[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-30659]


[Federal Register: December 28, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 14, 15, and 53

[FAC 90-23; FAR Case 92-602; Item X]
RIN 9000-AF84


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Revision to Optional Form 17, 
Sealed Bid Label

AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration 
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council have agreed on a final rule to revise 
Optional Form 17, Sealed Bid Label, and amend the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to provide one standard label for offers, regardless 
of whether the offer is submitted under sealed bid or negotiated 
procedures. This regulatory action was not subject to Office of 
Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated 
September 30, 1993.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 27, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Shirley Scott at (202) 501-0168 in 
reference to this FAR case. For general information, contact the FAR 
Secretariat, Room 4037, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405 (202) 501-
4755. Please cite FAC 90-23, FAR case 92-602.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Some Government agencies have changed their security requirements 
when handling mail deliveries to their installation (e.g., mail is x-
rayed before delivery to the designated office). The use of a standard 
label for sealed bid and negotiated acquisitions would provide ready 
identification of offers and alert internal mail handlers that proper 
handling and prompt delivery is required at all times.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The final rule does not constitute a significant FAR revision 
within the meaning of FAR 1.501 and Public Law 98-577, and publication 
for public comments is not required. Therefore, the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act does not apply. However, comments from small entities 
concerning the affected subpart will be considered in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 610. Such comments must be submitted separately and cite 5 
U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 90-23, FAR case 92-602), in correspondence.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to 
the FAR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection 
requirements, or collections of information from offerors, contractors, 
or members of the public which 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 14, 15, and 53

    Government procurement.

    Dated: December 7, 1994.
Albert A. Vicchiolla,
Director, Office of Federal Acquisition Policy.

    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 14, 15, and 53 are amended as set forth 
below:
    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 14, 15, and 53 continues 
to read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 
U.S.C. 2473(c).

PART 14--SEALED BIDDING


14.202-3  [Amended]

    2. Section 14.202-3 is amended in the first sentence of paragraph 
(b) by removing the words ``Sealed Bid'' and inserting ``Offer'' in 
their place.

PART 15--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION

    3. Section 15.408 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


15.408  Issuing solicitations.

* * * * *
    (e) To provide for ready identification and proper handling of 
proposals, Optional Form 17, Offer Label, may be furnished with each 
request for proposals. The form may be obtained from the General 
Services Administration (see 53.107).

PART 53--FORMS

    4. Section 53.214 is amended by revising paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


53.214  Sealed bidding.

* * * * *
    (g) OF 17 (REV. 12/93), Offer Label. OF 17 may be furnished with 
each invitation for bids to facilitate identification and handling of 
bids, as specified in 14.202-3(b).
* * * * *
    5. Section 53.215-1 is amended by adding paragraph (h) to read as 
follows:


53.215-1  Solicitation and receipt of proposals and quotations.

* * * * *
    (h) OF 17 (REV. 12/93), Offer Label. OF 17 may be furnished with 
each request for proposals to facilitate identification and handling of 
proposals, as specified in 15.408(e).
    6. Section 53.302-17 is revised to read as follows:


53.302-17  Optional Form 17, Offer Label.

BILLING CODE 6820-34-P


TR28DE94.000


[FR Doc. 94-30659 Filed 12-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-34-C