Acquisition regulations: Simplified acquisition procedures,

[Federal Register: January 15, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 10)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 2595-2599]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr15ja99-28]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

48 CFR Parts 204, 208, 213, 216, 217, 219, 223, 225, 237, 242, 246, 247, and 253

[DFARS Case 97-D306]

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Simplified Acquisition Procedures

AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: The Director of Defense Procurement has issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to update guidance on simplified acquisition procedures for consistency with the reorganization of simplified acquisition procedures in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 15, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Susan L. Schneider, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, PDUSD (A&T) DP (DAR), IMD 3D139, 3062 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062. Telephone (703) 602-0131; telefax (703) 602-0350. Please cite DFARS Case 97-D306.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

  1. Background

    This final rule revises DFARS Part 213 to conform to the revision of FAR Part 13 that was published as Item IV of Federal Acquisition Circular 97-03 on December 9, 1997 (62 FR 64916). The rule also amends other parts of the DFARS for consistency with FAR amendments that implemented provisions of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-355) pertaining to simplified acquisition procedures (e.g., replacement of the term ``small purchase'' with the term ``simplified acquisition''). The FAR amendments were published as Item III of Federal Acquisition Circular 90-29 (60 FR 34741, July 3, 1995) and Item II of Federal Acquisition Circular 90-40 (61 FR 39189, July 26, 1996).

    A proposed DFARS rule was published on May 8, 1998 (63 FR 25438). Seven respondents submitted comments on the proposed rule. All comments were considered in developing the final rule. The guidance at 213.270 of the proposed rule, pertaining to use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card, has been excluded from the final rule, as the underlying policy memoranda have been canceled and superseded. The superseding policy memorandum, issued by the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology on October 2, 1998, entitled ``Streamlined Payment Practices for Awards/Orders Valued at or below the Micro-Purchase Threshold,'' will be implemented in a future amendment to the DFARS.

  2. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of Defense certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because the rule primarily consists of conforming DFARS amendments and internal Government procedures to implement existing FAR guidance pertaining to purchase at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

  3. Paperwork Reduction Act

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

    List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 204, 208, 213, 216, 217, 219, 223, 225, 237, 242, 246, 247, and 253

    Government procurement. Michele P. Peterson, Executive Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council.

    Therefore, 48 CFR Parts 204, 208, 213, 216, 217, 219, 223, 225, 237, 242, 246, 247, and 253 are amended as follows:

    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Parts 204, 208, 213, 216, 217, 219, 223, 225, 237, 242, 246, 247, and 253 continues to read as follows:

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

      PART 204--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

    2. Section 204.670-2 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:

      Sec. 204.670-2 Reportable contracting actions.

      * * * * *

      (c) Summarize on the monthly DD Form 1057, in accordance with the instructions in 253.204-71(a)(3), contracting actions that--

      (1) Support a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13) or a

      [[Page 2596]]

      humanitarian or peacekeeping operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2303(7); and

      (2) Obligate or deobligate funds exceeding $25,000 but not exceeding $200,000. * * * * *

      204-804-1 [Amended]

    3. Section 204.804-1 is amended in paragraph (2) by removing the phrase ``small purchase'' and adding in its place the phrase ``simplified acquisition''.

      PART 208--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

    4. Section 208.405-2 is revised to read as follows:

      208.405-2 Order placement.

      (1) When ordering from schedules, ordering offices--

      (i) May use DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies or Services, to place orders for--

      (A) Commercial items at or below the simplified acquisition threshold; and

      (B) Other than commercial items at any dollar value (see 213.307);

      (ii) Shall use SF 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items, to place orders for commercial items exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (see FAR 12.204); and

      (iii) May use SF 1449 to place orders for other than commercial items at any dollar value.

      (2) Schedule orders may be placed orally if--

      (i) The contractor agrees to furnish a delivery ticket for each shipment under the order (in the number of copies required by the ordering office). The ticket must include the--

      (A) Contract number;

      (B) Order number under the contract;

      (C) Date of order;

      (D) Name and title of person placing the order;

      (E) Itemized listing of supplies or services furnished; and

      (F) Date of delivery or shipment; and

      (ii) Invoicing procedures are agreed upon. Optional methods of submitting invoices for payment are permitted, such as--

      (A) An individual invoice with a receipted copy of the delivery ticket;

      (B) A summarized monthly invoice covering all oral orders made during the month, with receipted copies of the delivery tickets (this option is preferred if there are many oral orders); or

      (C) A contracting officer statement that the Government has received the supplies.

