[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 127 (Monday, July 3, 1995)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 34734-34741] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 95-16081] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 34735]] DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 25, 28, 32, 36, 45, 52, and 53 [FAC 90-29; FAR Case 91-104; Item II] RIN 9000-AE46 Federal Acquisition Regulation; Electronic Contracting AGENCY: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Interim rule with request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FARC) is issuing an interim rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the use of electronic commerce/electronic data interchange in Government contracting. This regulatory action was subject to Office of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993. DATES: Effective Date: July 3, 1995. Comment Date: Comments should be submitted to the FAR Secretariat at the address shown below on or before September 1, 1995 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule. ADDRESSES: Interested parties should submit written comments to: General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (VRS), 18th & F Streets, NW, Room 4037, Attn: Ms. Beverly Fayson, Washington, DC 20405. Please cite FAC 90-29, FAR case 91-104 in all correspondence related to this case. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Edward Loeb at (202) 501-4547 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 90-29 (FAR Case 91-104). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register at 58 FR 69588, December 30, 1993. The rule proposed amendments to the FAR to remove any barriers to the use of electronic data interchange in Government contracting. Thirty-six comments from ten respondents were received during the public comment period. After evaluating the public comments, another proposed rule was published because significant changes to the rule published on December 30, 1993, were deemed to be necessary. A revised proposed rule was published in the Federal Register at 60 FR 12384, March 6, 1995. Eighteen comments were received in response to the proposed rule. This interim rule and the interim rule published elsewhere in this issue under FAR case 94-770, Simplified Acquisition Procedures/FACENET, are interdependent and are meant to be considered jointly. B. Regulatory Flexibility Act This interim rule is expected to 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 it encourages broader use of electronic contracting, thereby improving industry access to Federal contracting opportunities. The implementation of Electronic Contracting and use of the Federal Acquisition Computer Network (FACENET) will provide for electronic exchange of acquisition information between the private sector and the Federal Government that will increase the opportunities for vendors currently doing business with the Government, particularly small businesses. It is recognized that an initial start-up cost will be incurred for the purchase of a personal computer, modem, software, and telephone lines, estimated to be $1,500. Additionally, it is anticipated that most small businesses will subscribe to third party value added network (VAN) services to facilitate their communications with the Government's computers. The cost of an advance subscription ranges from approximately $30 to $100 per month, depending on the type of services obtained. The interim rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other Federal rules. An Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) has been prepared and may be obtained from the FAR Secretariat. A copy of the IRFA will be submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Comments are invited from small businesses and other interested parties. Comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR parts will also be considered in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such comments must be submitted separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAR case 91-104) in correspondence. C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the interim rule does not impose any information collection requirements which require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. D. Determination to Issue an Interim Rule A determination has been made by the Secretary of Defense (DOD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the authority provided by section 22 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 418b) to issue this regulation as an interim rule. The Simplified Acquisition Threshold Procedures/Federal Acquisition Computer Network (SAT/FACNET) rule (FAR Case 94-770) and the Electronic Contracting (EC) rule (FAR Case 91-104) benefit industry and Government by enhancing efficiency of contracting in an environment of declining personnel staffing and resulting increase in workload for contracting personnel. The rules are linked and require simultaneous promulgation. The proposed rules were published simultaneously in the Federal Register on March 6, 1995, with the public comment period closing on May 5, 1995. A public meeting was held on these rules on April 3, 1995, and no substantive comments were presented at the meeting. Section 22 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act permits issuance of procurement policies, regulations, procedures, or forms as interim rules prior to consideration of public comments when urgent and compelling circumstances make it impracticable to do otherwise. Urgent and compelling reasons exist to make