on contractor advertising. 1403.570-1 Policy. Award of a contract does not signify endorsement of the supplies or services purchased, nor does it signify agreement with any views espoused by officials of the awardee. It is vital to the integrity of the procurement system to avoid even the appearance of an improper preference toward a particular vendor. Therefore, contractors shall not be permitted to publicize, or otherwise circulate, promotional materials that state or imply Governmental endorsement of a product, service or position which the contractor represents. 1403.570-2 Procedures. If a contractor requests a determination as to the propriety of such promotional material, the response shall be coordinated with the cognizant Public Affairs Office and Ethics Officer. 1403.570-3 Contract clause. CO's shall include the clause at 1452.203-70, Restriction on Endorsements, in all solicitations, contracts and agreements which are not executed in accordance with FAR Parts 12 or 13. Subpart 1403.6—Contracts With Government Employees or Organizations Owned or Controlled by Them 1403.602 Exceptions. The HCA, without the power of redelegation, is authorized to except a contract from the policy in FAR 3.601. However, no exceptions may be granted where the proposed contractor is owned or controlled by a Government employee or one or more members of the employee's immediate family and the employee or any subordinate is serving as a procurement official on the proposed contract. 1403.603 Responsibilities of the contracting officer. The CO shall prepare a written determination and findings for the signature of the HCA when requesting authorization to allow a contract award to a Government employee or business concern or other organization owned or substantially owned or controlled by one or more Government employees. Subpart 1403.7—Voiding and Rescinding Contracts 1403.704 Policy. The HCA is authorized to declare void and rescind contracts in accordance with the procedures in FAR 3.705. 1403.705 Procedures. (a) Reporting. The facts concerning any final conviction for any violation of 18 U.S.C. 201-224 involving or relating to any contract awarded by a bureau or office shall be set forth in a report and submitted by the HCA to the Civil Division of the Department of the Justice. The report shall also contain a recommendation to initiate a debarment action. If debarment is recommended, the procedures in 1409.406-3(a) shall be followed. Copies of the report shall be provided to Director, PAM, and the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations for informational purposes. (b) Notice of Proposed Action. Based upon review of the report in paragraph (a) of this section and after consultation with the SOL and the OIG, as appropriate, the HCA shall give notice of the proposed action to the contractor in accordance with the requirements of FAR 3.704(c). (c) Final Agency Decision. The HCA shall make the final decision on voiding and rescinding contracts in accordance with the requirements of FAR 3.705(e). Subpart 1403.8—Limitation on the Payment of Funds to Influence Federal Transactions 1403.804 Policy. The BPC shall receive copies of contractor disclosures and forward them to the Director, PAM, for submission to Congress. 1403.806 Processing suspected violations. Suspected violations shall be referred to the HCA. The HCA, in consultation with the SOL and OIG, shall act in accordance with FAR 3.807. Subpart 1403.10—Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct 1403.1004 Contract clause. (a) In all awards expected to exceed $3,000,000, including options, for which performance is expected to exceed 120 days, except purchases conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12 and contracts to be performed entirely outside the United States, replace “$5,000,000” with “$3,000,000” in paragraph (d) of FAR 52.203-14. (b) Insert the following into paragraph (b)(3) of the same clause: “Downloadable hotline posters as well as instructions for obtaining a hard copy poster are available at http://www.doioig.gov/hotline .” PART 1404—ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Subpart 1404.4—Safeguarding Classified Information within Industry Sec. 1404.402 General. 1404.403 Responsibilities of contracting officers. Subpart 1404.7—Contractor Records Retention 1404.702 Applicability. Subpart 1404.8—Contract Files 1404.802 Contract files. 1404.804 Closeout of contract files. 1404.804-70 Release of claims. 1404.805 Disposal of contract files. Subpart 1404.70—Deposit of Contract Publications 1404.7001 General. 1404.7002 Policy. 1404.7003 Exceptions. 1404.7004 Procedures. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1404.4—Safeguarding Classified Information Within Industry 1404.402 General. (a) The DOI has entered into an agreement with the DOD to be covered by the National Industrial Security Program (NISP). The agreement is contained in 443 DM 1, Appendix 1. (b) Classified acquisitions or contracts (see FAR 4.401) shall be subject to the instructions contained in the DOD publications listed in FAR 4.402(b). 1404.403 Responsibilities of contracting officers. (a) For proposed solicitations that may require access to Departmental classified information, the CO shall consult with the Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety for guidance on NISP in accordance with 443 DM 1. (b) For proposed contracts where the contractor provides service for the handling and transmission of registered or certified mail at activities that customarily receive and transmit classified information (see FAR 4.401), the contractor shall be cleared to the degree of SECRET. This clearance shall be obtained through the Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety in accordance with 442 DM 8. (c) For proposed contracts where guard services are assigned to safeguard Department activities in possession of classified information (see FAR 4.401), review and approval shall be obtained from the Office of Managing Risk and Public Safety in accordance with 442 DM 8. Subpart 1404.7—Contractor Records Retention 1404.702 Applicability. In addition to the clauses listed at FAR 4.702, the policies and procedures at FAR 4.7 shall also apply to records generated under contracts containing the clause at 1452.215-70, Examination of Records by the Department of the Interior. Subpart 1404.8—Contract Files 1404.802 Contract files. In addition to the requirements in FAR 4.802, files shall also be maintained in accordance with the provisions of 380 DM 3. 1404.804 Closeout of contract files. 1404.804-70 Release of claims. (a) The CO shall insert the clause at 1452.204-70, Release of Claims, in all construction, architect and engineering, and cost-reimbursement contracts that exceed the SAT. The Release of Claims clause may be inserted in other types of contracts when the CO determines that the release is necessary to protect the interests of the Government. (b) Form DI-137, Release of Claims, shall be used to obtain a release of claims. 1404.805 Disposal of contract files. Disposition of files shall be accomplished in accordance with 384 DM. Subpart 1404.70—Deposit of Contract Publications 1404.7001 General. The DOI Departmental Library is responsible for maintaining a complete collection of Departmental publications. As used in this Subpart, the term “Departmental publication” means any publication or report produced under a DOI contract or Interagency agreement. 1404.7002 Policy. The CO shall direct the contractor, in the technical instructions, to acknowledge Federal sponsorship in the final report or publication by placing the following statement on the title page: “This publication was funded by U.S. Department of the Interior, (Name of Bureau/Office), Washington, DC, under contract number_______.” 1404.7003 Exceptions. The following types of publications are excluded from the requirements of this Subpart: (a) Internal documents required for administrative or operational purposes that have no public interest, educational, scientific, or research value; (b) Classified publications and material otherwise marked prohibiting unauthorized disclosure; (c) Tentative drafts such as preliminary planning reports that will appear later in revised or final form; (d) Journal and magazine articles; or (e) Disclosure materials containing any description, specification, data, plan, or drawing of any unpatented invention upon which a patent application is likely to be filed, unless an opinion by the SOL, or his/her duly authorized designee, has been rendered which finds that the interests of the Government will not be prejudiced by disclosure of such materials. 1404.7004 Procedures. (a) The CO shall direct the contractor, in the technical instructions, to provide two copies of each publication or report produced under a contract to: U.S. Department of the Interior, Departmental Library, 1849 C Street, NW., MS-2258, Main Interior Bldg., Washington, DC 20240. (b) A transmittal letter shall accompany the copies and identify the sender and the publication(s). The bibliographic information required by 481 DM 1.3B(4) shall be also included with the submission of all translations. SUBCHAPTER B—COMPETITION AND ACQUISITION PLANNING PART 1405—PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS Subpart 1405.2—Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions Sec. 1405.202 Exceptions. 1405.207 Preparation and transmittal of synopses. Subpart 1405.3—Synopses of Contract Awards 1405.303 Announcement of contract awards. Subpart 1405.4—Release of Information 1405.403 Requests from members of Congress. 