      (3) For purchases where cash payment is an advantage, the use of imprest funds in accordance with 213.305 is authorized when--

      (i) The order does not exceed the threshold at FAR 13.305-3(a); and

      (ii) The contractor agrees to the procedure.

      (4) The Governmentwide commercial purchase card may be used to place schedule orders in accordance with agency procedures.

    5. Section 208.7204 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:

      208.7204 Procedures.

      (a) Except as otherwise provided in FAR or DFARS, solicit planned producers for all acquisitions of their planned items, when the acquisition exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold. * * * * *

    6. Section 208.7305 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows:

      208.7305 Contract clause.

      (a) * * *

      (3) For acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. * * * * *

    7. Part 213 is revised to read as follows:

      PART 213--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

      Sec. 213.005 Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 list of inapplicable laws.

      Subpart 213.3--Simplified Acquisition Methods

      213.302 Purchase orders. 213.302-3 Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase orders. 213.302-5 Clauses. 213.303 Blanket purchase agreements (BPAs). 213.303-5 Purchases under BPAs. 213.305 Imprest funds and third party drafts. 213.305-1 General. 213.305-3 Conditions for use. 213.306 SF 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher. 213.307 Forms.

      Subpart 213.4--Fast Payment Procedure

      213.402 Conditions for use.

      Subpart 213.70--Simplified Acquisition Procedures Under the 8(a) Program

      213.7001 Policy. 213.7002 Procedures. 213.7003 Purchase orders. 213.7003-1 Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase orders. 213.7003-2 Contract clauses.

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

      213.005 Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 list of inapplicable laws.

      (a) The restriction on use of funds appropriated for fiscal year 1998 in Section 8117 of the National Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Pub. L. 105-56) is inapplicable to contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (see 222.1304(b)).

      Subpart 213.3--Simplified Acquisition Methods

      213.302 Purchase orders.

      213.302-3 Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase orders.

      (1) Require written acceptance of purchase orders for classified acquisitions.

      (2) Generally, use unilateral modifications (see FAR 43.103) for--

      (i) No-cost amended shipping instructions if--

      (A) The amended shipping instructions modify a unilateral purchase order; and

      (B) The contractor agrees orally or in writing; and

      (ii) Any change made before work begins if--

      (A) The change is within the scope of the original order;

      (B) The contractor agrees;

      (C) The modification references the contractor's oral or written agreement; and

      (D) Block 13D of Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/ Modification of Contract, is annotated to reflect the authority for issuance of the modification.

      (3) A supplemental agreement converts a unilateral purchase order to a bilateral agreement. If not previously included in the purchase order, incorporate the clause at 252.243-7001, Pricing of Contract Modifications, in the Standard Form 30, and obtain the contractor's acceptance by signature on the Standard Form 30.

      213.302-5 Clauses.

      Use the clause at 252.243-7001, Pricing of Contract Modifications, in all bilateral purchase orders.

      213.303 Blanket purchase agreements (BPAs).

      213.303-5 Purchases under BPAs.

      (b) Individual purchases for subsistence may be made at any dollar value; however, the contracting officer must satisfy the competition requirements of FAR Part 6 for any action not using simplified acquisition procedures.

      [[Page 2597]]

      213.305 Imprest funds and third party drafts.

      213.305-1 General.

      (1) As a matter of policy, DoD does not support the use of cash payments from imprest funds. This policy is based, in part, on the mandatory electronic funds transfer requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-134).

      (2) On a very limited basis, installation commanders and commanders of other activities with contracting authority may be granted authority to establish imprest funds and third party draft (accommodation check) accounts.

      (3) Third party draft accounts, when established in accordance with DoD 7000.14-R, DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 5, Disbursing Policy and Procedures--

      (i) Provide an alternative to cash and U.S. Treasury checks when the use of Government purchase or travel cards is not feasible;

      (ii) Eliminate the need for cash on hand for imprest fund transactions; and

      (iii) Give issuing activities the flexibility to issue low-volume and low-dollar value payment on site.

      213.305-3 Conditions for use.

      (d)(i) Use of imprest funds--

      (A) Must comply with the conditions stated in--

      (1) DoD 7000.14-R, DoD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 5, Disbursing Policy and Procedures; and

      (2) The Treasury Financial Manual, Part 4, Chapter 3000, Section 3020; and

      (B) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(ii) of this subsection, requires approval by the Director for Financial Commerce, Office of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).

      (ii) Imprest funds are authorized for use without further approval for--

      (A) Overseas transactions at or below the micro-purchase threshold in support of a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13) or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(7); and

      (B) Classified transactions.