these rules effective prior to full consideration of public comment. Proceeding with these interim rules is required to permit the Federal Government to cope with the fundamental downsizing of its acquisition workforce and the large end- of-fiscal-year workload, with diminished resources. The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (FASA) and its provisions on SAT/ FACNET, provide relief from various burdens that affect the Government acquisition process. For example, purchases under the new simplified acquisition approach will become far less complex than today. Using figures from the Department of Defense for [[Page 34736]] illustrative purposes, large purchase solicitations run 29 pages on the average whereas non-automated small purchases are about 12 pages in length, and automated small purchase solicitations, used by some DoD purchasing activities, are even less, 1 to 2 pages. The beneficial results of implementing these FASA provisions are evidenced further by the time saved in awarding orders under the existing small purchase procedures as opposed to contracts above the small purchase threshold of $25,000. The current average lead-time for awards below $25,000 is 26 days, while above $25,000 the average lead-time is 90 days for sealed bids and 210 days for competitive negotiations. These timeframes will be reduced further by implementation of the simplified acquisition authority in this rule by establishing reasonable timeframes for submission of offers for simplified acquisitions in lieu of a rigid 30 days period. Through use of the simplified acquisition procedures for actions not exceeding $50,000, the lead-time for approximately 30,000 contracts per year will be reduced to a fraction of the current lead- time. Use of electronic commerce/electronic data interchange capabilities at procurement activities certified to use FACNET will reduce lead-times even further and will increase the number of contracts affected to approximately 45,000, since FACNET users will be able to use the newly authorized simplified acquisition threshold of $100,000 rather than only $50,000 where FACNET has not been certified. Use of electronic commerce/electronic data interchange at a DoD test site reduced lead-time to 11 days. Reducing the lead-time will allow the contracting community to be more responsive in spite of the already reduced personnel resources, focus its efforts on more complex procurements, reduce the cost of the procurement process for both Government and industry, and provide better service to the direct users of the acquisition system, and ultimately to the public. FASA called for its implementation in the FAR by October 1, 1995, or earlier. Due to the time required to fully consider, analyze, and document the analysis of public comments received in response to these proposed rules, it is unlikely that the rules could be published in the FAR, promulgated to procurement personnel and contractors, have procurement personnel and contractors trained, and have the new rules in use by the beginning of the last quarter of the fiscal year. It is essential that these rules be made effective by the beginning of the last quarter of the fiscal year because of personnel downsizing that has already occurred and that is expected before the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, the workload in the last quarter of the fiscal year is the most demanding of the fiscal year. Introduction of new procedures and processes in the middle of that quarter would be counterproductive to efficiency and would require operations to be suspended while retraining of the workforce is accomplished. Therefore, the regulations in FAC 90-29 must be effective no later than July 3, 1995, to provide the Federal acquisition workforce the labor and cost saving benefits provided by the statute, or they must be delayed until the end of the fiscal year so as not to interfere with acquisition operations. Immediate implementation as an interim rule will permit time for training of the acquisition workforce and FAR acquisition procedures to be fully operational before the final quarter of FY 1995. Pursuant to Public Law 98-577 and FAR 1.501, public comments received in response to these interim rules and the prior proposed rules will be considered in formulating the final rules. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 25, 28, 32, 36, 45, 52, and 53 Government procurement. Dated: June 26, 1995. C. Allen Olson, Director, Office of Federal Acquisition Policy. Therefore, 48 CFR Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 25, 28, 32, 36, 45, 52, and 53 are amended as set forth below: 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Parts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 25, 28, 32, 45, 52, and 53 continues to read as follows: Authority: 40 USC 486(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c). PART 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM 1.105 [Amended] 2. Section 1.105 is amended in the FAR segment column by removing entry ``14.406'' and inserting ``14.407'' in its place. PART 2--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS 3. Section 2.101 is amended by adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``In writing'' or written'' and signature'' or ``Signature'' or ``signed'' to read as follows: 2.101 Definitions. * * * * * In writing or written means any worded or numbered expression which can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and includes electronically transmitted and stored information. * * * * * Signature or signed means the discrete, verifiable symbol of an individual which, when affixed to a writing with the knowledge and consent of the individual, indicates a present intention to authenticate the writing. This includes electronic systems. * * * * * PART 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 4. Section 4.101 is revised to read as follows: 4.101 Contracting officer's signature. Only contracting officers shall sign contracts on behalf of the United States. The contracting officer's name and official title shall be typed, stamped, or printed on the contract. The contracting officer normally signs the contract after it has been signed by the contractor. The contracting officer shall ensure that the signer(s) have authority to bind the contractor (see specific requirements in 4.102 of this subpart). 