1405.404 Release of long-range acquisition estimates. 1405.404-1 Release procedures. Subpart 1405.5—Paid Advertisements 1405.502 Authority. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1405.2—Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions 1405.202 Exceptions. The AS/PMB is authorized to approve the written determination documenting the reasons why a synopsis is not appropriate or reasonable. The CO shall prepare the determination, submit it to the HCA and then to the Director, PAM, for AS/PMB approval. 1405.207 Preparation and transmittal of synopses. In addition to the synopsis information generally required under FAR 5.207, as a best business practice, it is recommended each synopsis of a proposed contract action under other than full and open competition include the location where the offeror may obtain: (a) A description of specific qualifications the Government requires of the product or service to meet the Government's minimum needs; and (b) The factors the Government will use to evaluate the product or service information prospective contractors provide under the proposed contract action. Subpart 1405.3—Synopses of Contract Awards 1405.303 Announcement of contract awards. (a) The CO shall report the following information to the cognizant bureau congressional affairs officer for notification to Congress 24 hours prior to the award of a contract expecting to exceed $500,000: (1) Proposed award date; (2) Contractor name and address; (3) Geographical location of contract performance; (4) Description of the contracted work; (5) Dollar amount of contract; and (6) Contractor business size and whether the firm is minority-owned or is a disadvantaged business concern. (b) With the concurrence of the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, the HCA may waive the announcement of sensitive awards. Subpart 1405.4—Release of Information 1405.403 Requests from Members of Congress. For purposes of this subpart, the agency head is the HCA with the power of redelegation to the BPC. 1405.404 Release of long-range acquisition estimates. 1405.404-1 Release procedures. (a) The authority to release acquisition requirements anticipated in the coming year is delegated to the OSDBU and the HCA with redelegation limited to the BPC. The Government cost estimate shall not be revealed. The expected dollar values shall be advertised as falling within dollar ranges rather than specific dollar amounts. (b) Classified information shall only be released in accordance with the procedures in 442 DM. Subpart 1405.5—Paid Advertisements 1405.502 Authority. (a) The CO shall obtain written authorization of the HCA before placing an advertisement in a newspaper to advertise a contracting opportunity. (b) Advertisements placed in media other than newspapers do not require advance authorization. PART 1406—COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS Subpart 1406.2—Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources Sec. 1406.202 Establishing or maintaining alternate sources. Subpart 1406.3—Other Than Full and Open Competition 1406.302 Circumstances permitting other than full and open competition. 1406.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. 1406.302-7 Public interest. 1406.303 Justifications. 1406.303-70 Additional requirements. 1406.304 Approval of the justification. Subpart 1406.5—Competition Advocates 1406.501 Requirement. 1406.502 Duties and responsibilities. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1406.2—Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources 1406.202 Establishing or maintaining alternative sources. HCAs are authorized to approve the determinations and findings (D&Fs) to establish or maintain an alternative source or sources for supplies or services. Subpart 1406.3—Other Than Full and Open Competition 1406.302 Circumstances permitting other than full and open competition. 1406.302-1 Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. For contracts that will be awarded using this authority, the notices required by FAR 5.201 shall have been published and any bids, proposals, quotations, or capability statements must have been considered. 1406.302-7 Public interest. The CO shall prepare the D&F and complete the justification to support use of public interest authority for other than full and open competition and submit it through the HCA to the Director, PAM, for further action. 1406.303 Justifications. 1406.303-70 Additional requirements. (a) If other than full and open competition is recommended by the office initiating an acquisition requirement, the recommendation shall: (1) Be in writing; (2) Accompany the requisition; (3) Contain the information required by FAR 6.303-2; and (4) Request the CO to conduct a market survey by issuing a synopsis of the proposed contract action (see 1405.207). The initiating office shall evaluate and document all responses to the notice. The CO shall prepare the D&F that only one source can meet the Government's needs based on the evaluation results. The evaluation results shall be included in the justification as required by FAR 6.303-2(a)(8) if it is determined that only one source can meet the Government's needs. (b) The procedure in paragraph (a) of this section is not required for proposed contract actions to be awarded under the authority in FAR 6.302-2 when the CO determines that preparation and approval of the justification would unreasonably delay the acquisition. Under these circumstances, a justification may be prepared and approved after award in accordance with FAR 6.303-1(d). 1406.304 Approval of the justification. A class justification shall be approved in accordance with bureau procedures. Copies of approved class justifications shall be promptly transmitted to PAM. Subpart 1406.5—Competition Advocates 1406.501 Requirement. (a) The competition advocate for DOI is located within PAM's staff. Applicable correspondence should be addressed to PAM, Attention: Competition Advocate. (b) Competition Advocates for each bureau and office shall be as designated by the CAO-AS/PMB. 1406.502 Duties and responsibilities. PAM is responsible for preparing and submitting the annual report required by FAR 6.502(b)(2). Bureau Competition Advocates shall furnish certain information, as may be required, to assist PAM in preparing the report. PART 1407—ACQUISITION PLANNING Subpart 1407.1—Acquisition Plans 1407.102 Policy. Subpart 1407.3—Contractor Versus Government Performance 1407.301 Policy. 1407.307 Appeals. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1407.1—Acquisition Plans 1407.102 Policy. DOI has implemented its acquisition planning system in 404 DM. This system meets the criteria prescribed in FAR Subpart 7.1, 375 DM, OCIO Program Management, and 376 DM, Automated Data Processing. Each of these addresses strategic planning for OCIO and planning for acquisition of federal information processing resources. Subpart 1407.3—Contractor Versus Government Performance 1407.301 Policy. 404 DM, Procurement Planning, addresses the requirements of OMB Circular A-76. 1407.307 Appeals. Department appeal procedures required by OMB Circular A-76 are codified in 43 CFR Part 4, Subpart M. PART 1408—REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES Subpart 1408.1—Excess Personal Property Sec. 1408.102 Policy. Subpart 1408.8—Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 1408.802 Policy. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1408.1—Excess Personal Property 1408.102 Policy. Inquiries on available excess or surplus personal property should be directed to the PMO or the designee in each Bureau or Office. Subpart 1408.8—Acquisition of Printing and Related Supplies 1408.802 Policy. (a) Duplicating is the mass reproduction of materials beyond the capabilities of typical office copiers. Volumes are of sufficient mass quantities up to 5,000 single-page and 25,000 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. Such duplicating units shall require Departmental approval to be processed through the Department of the Interior Publishing Council (DOIPC). (b) Copying is distinguished from “duplicating” in that such work is administrative in nature, produced on office copying equipment and produced as necessary, in limited quantities. Volumes typically range from 1 to 500 single-pages to 2,500 production units in the aggregate of multiple pages. This volume standard is referred to as the “500/2500” rule. Reproduction work exceeding the “500/2500” rule is duplicating, and requires a waiver from the nearest servicing GPO office. Employees should consult with their bureau printing officer or the DOIPC representative to secure such a waiver. (c) The DOIPC has been designated as the Department's liaison with the Joint Committee on Printing and GPO. Requirements for printing and related supplies shall be coordinated with the DOIPC or the designated bureau publications liaison officer in accordance with 314 DM 1. PART 1409—CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS Subpart 1409.2—Qualifications Requirements Sec. 1409.202 Policy. 1409.206 Acquisitions subject to qualifications requirements. 1409.206-1 General. Subpart 1409.4—Debarment, Suspension and Ineligibility 1409.403 Definitions. 1409.404 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). 1409.405 Effect of listing. 1409.405-1 Continuation of current contracts. 1409.406 Debarment. 1409.406-1 General. 1409.406-3 Procedures. 1409.407 Suspension. 1409.407-1 General. 1409.407-3 Procedures. Subpart 1409.5—Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest 1409.503 Waiver. 1409.506 Procedures. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1409.2—Qualifications Requirements 1409.202 Policy. (a) The HCA is the official responsible for establishing the qualification requirement in FAR 9.202(a)(1). This authority is not redelegable. (b) The HCA is the approval official referenced in FAR 9.202(e). 1409.206 Acquisitions subject to qualification requirements. 1409.206-1 General. The HCA is the approval official referenced in FAR 9.206-1(b). Subpart 1409.4—Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility 1409.403 Definitions. As used in this subpart: Case Representative refers to the individual who prepares and forwards the action referral memorandum to the Debarring and Suspending Official and provides additional assistance in the course of action resolution. Debarment and Suspension actions may be referred to the Debarring and Suspending Official for consideration from different sources, as appropriate. The HCA, or designee, may refer matters. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) may also refer actions. Conviction, for the purposes of this subpart, means: (a) A judgment or any other determination of guilt of a criminal offense by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether entered upon a verdict or plea, including a plea of nolo contendere; or, (b) Any other resolution that is the functional equivalent of a judgment, including probation before judgment and deferred prosecution. A disposition without the participation of the court is the functional equivalent of a judgment only if it includes an admission of guilt. Debarring Official refers to the Director, PAM. The Debarring Official is the official authorized to impose debarment or suspension. The Debarring Official also may settle a debarment or suspension action at any time if it is in the best interest of the Government. Suspending Official refers to the Director, PAM. 1409.404 Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). (a) PAM is responsible for accomplishing the actions required in FAR 9.404(c). (b) COs should access the EPLS online at http://www.epls.gov. 1409.405 Effect of listing. When a CO finds that a compelling reason exists to conduct business with a contractor listed on the EPLS, the HCA shall submit the determination and findings to the Director, PAM, for approval. 1409.405-1 Continuation of current contracts. The HCA, without authority to redelegate, is authorized to take the actions listed in FAR 9.405-1. 1409.406 Debarment. 1409.406-1 General. The Director, PAM, is authorized to make the statement regarding debarment by another agency's debarring official under the conditions in FAR 9.406-1(c). 1409.406-3 Procedures. (a) Investigation and referral. Whenever a cause for debarment, as listed in FAR 9.406-2. becomes known to a DOI employee, the matter shall be referred by the case representative to the Debarring Official, in consultation, as appropriate, with the HCA involved, the SOL, and OIG. The case representative will review the matter and, as warranted, prepare and submit to the Debarring Official for consideration an Action Referral Memorandum (ARM) with supporting documentation. (b) Notice of Proposed Debarment. Based upon review of the ARM, as appropriate, the Debarring Official shall initiate proposed debarment by taking the actions listed in FAR 9.406-3(c) and advising the contractor of DOI's process for contesting the action. (c) Decision-making process. (1) For debarment actions based upon a conviction, civil judgment, or in which there is no genuine dispute over material facts, consistent with FAR 9.406-3(d)(1), the Debarring Official shall make a decision on the basis of the information in the administrative record, including any contractor submissions. Where the proceeding includes an oral presentation of matters in opposition (PMIO) to the Debarring Official, the PMIO will be conducted in an informal business meeting format and tape recorded for the administrative record. (2) For actions listed under FAR 9.406-3(b)(2), upon concluding from a contractor's information in response to the action notice that facts material to the existence of cause for debarment are genuinely in dispute, the Debarring Official may refer the disputed material facts to another official for fact-finding. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Debarment Program fact-finding procedures. (i) The fact-finding proceeding will be transcribed. The fact-finding official will file the original copy of the transcript with the case record. The reporter's fees and other direct costs associated with the hearing shall be borne by the bureau or office initiating the debarment action, except in the case of actions initiated by the OIG. For actions initiated by the OIG, the costs will be borne by the bureau(s) and/or office(s) out of which the matter arose. A transcript of the proceedings shall be made available to the contractor as provided under FAR 9.406-3(b)(2)(ii). (ii) Subject to the provisions of 43 CFR Part 1, the contractor, and any specifically named affiliate, may be represented by counsel or any duly authorized representative. Witnesses may be called by either party. The proceedings shall be conducted expeditiously and in such a manner that each party will have a full opportunity to present all information considered pertinent to the proposed debarment. A transcript of the proceedings shall be made available to the contractor under the condition in FAR 9.406-3(b)(2)(ii). (iii) The fact-finding official will prepare findings of fact, certify the entire hearing record and provide said findings and record to the Debarring Official. The fact-finding official shall not make any recommendations unless the Debarring Official has expressly requested such recommendations in writing. Following receipt of the findings of fact, the Debarring Official shall complete debarment proceedings and issue a written debarment decision. (d) Administrative Agreements. Matters may be resolved through administrative agreement at any stage of proceedings of a debarment action where a contractor agrees to appropriate terms. The specific effect of administrative agreements that incorporate terms regarding eligibility for DOI contracting will vary with the terms of the agreements. In general, such agreements resolve debarment concerns and thereby terminate any imposed or pending award ineligibility. In the event of an agreement, PAM will notify COs of the agreement and its terms. (e) Administrative Appeal. Administrative review of the Debarring Official's decision under FAR 9.406-3(e) may be sought as follows: (1) The contractor may within thirty (30) days of receipt of the decision, request the Debarring Official to reconsider the decision for clear material errors of fact or law which would change the outcome of the matter. (2) The Debarring Official may exercise his/her discretion and stay the debarment pending reconsideration review. The Debarring Official will notify the contractor in writing of the decision on reconsideration. (3) A review request under this section must be in writing, clearly state the specific findings believed to be in error and include the reasons or legal bases for the position. 1409.407 Suspension. 1409.407-1 General. The Director, PAM, is authorized to make the determination in FAR 9.407-1(d). 1409.407-3 Procedures. (a) Investigation and referral. Whenever a cause for suspension, as listed in FAR 9.407-2, becomes known to a DOI employee, the matter shall be referred by the case representative to the Suspending Official, in consultation, as appropriate, with the HCA involved, the SOL, and the OIG. The case representative will review the matter and, if warranted, prepare and submit to the Debarring Official for consideration an Action Referral Memorandum (ARM) with supporting documentation. (b) Notice of Suspension. After review of the ARM, if appropriate, the Debarring Official shall initiate a suspension by taking the actions listed in FAR 9.407-3(c), and advising the contractor of the Department's process for contesting the action. (c) Decision making process. (1) For suspension actions based upon an indictment or equivalent charging document, or where there is no genuine dispute over material facts, consistent with FAR 9.407-3(d), or in which additional proceedings to determine disputed material facts have been denied on the basis of DOJ advice, the Suspending Official shall make a decision on the basis of the information in the administrative record, including any submission by the contractor. Where the proceeding includes an oral PMIO to the Suspending Official, the PMIO will be conducted in an informal business meeting format and tape recorded for the administrative record. (2) For actions listed under FAR 9.407-3(b)(2), when the Debarring Official concludes from information in a contractor's response to the proposed action notice that facts material to the existence of a cause for debarment are genuinely in dispute, the Suspending Official may refer the disputed material facts to another official for hearing and findings of fact. (i) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Suspension Program fact-finding procedures. (ii) The fact-finding proceeding will be transcribed. The reporter's fees and other direct costs associated with the hearing shall be borne by the bureau or office initiating the suspension referral, except in the case of actions initiated by the OIG. For actions initiated by the OIG, costs will be borne by Bureaus and/or offices out of which the matter arose. A transcript of the proceedings shall be made available to the contractor under the