[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 236 (Tuesday, December 9, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 64936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31825]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Part 47

[FAC 97-03; FAR Case 97-017; Item XII]
RIN 9000-AH78


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Commercial Bills of Lading, Small 
Package Shipments

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 amending 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to raise the threshold for 
requiring receipted freight bills for small package shipments, and the 
maximum amount that the Government may pay for invoiced but unsupported 
transportation charges. 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: February 9, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS 
Building, Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of 
content, contact Ms. Linda Klein, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-
3775. Please cite FAC 97-03, FAR case 97-017.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Based upon the benefits encountered during a 6-month test conducted 
by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Denver Center, this rule 
amends FAR 47.303-17 to raise the threshold for requiring receipted 
freight bills for small package shipments from $25 to $100, and the 
maximum amount that the Government may pay for invoiced but unsupported 
transportation charges from $100 to $250. These increased amounts are 
considered to more accurately reflect shipping costs in today's 
business environment.

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. However, comments from small 
entities concerning the affected FAR subpart will 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. (FAC 97-03, FAR case 
97-017), in correspondence.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 96-511) is deemed to apply 
because the final rule contains information collection requirements. 
Accordingly, a revised paperwork burden reflecting a decrease in burden 
as a result of the increase to thresholds will be forwarded to the 
Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 47:

    Government procurement.

    Dated: December 1, 1997.
Edward C. Loeb,
Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division.

    Therefore, 48 CFR Part 47 is amended as set forth below:

PART 47--TRANSPORTATION

    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 47 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).


47.303-17  [Amended]

    2. Section 47.303-17 is amended in paragraph (d)(1) by removing 
``$25'' and inserting ``$100''; in (d)(2) by removing ``$100'' and 
inserting ``$250''; and in the second sentence of paragraph (e) by 
replacing ``47.303-17(d)(1)'' with ``paragraph (d)(2) of this 
subsection'' and ``$25'' with ``$250''.

[FR Doc. 97-31825 Filed 12-8-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P