4.201 [Amended] 5 & 6. Section 4.201 is amended in paragraph (a) by removing the parenthetical ``(see 4.101(b)),''; in paragraph (b)(1) by removing the parenthetical ``(stamped ``DUPLICATE ORIGINAL,'' see 4.101(b))''; and in paragraph (d) by revising the parenthetical ``(see 30.401(b)) to read ``(see 30.601(b))''. PART 5--PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS 7. Section 5.101 is amended by adding paragraph (a)(2)(iv) to read as follows: 5.101 Methods of disseminating information. * * * * * (a) * * * (2) * * * (iv) Electronic dissemination available to the public at the contracting office may be used to satisfy the public display requirement. Contracting offices utilizing electronic systems for public posting shall periodically publicize the methods for accessing such information. * * * * * 8. Section 5.102(a)(4)(i) is revised to read as follows: [[Page 34737]] 5.102 availability of solicitations. (a) * * * (4) * * * (i) A copy of the solicitation specifications. In the case of solicitations disseminated by electronic data interchange, solicitations may be furnished directly to the electronic address of the small business concern; * * * * * (9) Section 5.207 is amended by adding a new paragraph (c)(2)(xvii) to read as follows: 5.207 Preparation and transmittal of synopses. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) * * * (xvii) If the solicitation will be made available to interested parties through electronic data interchange, provide any information necessary to obtain and respond to the solicitation electronically. * * * * * PART 7--ACQUISITION PLANNING 7.30 [Amended] 10. Section 7.304(b)(3) is amended in the first sentence by adding'', or electronic equivalent,'' after the word ``envelope''. 11. Section 7.306(a)(1)(i) is revised to read as follows: 7.306 Evaluation. * * * * * (a)(1) * * * (i) Open the sealed cost comparison on which the cost estimate for Government performance has been entered; * * * * * 7.307 [Amended] 12. Section 7.307 is amended in the first sentence of paragraph (b) by removing ``14.407-8'' and inserting ``14.408-8'' in its place. PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 13. Section 8.405-2 is amended by revising the first sentence of the introductory text to read as follows: 8.405-2 Order placement. Ordering offices may use Optional Form 347, an agency-prescribed form, or an established electronic communications format to order items from schedules and shall place orders directly with the contractor within the limitations specified in each schedule. * * * * * * * * 8.705-3 [Amended] 14. Section 8.705-3(a) is amended in the first sentence by removing the word ``letter'' and inserting ``written'' in its place. PART 9--CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS 9.206-3 [Amended] 15. Section 9.206-3(b) is amended in the first sentence by removing ``requested copies of the solicitation'' and inserting ``expressed interest in the acquisition'' in its place. PART 12--CONTRACT DELIVERY OR PERFORMANCE 16. Section 12.103(e) is revised to read as follows: 12.103 Supplies or services. * * * * * (e) In invitations for bids, if the delivery schedule is based on the date of the contract, and a bid offers delivery based on the date the contractor receives the contract or notice of award, the contracting officer shall evaluate the bid by adding 5 calendar days (as representing the normal time for arrival through ordinary mail). If the contract or notice of award will be transmitted electronically, (1) the solicitation shall so state; and (2) the contracting officer shall evaluate delivery schedule based on the date of contract receipt or notice of award, by adding one working day. (The term ``working day'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.) If the offered delivery date computed with mailing or transmittal time is later than the delivery date required by the invitation for bids, the bid shall be considered nonresponsive and rejected. If award is made, the delivery date will be the number of days offered in the bid after the contractor actually receives the notice of award. PART 14--SEALED BIDDING 17. Section 14.201-6(e)(1) is revised to read as follows: 14.201-6 Solicitation provisions. * * * * * (e) * * * (1) 52.214-9, Failure to Submit Bid, except when using electronic data interchange methods not requiring solicitation mailing lists; and * * * * * 14.202-1 Bidding time. 18. Section 14.202-1(b)(6) is amended by removing the word ``mailing'' and inserting ``transmittal'' in its place. 