[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 8, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12712-12713]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-5660]



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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

48 CFR Part 1517

[FRL-5168-6]


Acquisition Regulation

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document amends the EPA Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR) 
[[Page 12713]] on the use of options. This rule eliminates a provision 
on the use of options which is more restrictive than coverage in the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 8, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Schaffer at (202) 260-9032, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 
20460 (Mail Code 3802F).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Under this rule, EPA Contracting Officers (COs) will no longer need 
the approval of the Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO) (which 
includes the Office of Acquisition Management Division Directors at 
Headquarters, Research Triangle Park, NC, and Cincinnati, OH) when the 
use of options for increased quantities of supplies or services exceed 
50% of the base quantity specified in the contract for a particular 
period. FAR coverage, which is less restrictive, is adequate.
    Under this rule, EPA COs will no longer need the approval of the 
CCO when the use of options, combined with the base contract period, 
results in a total contract period of performance which exceeds thirty-
six (36) months. CCO approval will be required only for total contract 
periods in excess of sixty (60) months, unless otherwise prohibited by 
statute.

B. Executive Order 12866

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined in 
Executive Order 12866. Therefore no review is required at the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs within OMB.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because this rule does 
not propose any information collection requirements which would require 
the approval of OMB under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The EPA certifies this rule will have no significant impact on 
small entities, since the rule eliminates a procedure internal to the 
Government. Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis has been 
prepared.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 1517

    Special contracting methods.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, Chapter 15 of Title 48, 
Code of Federal Regulations is amended as set forth below:
    1. The authority citation for Part 1517 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Sec 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, as amended, 40 U.S.C. 
486(c).

Sec. 1517.202  [Removed]

    2. Subpart 1517.2 is amended by removing section 1517.202.
    3. Subpart 1517.2 is amended by adding section 1517.204 to read as 
follows:


1517.204  Contracts.

    The CCO may approve a contract with a base contract period and 
option periods which total in excess of five (5) years, unless 
otherwise prohibited by statute.

    Dated: February 27, 1995.
Betty L. Bailey,
Director, Office of Acquisition Management.
[FR Doc. 95-5660 Filed 3-7-95; 8:45 am]
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