[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 246 (Friday, December 20, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32008]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
48 CFR Part 19

[FAC 90-43; FAR Case 96-328; Item VIII]
RIN 9000-AH40


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Extension of Small Business 
Competitiveness Demonstration Program

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council have agreed on a final rule to amend 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Section 108 of 
the Small Business Programs Improvement Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-
208, Division D). Section 108 extends the Small Business 
Competitiveness Demonstration Program (15 U.S.C. 644 note) until 
September 30, 1997. This regulatory action was not subject to Office of 
Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated 
September 30, 1993, and is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 20, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Victoria Moss at (202) 501-4764 in 
reference to this FAR case. For general information, contact the FAR 
Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405 (202) 501-
4755. Please cite FAC 90-43, FAR case 96-328.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    This final rule amends the FAR to extend the Small Business 
Competitiveness Demonstration Program through September 30, 1997. The 
program consists of two major components: a test of unrestricted 
competition in four designated industry groups, and a test of enhanced 
small business participation in 10 agency targeted industry categories. 
The rule implements section 108, Title I (Amendments to Small Business 
Administration Act), of Public Law 104-208. Section 108 was effective 
upon enactment (September 30, 1996).

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This 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 FAR subpart will be considered in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such comments must cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 
90-43, FAR case 96-328), 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 Part 19

    Government procurement.

    Dated: December 11, 1996.
Edward C. Loeb,
Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division.

    Therefore, 48 CFR Part 19 is amended as set forth below:

PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Part 19 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).


19.1001  [Amended]

    2. Section 19.1001 is amended in the second sentence by revising 
the date ``1996'' to read ``1997''.


19.1006  [Amended]

    3. Section 19.1006(b)(1) is amended by revising the date ``1996'' 
to read ``1997''.

[FR Doc. 96-32008 Filed 12-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P