19. Section 14.202-2(a)(1) is revised to read as follows: 14.202-2 Telegraphic bids. (a) * * * (1) The date for the opening of bids will not allow bidders sufficient time to submit bids in the prescribed format; or * * * * * 20. Section 14.202-8 is added to read as follows: 14.202-8 Electronic bids. In accordance with subpart 4.5, contracting officers may authorize use of electronic commerce for submission of bids. If electronic bids are authorized, the solicitation shall specify the electronic commerce method(s) that bidders may use. 21. Section 14.203-1 is revised to read as follows: 14.203-1 Transmittal to prospective bidders. Invitations for bids or presolicitation notices shall be transmitted as specified in 14.205, and shall be provided to others in accordance with 5.102. When a contracting office is located in the United States, any solicitation sent to a prospective bidder located at a foreign address shall be sent by electronic data interchange or international air mail if security classification permits. 22. Section 14.205-1(a) is revised to read as follows: 14.205-1 Establishment of lists. (a) Solicitation mailing lists shall be established by contracting activities to assure access to adequate sources of supplies and services. This rule need not be followed, however, when (1) the requirements of the contracting office can be obtained through use of simplified acquisition procedures (see part 13), (2) the requirements are nonrecurring, or (3) electronic commerce methods are used which transmit solicitations or presolicitation notices automatically to all interested sources participating in electronic contracting with the purchasing activity. Lists may be established as a central list for use by all contracting offices within the contracting activity, or as local lists maintained by each contracting office. * * * * * 23. Section 14.209(b) is amended by adding a second sentence to read as follows: 14.209 Cancellation of invitations before opening. * * * * * (b) * * * For bids received electronically, the data received shall not be viewed and shall be purged from primary and backup data storage systems. * * * * * [[Page 34738]] 24. Section 14.301 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows: 14.301 Responsiveness of bids. * * * * * (e) Bids submitted by electronic commerce shall be considered only if the electronic commerce method was specifically stipulated or permitted by the solicitation. 25. Section 14.303 is amended by revising the first sentence of paragraph (a) and adding (c) to read as follows: 14.303 Mofification or withdrawal of bids. (a) Bids may be modified or withdrawn by any method authorized by the solicitation, if notice is received in the office designated in the solicitation not later than the exact time set for opening of bids. * * * * * * * * (c) Upon withdrawal of an electronically transmitted bid, the data received shall not be viewed and shall be purged from primary and backup data storage systems. 26. Section 14.304-1 is amended by removing the word ``either'' at the end of paragraph (a) introductory text, by removing the word ``or'' at the end of paragraph (a)(2), by removing the period at the end of paragraph (a)(3) and inserting ``; or'' in its place, and adding paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows: 14.304-1 General. * * * * * (a) * * * (4) It was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of bids. * * * * * 27. Section 14.401(a) is amended by revising the second sentence to read as follows: 14.401 Receipt and safeguarding of bids. (a) * * * Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the bids shall not be opened or viewed, and shall remain in a locked bid box, a safe, or in a secured, restricted-access electronic bid box. * * * * * * * * 28. Section 14.402-3(a)(1) is revised to read as follows: 14.402-3 Postponement of openings. (a) * * * (1) The contracting officer has reason to believe that the bids of an important segment of bidders have been delayed in the mails, or in the communications system specified for transmission of bids, for causes beyond their control and without their fault or negligence (e.g., flood, fire, accident, weather conditions, strikes, or Government equipment blackout or malfunction when bids are due); or * * * * * 14.406 through 14.408-2 [Redesignated as 14.407 through 14.409-2; new 14.406 added] 29. Sections 14.406 through 14.406-4; 14.407 through 14.407-8; and 14.408, 14.408-1, and 14.408-2 are redesignated as 14.407 through 14.407-4; 14.408 through 14.408-8; and 14.409, 14.409-1, and 14.409-2, respectively, and a new section 14.406 is added to read as follows: 14.406 Receipt of an unreadable electronic bid. If a bid received at the Government facility by electronic data interchange is unreadable to the degree that conformance to the essential requirements of the invitation for bids cannot be ascertained, the contracting officer immediately shall notify the bidder that the bid will be rejected unless the bidder provides clear and convincing evidence-- (a) Of the content of the bid as originally submitted; and (b) That the unreadable condition of the bid was caused by Government software or hardware error, malfunction, or other Government mishandling. 30. Newly-redesignated section 14.407-2 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows: 14.407-2 Apparent clerical mistakes. * * * * * (c) Correction of bids submitted by electronic data interchange shall be effected by including in the electronic solicitation file the original bid, the verification request, and the bid verification. 14.407-1, 14.407-3, 14.407-4, 14.408-6, and 14.409-2 [Amended] 30a. In addition to the amendments set forth above, newly- redesignated sections 14.407-1 through 14.409-2 are amended by updating the internal references as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Section Remove Insert ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14.407-1........................................ 