condition in FAR 9.407-3(b)(2)(ii). (iii) Subject to the provisions of 43 CFR Part 1, the contractor, and any specifically named affiliates, may be represented by counsel or any duly authorized representative. Witnesses may be called by either party. The proceedings shall be conducted expeditiously and in such a manner that each party will have a full opportunity to present all information considered pertinent to the suspension. (iv) The fact-finding official will prepare findings of fact, certify the entire hearing record and provide said findings and record to the Suspending Official. The fact-finding official shall not make any recommendations unless the Suspending Official has expressly requested such recommendations in writing. Following receipt of the findings of fact, the Suspending Official shall complete suspension proceedings and issue a written decision. Matters may be resolved through an administrative agreement at any stage of the proceedings. (d) Administrative Agreements. Matters may be resolved through an administrative agreement at any stage of proceedings in resolution of a suspension action where a contractor agrees to appropriate terms. The specific effect of administrative agreements that incorporate terms regarding eligibility for DOI contracting will vary with the terms of the agreements. In general, such agreements resolve suspension concerns and thereby terminate award ineligibility. An administrative agreement resolving a suspension action may by its terms be an interim agreement. In the event of an agreement, PAM will notify COs of the agreement and its terms. (e) Administrative Appeal. Administrative review of the Suspending Official's decision under FAR 9.407-3(d) may be sought as follows: (1) The contractor may within thirty (30) days of receipt of the decision, ask the Suspending Official to reconsider the decision for clear material errors of fact or law which would change the outcome of the matter. (2) The Suspending Official may in the exercise of discretion stay the debarment pending reconsideration review. The Suspending Official will notify the contractor in writing of the decision on reconsideration. (3) A review request under this section must be submitted in writing; clearly state the specific findings believed to be in error, and include the reasons or legal bases for the position. Subpart 1409.5—Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest 1409.503 Waiver. (a) The Director, PAM, is authorized to waive any general rule or procedure in FAR Subpart 9.5, when such action is in the Government's interest. (b) Request for waivers shall be made by the HCA, through the appropriate SOL, to the Director, PAM. Each request shall include: (1) An analysis of the facts involving the potential or actual conflict, including benefits and detriments to the Government and prospective contractor(s); (2) A discussion of the factors which preclude avoiding, neutralizing or mitigating the conflict; and (3) Identification of the provision(s) in FAR Subpart 9.5 to be waived. 1409.506 Procedures. If the CO determines that contractor performance of the contemplated work is likely to create an organizational conflict of interest, then the contracting officer shall refer the documentation of the potential conflict and proposed resolution prepared in accordance with 7.105(b)(18) to the HCA for approval. Referrals to the HCA shall be initiated by the CO and reviewed by the SOL. PARTS 1410-1412—[RESERVED] SUBCHAPTER C—CONTRACTING METHODS AND CONTRACT TYPES PART 1413—SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES Subpart 1413.2—Micro-Purchase Sec. 1413.201 General. 1413.202-70 Policy. Subpart 1413.3—Simplified Acquisition Methods 1413.305 Imprest Fund. 1413.305-2 Agency responsibilities. 1413.305-4 Procedures. 1413.306 Standard Form 44, Purchase order—invoice—voucher. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1413.2—Micro-Purchase 1413.201 General. The procedures set forth in the Federal Supply Schedule for Government-wide Commercial Credit Card Services, Treasury Financial Manual, TFM 4-4500, and “U.S. Department of Interior Handbook for Utilization of Government Wide Commercial Credit Card” issued by PAM contain guidance on using Government-wide purchase card services. 1413.202-70 Policy. (a) The purchase card shall be used in preference to other methods of procurement for purchases up to $3,000. Other small purchase methods (BPAs, imprest funds, third-party drafts, SF-44 forms, and purchase orders) may be used in lieu of the Government purchase card when it is more cost-effective or practicable. (b) The purchase card shall be issued primarily to personnel outside of procurement offices to purchase products and services up to the micro-purchase threshold ($2,000 for construction). (c) The purchase card may be used in procurement offices for purchases up to the simplified acquisition threshold ($50,000 if not interim FACNET certified) not to exceed individual warrant limitations. (d) Each contracting activity shall develop more specific procedures for use of purchase cards. Subpart 1413.3—Simplified Acquisition Methods 1413.305 Imprest fund. 1413.305-2 Agency responsibilities. Policy governing the use and administration of imprest funds within the Department are contained in 330 DM, in addition to the policies and regulations outlined in FAR 13.305-1. HCAs shall establish written procedures for designation, by name, of personnel authorized to approve requisitions and make purchases using imprest funds. The procedures shall include a periodic review of imprest fund transactions by acquisition personnel. 1413.305-4 Procedures. The individual authorized to make purchases using imprest funds shall be responsible for compliance with the procedures and documentation requirements of FAR 13.305-4. 1413.306 Standard Form 44, Purchase order-invoice-voucher. HCAs are responsible for establishing bureau procedures to control the use of the SF 44 and accounting for all purchases made using the form. Bureau procedures shall include instructions covering: (a) Maintenance of a list of designated individuals authorized to make purchases using the form; (b) Controls for issuing the form to authorized individuals; and (c) Review of purchase transactions using the form to assure compliance with authorized procedures. PART 1414—SEALED BIDDING Sec. Subpart 1414.2—Solicitation of Bids 1414.201 Preparation of invitations for bids. 1414.201-70 Alternate bids. Subpart 1414.4—Opening of Bids and Award of Contract 1414.404 Rejection of bids. 1414.404-1 Cancellation of invitations after opening. 1414.407 Mistakes in bids. 1414.407-3 Other mistakes disclosed before award. 1414.407-4 Mistakes after award. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1414.2—Solicitation of Bids 1414.201 Preparation of invitation for bids. 1414.201-70 Alternate bids. (a) Solicitations for supplies or services (other than construction) shall specify whether alternate bids are permitted, provide instructions for submitting alternate bids and clearly indicate how alternate bids will be evaluated. (b) The clause set forth in 1452.236-71 may be used in non-construction contracts where additive and deductive alternate bids will be permitted. Subpart 1414.4—Opening of Bids and Award of Contract 1414.404 Rejection of bids. 1414.404-1 Cancellation of invitations after opening. The CCO is authorized to make the written determination to cancel the IFB before award but after bid opening. 1414.407 Mistakes in bids. 1414.407-3 Other mistakes disclosed before award. (a) The HCA is authorized to make the administrative determinations under FAR 14.407-3, except as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. This authority is not redelegable. (b) The CCO has the authority outlined in FAR 14.407-3(c) to make the written determination permitting a bidder to withdraw a bid, after review by the SOL. (c) The CO shall submit a report on suspected or alleged mistakes in bids together with the supporting data to the BPC, who will forward it to the HCA. The CO may also include a report on bids where evidence of the intended bid is clear and convincing but the bidder has not requested permission to correct the bid. Incomplete reports may result in a delay in obtaining a determination. (d) The BPC is responsible for maintaining records of administrative determinations. 1414.407-4 Mistakes after award. The CO is authorized to make the administrative determinations outlined in 14.407-4 after receiving concurrence from the SOL. PART 1415—CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION Subpart 1415.2—Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information Sec. 1415.201 Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals. 1415.207 Handling proposals and information. 1415.207-70 Department of the Interior proposal and information handling procedures. 1415.207-71 Confidentiality of proposal evaluation. 1415.209 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses. 1415.209-70 Examination of records by the Department of the Interior. Subpart 1415.3—Source Selection 1415.303 Responsibilities. 1415.305 Proposal evaluation. Subpart 1415.4—Contract Pricing 1415.404 Proposal analysis. 1415.404-2 Information to support proposal analysis. 1415.404-4 Profit. 1415.406 Documentation. 1415.406-70 Department of the Interior price negotiation memorandum (PNM). Subpart 1415.6—Unsolicited Proposals 1415.606 Agency procedures. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1415.2—Solicitation and Receipt of Proposals and Information 1415.201 Exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals. (a) Use of a presolicitation conference shall be approved at one level above the CO. (b) A CO may issue a solicitation for information or planning purposes without a written justification and without obtaining a higher level of approval. 1415.207 Handling proposals and information. 1415.207-70 Department of the Interior proposal and information handling procedures. (a) General. This section establishes procedures that must be used in addition to those prescribed in FAR 15.207, for the use and disclosure of trade secret information and confidential commercial and financial information contained in solicited proposals. (b) Marking of solicited proposals. A solicited proposal may contain trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information which the offeror, or its subcontractors, prefers not to be disclosed to the public or used by the Government for any purpose other than evaluation of the proposal. To notify the Government of trade secrets and confidential commercial or financial information contained in a proposal, offerors must mark the cover page of the proposal and each affected page of the proposal with the legends specified in the solicitation provision at 1452.215-71, Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information—Department of the Interior. COs and other government personnel evaluating a proposal shall not refuse to consider the proposal because it contains information identified as trade secret information or confidential commercial or financial information. (c) Failure to mark. The Government assumes no liability for the disclosure or use of information contained in a proposal if not marked in accordance with 1452.215-71. If a request under the Freedom of Information Act is made for information in a proposal not marked in accordance with 1452.215-71, the offeror concerned shall be notified promptly of the request and given an opportunity to provide its position to the Government. However, failure of an offeror to mark information contained in a proposal as trade secret information or confidential commercial and financial information will be treated by the Government as evidence that the information is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, absent a showing that the failure to mark was due to unusual or extenuating circumstances, such as a showing that the offeror had intended to mark, but that markings were omitted from the offeror's proposal due to clerical error. (d) Solicitation provision. The provision at 1452.215-71, Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information—Department of the Interior, shall be inserted in all requests for proposals and requests for quotations. 1415.207-71 Confidentiality of proposal evaluation. (a) The safeguarding of evaluation data and information, including proposals, is essential in order to preserve the integrity of the proposal evaluation process. During the selection process, no member or advisor of any committee appointed to evaluate proposals shall discuss or disclose any information on the number, identity or content of proposals received to any other party (including supervisors) without the written approval of the CO. 18 U.S.C. 1905 prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of business, confidential or trade secret information unless authorized by law. (b) At the initial meeting of the committee, the CO shall brief all members and advisors on the sensitivity of the evaluation process and the prohibition against unauthorized disclosure of information. At this meeting each member and advisor shall sign a Confidentiality Certificate. During the proposal evaluation process, all proposals, evaluation notes, scoring sheets, and other materials shall be locked in file cabinets or drawers when not in use by committee members and advisors. (c) The CO shall be the single point of contact regarding communications received from outside parties relating to the acquisition and the evaluation and selection process. Any committee member or advisor who receives a communication from any outside party shall, without discussion, immediately refer the party to the CO. The CO will then determine what further action shall be taken, if any, in responding to the communication. Requests for information made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act shall be referred to the CO for reply. Proposal evaluation committee members and advisors shall not contact any offeror whose proposal is under evaluation. All communications with offerors shall be handled by the CO. (d) Bureaus and offices may only release proposals outside the Government for evaluation or advice in accordance with the following requirements: (1) Decisions to release proposals outside the Government for evaluation or advice shall be approved in writing by the HCA; (2) Outside evaluators and advisors shall sign a Conflict of Interest Certificate and a Confidentiality Certificate in a format approved by the HCA; (3) Any authorized restrictive legends placed on the proposal by the prospective contractor or subcontractor, or by the Government shall be applied to any reproduction or abstracted information made by the outside evaluator or advisor; (4) Upon completing the evaluation, all copies of the proposal, as well as any abstracts thereof, shall be returned to the Government office which initially furnished them for evaluation; and (5) All determinations to release the proposal outside the Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding individual conflicts of interest (see 1403.101) and organizational conflicts of interest (see 1409.5 and FAR Subpart 9.5), and the competitive relationship, if any, between the prospective contractor or subcontractor and the prospective outside evaluator. (e) If outside individuals will be voting members of the evaluation committee or otherwise participate in other than an advisory capacity, then the committee must be constituted as a Federal Advisory Committee in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (PL 92-463) and 308 DM 2. Since the Secretary must appoint such committees in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, there should be very few occasions when use of outside individuals as voting members is justified. (f) Outside evaluators will usually serve as advisors to the proposal evaluation committee and as such, are consultants. Consultants may be appointed as special employees in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3109 or contracted for in accordance with 1437.1. (g) Additional restrictions on the disclosure of acquisition evaluation information are listed in FAR Subpart 5.4. 1415.209 Solicitation provisions and contract clauses. 1414.209-70 Examination of records by the Department of the Interior. The CO shall insert the clause at 1452.215-70, Examination of Records by the Department of the Interior, in all contracts requiring the clause at FAR 52.215-2 Audit and Records, Negotiation, as prescribed in FAR 15.209(b). Subpart 1415.3—Source Selection 1415.303 Responsibilities. (a) The HCA shall determine when a formal source selection process will be used and shall establish implementing procedures. (b) The formal source selection procedures shall include designating the CO as the individual responsible for the proper control and appropriate release of proprietary and source selection information after source selection. 1415.305 Proposal evaluation. The CCO is authorized to make the determination to reject all proposals. Subpart 1415.4—Contract Pricing 1415.404 Proposal analysis. 1415.404-2 Information to support proposal analysis. The CO shall initiate an audit by sending a completed form DI-1902, Request for Audit, to the Assistant Inspector General for Auditing, OIG (see 1453.215-70). (a) The CO shall allow at least 30 working days in assigning a realistic deadline for receipt of the audit report. In exceptional circumstances 20 working days may be allowed but the circumstances shall be documented in the contract file. (b) Upon receipt of a DI-1902, the OIG will conduct the audit or arrange for its conduct by the cognizant audit agency in accordance with 360 DM 3.7. (c) Upon receipt of the audit report, the CO and the price analyst (if assigned), shall discuss any questions regarding the report's contents with the cognizant auditor. If a question cannot be resolved or agreement cannot be reached on a recommendation in the report, the CO shall prepare a written statement for the contract file documenting the decision on the matter. A copy of the statement shall be promptly forwarded to the Assistant Inspector General for Auditing for information. 1415.404-4 Profit. (a) DOI's policy is to use a structured approach for determining the profit or fee prenegotiation objective in acquisition actions that require cost analysis based on the profit analysis factors in FAR 15.905, as implemented and supplemented in this section. (b) In addition to the factors listed in FAR 15.404-4(d), one additional factor, “Other Costs,” will be used in evaluating and determining a weighted profit or fee. For further guidance also refer to the Armed Services Pricing Manual (ASPM No. 1). The “Other Costs” factor shall include the contribution of all other direct costs including travel, direct support and hiring of consultants for contract performance. (c) Form DI-1920, Structured Approach for Profit/Fee Objective— Department of the Interior shall be used to calculate the profit or fee objective. 1415.406 Documentation. 