      213.306 SF 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher.

      (a)(1) The micro-purchase limitation applies to all purchases, except that purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold may be made for--

      (A) Aviation fuel and oil;

      (B) Overseas transactions by contracting officers in support of a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13) or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(7); and

      (C) Transactions in support of intelligence and other specialized activities addressed by Part 2.7 of Executive Order 12333.

      213.307 Forms.

      (a) If SF 1449 is not used, use DD Form 1155 in accordance with paragraph (b)(i) of this section.

      (b)(i) Use DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies or Services, for purchases made using simplified acquisition procedures.

      (A) The DD Form 1155 serves as a--

      (1) Purchase order or blanket purchase agreement;

      (2) Delivery order or task order;

      (3) Receiving and inspection report;

      (4) Property voucher;

      (5) Document for acceptance by the supplier; and

      (6) Public voucher, when used as--

      (i) A delivery order;

      (ii) The basis for payment of an invoice against blanket purchase agreements or basic ordering agreements when a firm-fixed-price has been established; or

      (iii) A purchase order for acquisitions using simplified acquisition procedures.

      (B) The DD Form 1155 is also authorized for use for--

      (1) Orders placed in accordance with FAR Subparts 8.4, 8.6, 8.7, and 16.5; and

      (2) Classified acquisition when the purchase is made within the United States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico. Attach the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, to the purchase order.

      (ii) Do not use Optional Form 347, Order for Supplies or Services, or Optional Form 348, Order for Supplies or Services Schedule-- Continuation.

      (iii) Use Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, to--

      (A) Modify a purchase order; or

      (B) Cancel a unilateral purchase order.

      Subpart 213.4--Fast Payment Procedure

      213.402 Conditions for use.

      (a) Individual orders may exceed the simplified acquisition threshold for--

      (i) Brand-name commissary resale subsistence; and

      (ii) Medical supplies for direct shipment overseas.

      Subpart 213.70--Simplified Acquisition Procedures Under the 8(a) Program

      213.7001 Policy.

      For sole source acquisitions under the 8(a) Program, contracting officers may use the procedures established in the Memorandum of Understanding cited in 219.800.

      213.7002 Procedures.

      For acquisitions that are otherwise appropriate to be conducted using procedures set forth in this part, and also eligible for the 8(a) Program, contracting officers may use--

      (a)(1) For sole source purchase orders not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the procedures in 219.804-2(2); or

      (2) For other types of acquisitions, the procedures in Subpart 219.8, excluding the procedures in 219.804-2(2); or

      (b) The procedures for award to the Small Business Administration in FAR Subpart 19.8.

      213.7003 Purchase orders.

      213.7003-1 Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase orders.

      The contracting officer need not obtain a contractor's written acceptance of a purchase order or modification of a purchase order for an acquisition under the 8(a) Program pursuant to 219.804-2(2).

      213.7003-2 Contract clauses.

      Use the clauses prescribed in 219.811-3 (1) and (3) for purchase orders under the 8(a) Program pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding cited in 219.800.

      PART 216--TYPES OF CONTRACTS

    8. Section 216.203-4 is amended in the introductory text of paragraph (a) by adding a comma after the word ``Supplies''; and by revising paragraphs (a)(i) and (b)(i) to read as follows:

      216.203-4 Contract clauses.

      (a) * * *

      (i) The total contract price exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold; and * * * * *

      (b) * * *

      (i) The total contract price exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold; and * * * * *

      PART 217--SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS

    9. Section 217.7302 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:

      217.7302 Procedure.

      * * * * *

      (b) The requirement in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to contracts that are--

      (1) For commercial items; or

      (2) Valued at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

      [[Page 2598]]

    10. Section 217.7504 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:

      217.7504 Limitations on price increases.

      * * * * *

      (a) * * *

      (2) Departments and agencies may specify an alternate percentage or percentages for contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. * * * * *

      PART 219--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

    11. Section 219.201 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (c) and (d) as paragraphs (d) and (e), respectively; and by revising newly designated paragraph (d)(9)(A) to read as follows:

      219.201 General policy.

      * * * * *

      (d) * * *

      (9) * * *

      (A) Reviewing and making recommendations for all acquisitions over $10,000, except those restricted for exclusive small business participation; * * * * *

      PART 223--ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, AND DRUG- FREE WORKPLACE

    12. Section 223.570-4 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:

      223.570-4 Contract clause.