14.406 14.407 14.407-3 intro. text............................ 14.406-3 14.406-2 14.407-3 14.407-2 14.407-3(e), (h) & (i).......................... 14.406-3 14.407-3 14.407-4(f)..................................... 14.406-4 14.407-4 14.408-6(c)..................................... 14.407-6 14.408-6 14.409-2........................................ 14.408-1 14.409-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PART 15--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION 31. Section 15.402 is amended by adding paragraph (k) to read as follows: 15.402 General. * * * * * (k) In accordance with subpart 4.5, contracting officers may authorize use of electronic commerce for submission of offers. If electronic offers are authorized, the solicitation shall specify the electronic commerce method(s) that offerors may use. 32. Section 15.407(d)(3) is revised to read as follows: 15.407 Solicitation provisions. * * * * * (d) * * * (3) Insert in RFP's the provision at 52.215-15, Failure to Submit Offer, except when using electronic data interchange methods not requiring solicitation mailing lists; and * * * * * 33. Section 15.410(b) is revised to read as follows: 15.410 Amendment of solicitations before closing date. * * * * * (b) The contracting officer shall determine if the closing date needs to be changed when amending a solicitation. If the time available before closing is insufficient, prospective offerors or quoters shall be notified by electronic data interchange, telegram, or telephone of an extension of the closing date. Telephonic and telegraphic notices shall be confirmed in the written amendment to the solicitation. The contracting officer shall not award a contract unless any amendments made to an RFP have been issued in sufficient time to be considered by prospective offerors. * * * * * 34. Section 15.412 is amended by revising the heading and adding paragraph (h) to read as follows: 15.412 Late proposals, modifications, and withdrawals of proposals. * * * * * (h) Upon withdrawal of an electronically transmitted proposal, the data received shall not be viewed and shall be purged from primary and backup data storage systems. 35. Section 15.607 is amended by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows: 15.607 Disclosure of mistakes before award. * * * * * (d) If a proposal received at the Government facility in electronic format is unreadable to the degree that [[Page 34739]] conformance to the essential requirements of the solicitation cannot be ascertained from the document, the contracting officer immediately shall notify the offeror and provide the opportunity for the offeror to submit clear and convincing evidence-- (1) Of the content of the proposal as originally submitted; and (2) That the unreadable condition of the proposal was caused by Government software or hardware error, malfunction, or other Government mishandling. 15.607, 15.608, and 15.1005 [Amended] 36. In addition to the amendments set forth above, sections 15.607, 15.608 and 15.1005 are amended by updating the internal references as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Section Remove Insert ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15.607(a)....................................... 14.406 14.407 15.608(c)....................................... 14.407-3 14.408-3 15.1005......................................... 14.406-4 14.407-4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PART 16--TYPES OF CONTRACTS 16.203-2 [Amended] 37. Section 16.203-2 is amended in the last sentence of the introductory text by removing ``14.407-4'' and inserting ``14.408-4'' in its place. 38. Section 16.506(c) is revised to read as follows: 16.506 Ordering. * * * * * (c) Orders may be placed by electronic commerce methods when permitted under the contract. * * * * * PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CONCERNS 19.811-2 [Amended] 39. Section 19.811-2 is amended in the introductory text of paragraph (a) by removing ``14.407-1(d)'' and inserting ``14.408-1(d)'' in its place. PART 20--LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS 20.104 [Amended] 40. Section 20.104 is amended in paragraph (f) by removing ``14.407-6'' and inserting ``14.408-6'' in its place. PART 25--FOREIGN ACQUISITION 25.405 [Amended] 41. Section 25.405 is amended in paragraph (e) by removing ``14.408-1(a)(2)'' and inserting ``14.409-1(a)(2)'' in its place. PART 28--BONDS AND INSURANCE 28.101-4 [Amended] 42. Section 28.101-4 is amended in paragraph (c)(5) by removing ``14.406'' and inserting ``14.407'' in its place. PART 32--CONTRACTING FINANCING 43. Section 32.503-1(b) is revised to read as follows: 32.503-1 Contractor requests. * * * * * (b) Comply with the instructions appropriate to the applicable form, and the contract terms; and * * * * * PART 36--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS 36.304 [Amended] 44. Section 36.304 is amended in the introductory text by removing ``14.407'' and inserting ``14.408'' in its place. PART 45--GOVERNMENT PROPERTY 45. Section 45.606-5 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) to read as follows: 45.606-5 Instructions for preparing and submitting schedules of contractor inventory. * * * * * (b) * * * (3) The standard inventory schedule forms may be electronically reproduced by contractors pursuant to 53.105, provided no change is made to the name, content or sequence of the data elements. All essential elements of data must be included and the form must be signed. (4) The