[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 240 (Wednesday, December 13, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 77832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31603]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

48 CFR Part 225

[DFARS Case 2000-D017]


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; 
Polyacrylonitrile Carbon Fiber

AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Director of Defense Procurement has issued a final rule 
amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 
to phase out restrictions on the acquisition of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) 
carbon fiber from foreign sources. The restrictions will be phased out 
over a 5-year period to minimize short-term risks to DoD and current 
domestic suppliers.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 13, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Amy Williams, Defense Acquisition 
Regulations Council, OUSD (AT&L) DP (DAR), IMD 3C132, 3062 Defense 
Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3062. Telephone (703) 602-0288; 
facsimile (703) 602-0350.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    This rule revises DFARS 225.7103-1 and 225.7103-3 to phase out 
restrictions on the acquisition of PAN carbon fiber from foreign 
sources. DoD conducted a review of the administratively imposed 
restrictions that included an evaluation of DoD applications for PAN 
carbon fiber, key domestic and foreign suppliers, supply and demand 
market information, potential impacts on DoD and key suppliers, and 
potential national security issues. As a result, DoD is phasing out the 
restrictions over the 5-year period ending May 31, 2005. The phased 
elimination will minimize short-term risks to both DoD and current 
domestic suppliers and will allow for a gradual introduction of 
competition that will encourage innovation and affordability. This 
action is consistent with DoD's interest in promoting vigorous 
competition in defense markets while ensuring that industrial 
capabilities essential to national defense are preserved. The market 
for PAN carbon fiber is projected to grow in the future as defense and 
commercial application demand increases. The 5-year phase-in period 
gives domestic suppliers time to adjust to market conditions and also 
gives DoD the flexibility to adjust its policy (i.e., extend the 
restrictions) if projected circumstances do not materialize.
    DoD published a proposed rule at 65 FR 41037 on July 3, 2000. Three 
sources submitted comments on the proposed rule. DoD considered all 
comments in the development of the final rule.
    This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review 
under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD certifies that this final rule will not 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 the known domestic manufacturers of PAN carbon fiber are not 
small businesses.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the rule does 
not impose any information collection requirements that 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 225

    Government procurement.

Michele P. Peterson,
Executive Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council.

    Therefore, 48 CFR Part 225 is amended as follows:
    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Part 225 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 41 U.S.C. 421 and 48 CFR Chapter 1.

PART 225--FOREIGN ACQUISITION

    2. Section 225.7103-1 is revised to read as follows:


225.7103-1  Policy.

    DoD has imposed restrictions on the acquisitions of PAN carbon 
fiber from foreign sources. DoD is phasing out the restrictions over 
the 5-year period ending May 31, 2005. Contractors with contracts that 
contain the clause at 252.225-7022 must use U.S. or Canadian 
manufacturers or producers for all PAN carbon fiber requirements.

    3. Section 225.7103-3 is revised to read as follows:


225.7103-3  Contract clause.

    Use the clause at 252.225-7022, Restriction on Acquisition of 
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Carbon Fiber, in solicitations and contracts 
for major systems as follows:
    (a) In solicitations and contracts issued on or before May 31, 
2003, if--
    (1) The system is not yet in production (milestone III as defined 
in DoD 5000.2-R, Mandatory Procedures for Major Defense Acquisition 
Programs (MDAPS) and Major Automated Information System (MAIS) 
Acquisition Programs); or
    (2) The clause was used in prior program contracts.
    (b) In solicitations and contracts issued during the period 
beginning June 1, 2003, and ending May 31, 2005, if the system is not 
yet in engineering and manufacturing development (milestone II as 
defined in DoD 5000.2-R).

[FR Doc. 00-31603 Filed 12-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5000-04-M