      * * * * *

      (b) Do not use the clause in solicitations and contracts--

      (1) For commercial items;

      (2) When performance or partial performance will be outside the United States, its territories, and possessions, unless the contracting officer determines such inclusion to be in the best interest of the Government; or

      (3) When the value of the acquisition is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

      PART 225--FOREIGN ACQUISITION

    13. Section 225.105 is amended by revising paragraph (5)(ii)(B) to read as follows:

      225.105 Evaluating offers.

      * * * * *

      (5) * * *

      (ii) * * *

      (B) ``Domestically produced or manufactured products'' under small business set-asides or small business reservations; and * * * * *

    14. Section 225.770-3 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:

      225.770-3 Exceptions.

      * * * * *

      (a) Purchase at or below the simplified acquisition threshold; * * * * *

      PART 237--SERVICE CONTRACTING

      237.7302 [Amended]

    15. Section 237.7302 is amended in the third sentence by removing the reference ``13.105'' and adding in its place the reference ``13.003(b)(1)''.

      PART 242--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

      242.203 [Amended]

    16. Section 242.203 is amended in paragraph (a)(i)(P) by adding, after the semicolon, the word ``and''; in paragraph (a)(i)(Q) by removing ``; and'' and adding a period in its place; and by removing paragraph (a)(i)(R).

      PART 246--QUALITY ASSURANCE

    17. Section 246.370 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:

      246.370 Material inspection and receiving report.

      * * * * *

      (b) * * *

      (1) Contracts awarded using simplified acquisition procedures; * * * * *

      PART 247--TRANSPORTATION

    18. Section 247.271-3 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(iv)(B) to read as follows:

      247.271-3 Procedures.

      * * * * *

      (b) * * *

      (1) Excess requirements are those services that exceed contractor capabilities available under contracts. Use simplified acquisition procedures to satisfy excess requirements.

      (2) * * *

      (iv) * * *

      (B) Using simplified acquisition procedures. * * * * *

    19. Section 247.573 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) to read as follows:

      247.573 Solicitation provision and contract clauses.

      (a) Use the provision at 252.247-7022, Representation of Extent of Transportation by Sea, in all solicitations except--

      (1) Those for direct purchase of ocean transportation services; or

      (2) Those with an anticipated value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

      (b) Use the clause at 252.247-7023, Transportation of Supplies by Sea, in all solicitations and resultant contracts, except--

      (1) Those for direct purchase of ocean transportation services; or

      (2) Those with an anticipated value at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.

      (c) Use the clause at 252.247-7024, Notification of Transportation of Supplies by Sea, in all contracts for which the offeror made a negative response to the inquiry in the provision at 252.247-7022, Representation of Extent of Transportation by Sea. * * * * *

      PART 253--FORMS

      253.204-70 [Amended]

    20. Section 253.204-70 is amended in paragraph (d)(5)(iv)(A) (2) by removing the reference ``13.105'' and adding in its place the reference ``13.003(b)(1)''.

    21. Section 253.204-71 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(3) introductory text and paragraphs (g)(2)(ii)(C) and (i)(1) to read as follows:

      253.204-71 DD Form 1057, Monthly Contracting Summary of Actions $25,000 or Less.

      (a) * * *

      (3) Report actions of $25,000 or less in support of a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13), or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(7), in accordance with the instructions in paragraphs (c) through (j) of this subsection. Report actions exceeding $25,000 but not exceeding $200,000 in support of a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13), or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(7), on the monthly DD Form 1057 as follows: * * * * *

      (g) * * *

      (2) * * *

      (ii) * * *

      (C) Block E2c, SB Set-Aside Using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. Enter actions pursuant to FAR 13.003(b)(1) when award is to an SDB, but a preference was not applied. * * * * *

      (i) * * *

      (1) Enter the total number and dollar value of actions in support of a contingency operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(13) or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(7). The numbers entered

      [[Page 2599]]

      here are a breakout of the numbers already entered in Sections B and C. * * * * *

    22. Section 253.213 is amended by revising the section heading; by redesignating paragraph (e) as paragraph (f); and in newly designated paragraph (f) by revising the introductory text of (f) and paragraph (f)(i) to read as follows:

      253.213 Simplified acquisition procedures (SF's 18, 30, 44, 1165, 1449, and OF's 336, 347, and 348).

      (f) DoD uses the DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies or Services, instead of OF 347; and OF 336, Continuation Sheet, instead of OF 348.

      (i) Use the DD Form 1155 as prescribed in 213.307(b)(i) and in accordance with the instructions at 253.213-70. * * * * *

      [FR Doc. 99-844Filed1-14-99; 8:45 am]

      BILLING CODE 5000-04-M

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