appropriate continuation sheet shall be used when more space is needed. * * * * * PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES 46. Section 52.212-1 is amended by revising the date in the heading of the clause and the fourth sentence in paragraph (b), and removing ``(R 7-104.92(b) 1974 APR)'', ``(R 1-1.316-5)'' and ``(R 1-1316-4(c))'' after ``(End of clause)'' to read as follows: 52.212-1 Time of Delivery. * * * * * Time of Delivery (Jul 1995) * * * * * (b) * * * However, the Government will evaluate an offer that proposes delivery based on the Contractor's date of receipt of the contract or notice of award by adding (i) five calendar days for delivery of the award through the ordinary mails, or (ii) one working day if the solicitation states that the contract or notice of award will be transmitted electronically. (The term ``working day'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.) * * * (End of clause) * * * * * 47. Section 52.212-2 is amended by revising the date in the heading of the clause and the fourth sentence in paragraph (b), and removing ``(R 7-104.92(c) 1974 APR)'', ``(R 1-1.316-5(c))'' and ``(R 1-1.316- 4(c))'' following ``(End of clause)'' to read as follows: 52.212-2 Desired and Required Time of Delivery. * * * * * Desired and Required Time of Delivery (Jul 1995) * * * * * (b) * * * However, the Government will evaluate an offer that proposes delivery based on the Contractor's date of receipt of the contract or notice of award by adding (i) five calendar days for delivery of the award through the ordinary mails, or (ii) one working day if the solicitation states that the contract or notice of award will be transmitted electronically. (The term ``working day'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays.) * * * (End of clause) * * * * * 48. Section 52.214-5 is amended by revising the date in the heading of the provision and adding paragraph (d) to read as follows: 52.214-5 Submission of Bids. * * * * * Submission of Bids (Jul 1995) * * * * * (d) Bids submitted by electronic commerce shall be considered only if the electronic commerce method was specifically stipulated or permitted by the solicitation. 49. Section 52.214-7 is amended by revising the date in the provision heading, at the end of paragraph (a)(2) by removing ``or'', at the end of paragraph (a)(3) by removing the period and inserting ''; or'' in its place, and adding paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows: 52.214-7 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids. * * * * * Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids (Jul 1995) (a) * * * (4) Was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m., one [[Page 34740]] working day prior to the date specified for receipt of bids. * * * * * (End of provision) 50. Section 52.214-9 is amended by revising the introductory text, the date in the heading of the provision, and the second sentence of the provision, and by removing ``(R SF 33A, Para 6, 1978 JAN)'' after ``(End of provision)'' to read as follows: 52.214-9 Failure to Submit Bid. As prescribed in 14.201-6(e)(1), insert the following provision in invitations for bids: Failure to Submit Bid (Jul 1995) * * * Instead, they should advise the issuing office by letter, postcard, or established electronic commerce methods, whether they want to receive future solicitations for similar requirements.* * * (End of provision) 51. Section 52.214-23 is amended by revising the date in the heading of the provision, at the end of paragraph (a)(3) by removing ``or''; redesignating paragraph (a)(4) as (a)(5), and adding a new paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows: 52.214-23 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Technical Proposals Under Two-Step Sealed Bidding. * * * * * Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Technical Proposals Under Two-Step Sealed Bidding (Jul 1995) (a) * * * (4) Was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of technical proposals; or * * * * * 52. Section 52.214-32 is amended by revising the date in the heading of the provision and paragraph (a) to read as follows: 52.214-32 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids (Overseas). * * * * * Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids (Overseas) (Jul 1995) (a) Any bid received at the office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered unless it is received before award is made and it-- (1) Was sent by mail or, if authorized by the solicitation, was sent by telegram or via facsimile, and it is determined by the Government that the late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the Government after receipt at the Government installation; or (2) Was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of bids. The term ``working day'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays. * * * * * 53. Section 52.214-33 is amended by revising the date in the heading of the provision, at the end of paragraph (a)(1) by removing the word ``or'', redesignating paragraph (a)(2) as (a)(3), and adding a new paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows: 52.214-33 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Technical Proposals Under Two-Step Sealed Bidding (Overseas). * * * * * Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Technical Proposals Under Two-Step Sealed Bidding (Overseas) (Jul 1995) (a) * * * (2) Was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of technical proposals. The term ``working day'' excludes weekends and U.S. Federal holidays; or * * * * * 54. Section 52.215-9 is amended by revising