1415.406-70 Department of the Interior price negotiation memorandum (PNM). (a) Policy. In addition to the information required in FAR 15.406-3, the PNM prepared by the CO shall include the information in paragraph (c) of this section to the extent such information is applicable to the negotiation. (b) Applicability. (1) The CO shall prepare a PNM documenting the negotiation of the initial contract award and any subsequent modifications affecting price, cost or fee, including revisions to the prices of contracts awarded through sealed bidding procedures. A PNM is not required for unilateral modifications such as exercising fixed price options or issuing change orders. The memorandum is required for concluding changes and settlements of claims and for issuing orders under Blanket Ordering Agreements, task orders and delivery orders that involve the negotiation of prices, estimated quantities or amounts. (2) For simplified acquisitions conducted pursuant to FAR Part 13, the documentation requirements of 1413.106 and FAR 13.106 shall be followed. (c) Procedures. When the CO prepares the memorandum prescribed in FAR 15.406-3, the following additional information shall be included to the extent it applies to the contract action. Information already contained in the contract file or in a previous PNM shall be referenced by location: (1) A discussion of the reason(s) why sealed bidding is not appropriate as required by FAR 6.401 (or cross-reference the file location of the existing explanation); (2) A memorandum identifying the type of contract used and why it was selected as required by FAR 16.103(d). The file location of any required determination and findings authorizing use of this type of contract (see Part 1416); (3) A history of the contract action including: Whether the action was synopsized or the basis for exemption under FAR 5.202, and file location of the synopsis; consideration given to the use of set-asides and file location of DI-1886 (see Subpart 1419.2); solicitation issuance date, closing date for receipt of proposals and extensions; (iv) sources solicited (reference file location); late proposal or proposal modification information required by FAR 15.208; and the file location of “Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition,” if applicable. (4) Evaluation of proposal(s), including: Evaluation factors used and weights (FAR 15.304); results of initial proposal evaluation (FAR 15.305); determination of competitive range (FAR 15.306); results of written or oral discussions conducted (FAR 15.306); discussion of final proposal revisions received (FAR 15.307) and results of final proposal evaluation; and basis for source selection. For formal source selection procedures (see 1415.303), information on the source selection plan, and the source selection decision including supporting documentation required by FAR 15.308. (5) If cost or pricing data were not required, the cost or price analysis performed in accordance with FAR 15.404-1. (6) If cost or pricing data were required, the cost analysis (FAR 15.404-1(c)) performed; and cost realism analysis (FAR 15.404-1(d)) and technical analysis (FAR 15.404-1(e)) performed, as applicable to the procurement. (7) If an audit report was required (FAR 15.404-2), COs shall specifically describe actions taken in response to significant audit findings, including the monetary value and decisions made with regard to any of the audit's questioned costs; i.e., COs shall identify the value of the questioned costs, indicate whether they will allow or disallow them, and provide an explanation for their decisions. For purposes of this section, “significant audit finding” and “questioned cost” are defined as those findings and/or costs cited or questioned in an external audit because of their relationship to unallowable costs claimed, a failure to comply with regulations or the terms of the contract, mathematical errors, and/or the duplication of costs. Questions and/or disagreements between the CO, price analyst (if assigned) and cognizant auditor as to an audit report's interpretation or recommendations regarding “significant audit finding” and/or “questioned costs” shall be clarified or resolved and appropriately documented. If a disagreement cannot be resolved or agreement cannot be reached, the CO shall prepare a written statement in the PNM that discusses the issue(s) in question and supports a final decision on the matter. (8) The basis for determining profit or fee as prescribed in FAR Subpart 15.404-4 and form DI-1920 (or file location). (d) Approval. The PNM shall be signed and dated by the contract specialist or contract negotiator who conducted the negotiation and approved by the CO. (e) Distribution. Whenever field pricing support has been obtained, copies of related PNMs shall be forwarded to the Assistant Inspector General for Auditing, OIG, not later than 15 days after the execution of the resulting contract, modification or close-out action. Subpart 1415.6—Unsolicited Proposals 1415.606 Agency procedures. The contact point for the receipt and coordination of unsolicited proposals is the contracting office, which will acknowledge and review the proposal contents and determine the proper activity within the bureau/office to evaluate and process the proposal. The policy or contracting office shall acknowledge unsolicited proposals and forward each one to the processing activity in an expeditious manner. Each bureau/office shall establish procedures for receipt, reproduction and disposition of unsolicited proposals consistent with the requirements of FAR 15.6. PART 1416—TYPES OF CONTRACTS Subpart 1416.2—Fixed-Price Contracts Sec. 1416.203 Fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment. 1416.203-4 Contract clauses. Subpart 1416.4—Incentive Contracts 1416.405 Contract clauses. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1416.2—Fixed-Price Contracts 1416.203 Fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment. 1416.203-4 Contract clauses. An economic price adjustment clause based on actual cost of labor or material may be used after approval by the BPC, without the power of redelegation. Subpart 1416.4—Incentive Contracts 1416.405 Contract clauses. The BPC, without the power of redelegation, is authorized to approve an award fee clause to use in a solicitation when a cost-plus-award-fee contract is contemplated. PART 1417—SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Subpart 1417.2—Options Sec. 1417.203 Solicitations. 1417.206 Evaluation. Subpart 1417.4—Leader Company Contracting 1417.402 Limitations. Subpart 1417.5—Interagency Acquisitions Under the Economy Act 1417.502 General. Subpart 1417.6—Management and Operating Contracts 1417.602 Policy. 1417.605 Award, renewal and extension. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1417.2—Options 1417.203 Solicitations. Option quantities in excess of the 50 percent limit may, in unusual circumstances, be approved by the CCO. 1417.206 Evaluation. The determination in FAR 17.206(b) shall be approved by the CCO prior to soliciting offers. Subpart 1417.4—Leader Company Contracting 1417.402 Limitations. Use of leader company contracting for a product, subject to the limitations in FAR 17.402, shall require advance discussion with the Director, PAM, prior to approval by the HCA. This authority may not be redelegated. Documentation shall include the circumstances requiring such action. Subpart 1417.5—Interagency Acquisitions Under the Economy Act 1417.502 General. (a) The HCA, with authority to redelegate to the BPC, is authorized to make the determination prescribed in FAR 17.503 in accordance with the requirements in FAR 17.502. The CO shall prepare the determination, and for actions exceeding $100,000, obtain legal review from the SOL before submitting it to the HCA for signature. Class determinations may be utilized where appropriate. (b) Bureaus and offices shall develop procedures governing the use of interagency acquisitions under the Economy Act that are consistent with the FAR and this subpart 1417.5, and which adequately protect the Department's interests. Subpart 1417.6—Management and Operating Contracts 1417.602 Policy. (a) The AS/PMB is authorized to approve the CO's determination to enter into, extend or renew any management and operating contract. (b) The CO shall prepared requests for authorization to enter into, extend or renew any management and operating contract shall be prepared by the CO and submitted by the HCA through the Director, PAM for approval by the AS/PMB. The request shall be submitted prior to solicitation for the requirement and shall: (1) Reference the statutory authority for the requirement; (2) Discuss the relationship between the requirement and the limitations in FAR 17.603; (3) Include a copy of the proposed contract schedule and evaluation factors for; and (4) If a noncompetitive procurement is proposed, include a copy of the Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition. (c) The HCA shall be responsible for conducting the reviews required by FAR 17.602(c) and taking required actions within the time limit prescribed. (d) The CO shall request authorization under paragraph (a) of this section for solicitation of offers for cost comparison purposes under OMB Circular A-76 (see FAR 7.3) for: (1) Operation, maintenance, or support of a Government-owned or controlled special production or testing facility; or (2) Any other commercial or industrial service activity which, if performed by a contractor, would result in a management and operating contract as defined under FAR Subpart 17.6. 1417.605 Award, renewal and extension. The CO shall review each management and operating contract prior to any extension or exercise of a renewal option. Any extension or renewal of a management and operating contract shall first be authorized as required in 1417.602. PART 1418—[RESERVED] SUBCHAPTER D—SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS PART 1419—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS Subpart 1419.2—Policies Sec. 1419.201 General policy. 1419.202 Specific policies. 1419.202-70 Acquisition screening and BUDS recommendations. Subpart 1419.5—Set-Asides for Small Business 1419.503 Setting aside a class of acquisitions for small business. 1419.503-70 Class set-aside for construction acquisitions. 1419.505 Rejecting Small Business Administration recommendations. 1419.506 Withdrawing or modifying small business set-asides. Subpart 1419.6—Certificates of Competency and Determinations of Responsibility 1419.602 Procedures. 1419.602-1 Referral. Subpart 1419.7—The Small Business Subcontracting Program 1419.705 Responsibilities of the contracting officer under the subcontracting assistance program. 1419.705-2 Determining the need for a subcontracting plan. 1419.705-3 Preparing the solicitation. 1419.705-6 Postaward responsibilities of the contracting officer. Subpart 1419.8—Contracting with the Small Business Administration (the 8(A) program) 1419.803 Selecting acquisitions for the 8(a) program. 1419.810 SBA Appeals. Subpart 1419.9—Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses 1419.901 Policy. Subpart 1419.10—Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program 1419.1003 Purpose. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1419.2—Policies 1419.201 General policy. HCAs, without the power of redelegation, shall be responsible for the establishment of annual goals. The purpose of these goals is to increase participation of small business and small disadvantaged businesses in contract and subcontract opportunities. Goals for contract awards to minority business enterprises and women-owned businesses shall also be developed. (a) All program goals must comply with the criteria established by OSDBU and shall reflect improvement in participation of small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses. The goal setting process shall be conducted as follows: (1) Proposed goals are to be submitted by contracting activities to OSDBU by August 15th for the next fiscal year. To the greatest extent possible, the goals shall be based on advance acquisition plans (see Subpart 1407.1), budget justifications, and past performance. (2) OSDBU shall be responsible for consolidating bureau and office goals, performing trend analysis, and submitting proposed Departmental goals to SBA, and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), Department of Commerce. (3) Bureau and office goals shall be negotiated and finalized with the OSDBU based on current plans and budget projections. OSDBU shall negotiate final Departmental goals with SBA, and MBDA. (4) Since goals are expressed as a percentage of planned acquisition dollars, final budget approvals may change specific dollar goals. (b) HCAs may request revision of goals from OSDBU when final budget approvals result in a change of plus or minus 15% in planned acquisition dollars or in instances when a disproportionate change in the mix of products or services is required. The goal setting process with the Bureau/Offices shall be completed by December 31st of each year. (c) In accordance with 111 DM 8, OSDBU is responsible for performing all functions and duties prescribed in FAR 19.201(d) and for: (1) Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines for the effective administration of the Department's small business and small disadvantaged business programs; and, (2) Providing functional direction and policy guidance to personnel in the implementation of the programs under paragraph (c)(1) of this section. (d) HCAs without authority to redelegate shall: (1) Appoint a full-time BUDS ( e.g., procurement analyst or other non-operational contract person), for each contracting office where: (i) Annual contract obligations regularly exceed $20 million or represent a substantial part of the bureau's total contracting program; and, (ii) The number, type, and size of contract transactions provide sufficient opportunities for small business and small disadvantaged business participation. (2) Appoint a part-time BUDS ( e.g., procurement analyst or other non-operational contract person), for each contracting office where the nature of the contracting program requires such action to ensure accomplishment of annual program goals; (e) Each BUDS shall perform the duties listed at FAR 19.201(d)(5)(6), and (10), 405 DM 1, and in the BUDS Standard Operating Procedures Handbook (405 DM 2). 1419.202 Specific policies. 1419.202-70 Acquisition screening and BUDS recommendations. (a) For open market acquisitions estimated to exceed the SAT, the DI Form 1886, “Acquisition Screening and Review Form,” shall be completed by the CO and signed as indicated in Block 20 of the form. The completed form shall be placed in the solicitation/contract file prior to requesting quotations, publication of a FedBizOpps solicitation notice, or publication of a notice of intent to award a sole source contract. (b) For open market acquisitions estimated to be greater than the micro-purchase threshold and less than the SAT that are not reserved for small business or proceeding under the 8(a) program, the DI Form 1886 shall be completed as specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Open market acquisitions, including charge card transactions, estimated to be less than the micro-purchase threshold are not routinely screened, but may be upon request by the purchaser. (d) For Federal Supply Schedule competitions estimated to exceed the SAT and for which the source list contains less than three small businesses, the DI Form 1886 shall be completed as specified in paragraph (a) of this section. (e) Federal Supply Schedule buys below the SAT are not routinely screened, but may be upon request by the CO. (f) If the proposed method of acquisition is non-competitive, the Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition shall be attached to the DI Form 1886. (g) Advance acquisition plans developed pursuant to FAR Part 7 shall be attached to the DI Form 1886. (h) The CO shall document the rationale for not accepting a BUDS recommendation on DI Form 1886, under “Notes.” (See FAR 19.202.) Disagreements between the CO and the BUDS concerning the decision to use a set aside or the 8(a) program shall be resolved by the BPC. The BPC shall annotate the resolution, with signature, in the “Notes” section of the form. The BPC may consult with the OSDBU to obtain assistance in resolving the disagreement. Subpart 1419.5—Set-Asides for Small Business 1419.503 Setting aside a class of acquisitions. 1419.503-70 Class set-aside for construction acquisitions. (a) Acquisitions for construction (as defined in FAR 2.101) estimated to cost $2 million or less shall be set-aside on a class basis for exclusive participation by small business concerns. This class set-aside does not apply when: (1) The acquisition is procured using simplified acquisition procedures; (2) Use of a set-aside is precluded by the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program (SBCDP) (See FAR 19.10); (3) A non-competitive acquisition has been approved under the procedures of FAR 6.3; (4) Work is to be performed outside the U.S.; or (5) The BPC determines that adequate competition is not likely to be obtained if the acquisition is restricted to small business concerns, applying the requirements of FAR 19.202-2. (b) The use of such set-asides is contingent upon current policy in effect under application of the SBCDP (See FAR 19.10). 1419.505 Rejecting Small Business Administration recommendations. (a) A written justification in support of the CO's decision to reject the set-aside recommendation shall be approved by the HCA. It shall then be forwarded for sequential review through the Director, OSDBU and the Director, PAM, for action by the AS/PMB. (b) As prescribed in FAR 19.505, the AS/PMB is authorized to reply to the Administrator of SBA on any SBA appeal of a contracting officer's set-aside recommendation. 1419.506 Withdrawing or modifying small business set-asides. The HCA is authorized, without the power of redelegation, to resolve disagreements between the CO and the BUDS concerning withdrawals or modifications of individual or class set-asides as prescribed in FAR 19.506. OSDBU shall be provided timely notification of such disagreements and the recommendation of the BUDS in order to provide assistance in resolving the disagreement. Subpart 1419.6—Certificates of Competency and Determinations of Responsibility 1419.602 Procedures. 1419.602-1 Referral. The CO shall obtain approval from the CCO for all determinations documenting a responsive small business' lack of responsibility prior to submission to the appropriate SBA office. A copy of the determination shall be sent to OSDBU. Subpart 1419.7—The Small Business Subcontracting Program 1419.705 Responsibilities of the contracting officer under the subcontracting assistance program. 1419.705-2 Determining the need for a subcontracting plan. The CO's determination that no subcontract possibilities exist for a proposed contractual action shall be reviewed by the BUDS prior to the approval by a level above the CO, and a copy shall be forwarded to OSDBU within 5 working days of execution, but in no case later than the date of contract award. The BUDS may contact OSDBU and consider any comments or recommendations offered. 