the date in the provision heading, redesignating paragraph (d) as (e), and adding a new paragraph (d) to read as follows: 52.215-9 Submission of Offers. * * * * * Submission of Offers (Jul 1995) (d) Offers submitted by electronic commerce shall be considered only if the electronic commerce method was specifically stipulated or permitted by the solicitation. * * * * * 55. Section 52.215-10 is amended by revising the introductory text and the date in the provision heading, at the end of (a)(3) by removing the word ``or'', redesignating paragraph (a)(4) as (a)(5), and adding a new paragraph (a)(4) to read as follows: 52.215-10 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Proposals. As prescribed in 15.407(c)(6), insert the following provision: Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Proposals (Jul 1995) (a) * * * (4) Was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals; or * * * * * 56. Section 52.215-15 is revised to read as follows: 52.215-15 Failure to Submit Offer. As prescribed in 15.407(d)(3), insert the following provision: Failure to Submit Offer (Jul 1995) Recipients of this solicitation not responding with an offer should not return this solicitation, unless it specifies otherwise. Instead, they should advise the issuing office by letter, postcard, or established electronic commerce methods, whether they want to receive future solicitations for similar requirements. If a recipient does not submit an offer and does not notify the issuing office that future solicitations are desired, the recipient's name may be removed from the applicable mailing list. (End of provision) 57. Section 52.215-36 is amended by revising the date in the provision heading, at the end of paragraph (a)(1) by removing the word ``or'', redesignating paragraph (a)(2) as (a)(3), and adding a new paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows: 52.215-36 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Proposals (Overseas). * * * * * Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Proposals (Overseas) (Jul 1995) (a) * * * (2) Was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation and was received by the Government not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of proposals; or * * * * * (End of provision) 52.223-3 [Amended] 58. Section 52.223-3, Alternate I, is amended by removing ``(NOV 1991)'' and inserting ``(JUL 1995)'' in its place, and in the second sentence of paragraph (i)(1) by removing the word ``mail'' and inserting ``transmit'' in its place. 59. Section 52.242-12 is amended by revising the date in the clause heading and the second and third sentences of the clause to read as follows: 52.242-12 Report of Shipment (REPSHIP). * * * * * Report of Shipment (Repship) (Jul 1995) * * * The notice shall be transmitted by rapid means to be received by the consignee transportation officer at least 24 hours before the arrival of the shipment. The Government bill of lading, commercial bill of lading or letter or other document that contains all of [[Page 34741]] the following shall be addressed and sent promptly to the receiving transportation officer. * * * * * * * * (End of clause) 60. Section 52.242-13 is amended by revising the date in the clause and the first sentence of the clause to read as follows: 52.242-13 Bankruptcy. * * * * * Bankruptcy (Jul 1995) In the event the Contractor enters into proceedings relating to bankruptcy, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Contractor agrees to furnish, by certified mail or electronic commerce method authorized by the contract, written notification of the bankruptcy to the Contracting Officer responsible for administering the contract. * * * 61. Section 52.247-48 is amended by revising the introductory text, the date in the clause heading, redesignating the introductory text of the clause and paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) as (a) introductory text (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3), respectively, adding new paragraph (b), and removing ``(R 7-104.76 1968 JUN)'' after ``(End of clause)'' to read as follows: 52.247-48 F.o.b. Destination--Evidence of Shipment. As prescribed in 47.305-4(c), insert the following clause: F.O.B. Destination--Evidence of Shipment (Jul 1995) * * * * * (b) Electronic transmission of the information required by paragraph (a) of this clause is acceptable. (End of clause) PART 53--FORMS 62. Section 53.105 is revised to read as follows: 53.105 Computer generation. (a) Agencies may computer-generate the Standard and Optional Forms prescribed in the FAR without exception approval (see 53.103), provided-- (1) The form is in an electronic format that complies with Federal Information Processing Standard Number 161; or (2) There is no change to the name, content, or sequence of the data elements, and the form carries the Standard or Optional Form number and edition date. (b) The forms prescribed by this part may be computer generated by the public. Unless prohibited by agency regulations, forms prescribed by agency FAR supplements may also be computer generated by the public. Computer generated forms shall either comply with Federal Information Processing Standard Number 161 or shall retain the name, content, or sequence of the data elements, and shall carry the Standard or Optional Form or agency number and edition date (see 53.111). 53.214 [Amended] 63. Section 53.214 is amended in paragraph (a) by removing ``14.407-1(d)'' and inserting ``14.408-1(d)(1)'' in its place. [FR Doc. 95-16081 Filed 6-30-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820-EP-M