1419.705-3 Preparing the solicitation. In solicitations containing subcontract plan requirements, COs should consider evaluating offered subcontract plans and the offerors' past subcontracting compliance and accomplishments in the evaluation and selection of proposals. This would be particularly appropriate for acquisitions known to offer significant subcontracting opportunities for small, small disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses or which include work previously performed by a small business. When used, this factor must be evaluated in such a way that the relative ranking or scoring of small business offerors is not adversely affected by the lack of a subcontract plan. 1419.705-6 Postaward responsibilities of the contracting officer. In addition to the actions specified in FAR 19.705-6, the CO shall also be responsible for the following: (a) Forwarding a copy of each approved subcontracting plan to OSDBU within 10 working days after approval of the plan. (b) Ensuring that the contractor forwards the original copy of the Standard Form 295, Summary Contracting Report, to the Department of the Interior, Director, OSDBU, 18th & C Streets, NW., Washington, DC 20240, Rm. 2747. (c) Forwarding a copy of the Standard Form 294, Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts, received from individual contractors, within 10 working days, to OSDBU. (d) Conducting on-site business and economic development program management reviews (see 405 DM 1) of a prime contractor's small and disadvantaged business subcontracting program. Reviews shall be conducted as required based on problems perceived such as insufficient progress in meeting subcontracting goals. The result of the review shall be documented in writing using the format shown at 1453.303-70. At the discretion of the CO, the BUDS may conduct the reviews. In addition to required bureau/office internal distribution, a copy of the review report shall be submitted to OSDBU within 60 calendar days after completion of the review. Subpart 1419.8—Contracting with the Small Business Administration (The 8(a) Program) 1419.803 Selecting acquisitions for the 8(a) Program. The CO shall first screen the acquisition for suitability for award to SBA under the Section 8(a) program, before taking action under FAR 19.501, 19.502 or 1419.503-70. After selecting acquisitions suitable for the 8(a) program, the contracting office shall provide SBA appropriate advance acquisition planning information for all acquisitions found to be suitable for the 8(a) program ( See also 1407.1). 1419.810 SBA appeals. AS/PMB, without the power of redelegation, is authorized to issue the decision on an SBA appeal of a CO's Section 8(a) decision. Subpart 1419.9—Contracting Opportunities for Women-Owned Small Businesses 1419.901 Policy. In support of the Department's policy to facilitate, preserve, and strengthen women's business enterprises: (a) Annual goals for contract awards to women-owned businesses shall be established as prescribed in 1419.201(b); and (b) Small women-owned businesses shall be considered for subcontracting opportunities under FAR 19.702, and subcontract awards shall be reported as prescribed in FAR 19.704. (c) OSDBU, in accordance with 111 DM 8, is assigned the responsibility for carrying out the Department's women-owned business enterprise program. Subpart 1419.10—Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program 1419.1003 Purpose. OSDBU is responsible for establishing the 10 targeted industry categories and monitoring DOI's participation. PARTS 1420-1421—[RESERVED] PART 1422—APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS Subpart 1422.1—Basic Labor Policies Sec. 1422.101 Labor relations. 1422.101-1 General. 1422.101-3 Reporting labor disputes. 1422.101-4 Removal of items from contractors' facilities affected by work stoppages. 1422.103 Overtime. 1422.103-4 Approvals. Subpart 1422.3—Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act 1422.302 Liquidated damages and overtime pay. Subpart 1422.4—Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Construction 1422.404 Davis-Bacon Act wage determinations. 1422.404-6 Modifications of wage determinations. 1422.406-8 Investigations. 1422.406-9 Withholding from or suspension of contract payments. 1422.406-13 Semiannual enforcement reports. Subpart 1422.6—Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act 1422.604 Exemptions. 1422.604-2 Regulatory exemptions. Subpart 1422.8—Equal Employment Opportunity 1422.803 Responsibilities. 1422.804 Affirmative action programs. 1422.804-2 Construction. 1422.805 Procedures. 1422.807 Exemptions. Subpart 1422.10—Service Contract Act of 1965, As Amended 1422.1003 Applicability. 1422.1003-4 Administrative limitations, variations, tolerances and exemptions. Subpart 1422.13—Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans 1422.1305 Waivers. Subpart 1422.14—Employment of Workers with Disabilities 1422.1403 Waivers. Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, 40 U.S.C. 486(c); and 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart 1422.1—Basic Labor Policies 1422.101 Labor relations. 1422.101-1 General. The HCA may designate programs or requirements for which notice of labor disputes is necessary. 1422.101-3 Reporting labor disputes. Labor disputes that may interfere with contract performance shall be reported to the SOL and the HCA. 1422.101-4 Removal of items from contractors' facilities affected by work stoppages. Prior to initiating any action for removal of items from contractors' facilities, the CO shall obtain advice from SOL. 1422.103 Overtime. 1422.103-4 Approvals. The CO shall obtain approval for the use of overtime from the CCO after consultation with the cognizant program office. Subpart 1422.3—Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act 1422.302 Liquidated damages and overtime pay. (a) HCAs are authorized to take the action in FAR 22.302(c) (b) Funds withheld or collected for liquidated damages shall be disposed of in accordance with procedures under 1422.406-9. Subpart 1422.4—Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Construction 1422.404 Davis-Bacon Act wage determinations. 1422.404-6 Modifications of wage determinations. The HCA is authorized to request an extension for awards not made within 90 days after bid opening. 1422.406-8 Investigations. (a) Labor standards investigations required by FAR 22.406-8 shall be the responsibility of the CO. (b) The CO's report of violations shall be submitted to the HCA, who is authorized to take the actions prescribed in FAR 22.406-8(d). (c) The HCA shall forward all referrals through the OIG to the Attorney General. 1422.406-9 Withholding from or suspension of contract payments. HCAs shall establish procedures for collection and disposition of funds withheld under FAR 22.406-9, including liquidated damages. 1422.406-13 Semiannual enforcement reports. PAM is responsible for submitting the report required by FAR 22.406-13 to DOL. In accordance with DOL memoranda, PAM requires bureaus to submit the required reports by April 15 and October 15 for the reporting periods of October 1 through March 31 and April 1 through September 30, respectively. Subpart 1422.6—Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act 1422.604 Exemptions. 1422.604-2 Regulatory exemptions. The AS/PMB is authorized to request the Secretary of Labor to exempt contracts from the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act under FAR 22.604-2(b). A written finding justifying the exemption shall be prepared by the CO and submitted by the HCA to the Director, PAM for further action. Subpart 1422.8—Equal Employment Opportunity 1422.803 Responsibilities. The CO shall forward matters involving the applicability of EO 11246 to the HCA for resolution. This authority is granted to the HCA without the power of redelegation. 1422.804 Affirmative action programs. 1422.804-2 Construction. Bureau contracting offices are responsible for maintaining (including updates and revisions) lists of geographic areas subject to affirmative action requirements. 1422.805 Procedures. Copies of the poster “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law” (National Stock No. 7690-00-926-8988) may be ordered from the GSA supply depot. 1422.807 Exemptions. (a) The Director, PAM shall make the determination that a contract is essential to the national security and that the award of the contract without complying with one of the requirements of FAR 22.8 is necessary to national security. (b) Requests for exemptions shall be submitted in writing by the CO, through the HCA, to the Director, PAM. Subpart 1422.10—Service Contract Act of 1965, as Amended 1422.1003 Applicability. 1422.1003-4 Administrative limitations, variations, tolerances and exemptions. The CO shall submit requests for determination regarding application of the Service Contract Act and exemptions directly to DOL, Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. Subpart 1422.13—Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans 1422.1305 Waivers. (a) The Director, PAM is authorized to: (1) Waive any or all terms of the clause at FAR 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans, under the conditions prescribed in FAR 22.1305(a), and (2) Waive any requirement in FAR Subpart 22.13 as prescribed in FAR 22.1305(b). (b) Requests for waivers, under paragraph (a) of this section, shall be made in writing by the CO through the HCA to the Director, PAM for further action. Subpart 1422.14—Emplo [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2010-7967. Public record. Not legal advice.