[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 232 (Friday, December 4, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63704-63715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28246]



[[Page 63704]]

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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 552 and 570

[GSAR Case 2006-G508; Docket 2009-0017; Sequence 1]
RIN 3090-AI96


General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation; GSAR Case 
2006-G508; Rewrite of Part 570, Acquiring Leasehold Interests in Real 
Property

AGENCY: Office Acquisition Policy, General Services Administration 
(GSA).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The General Services Administration (GSA) is proposing to 
amend the GSA Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) to revise sections of GSAR 
part 570 that provide requirements for acquiring leasehold interests in 
real property.

DATES: Interested parties should submit written comments to the 
Regulatory Secretariat on or before February 2, 2010 to be considered 
in the formulation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by GSAR Case 2006-G508 by any of 
the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by inputting ``GSAR Case 
2006-G508'' under the heading ``Enter Key Word or ID''. Follow the 
instructions provided to ``Submit a Comment''. Please include your 
name, company name (if any), and ``GSAR Case 2006-G508'' on your 
attached document.
     Fax: 202-501-4067.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat, 1800 F Street, NW., Room 4041, ATTN: Hada Flowers, 
Washington, DC 20405.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite GSAR Case 2006-
G508 in all correspondence related to this case. All comments received 
will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including 
any personal and/or business confidential information provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact 
Ms. Beverly Cromer at (202) 501-1448. For information pertaining to the 
status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat 
(MVPR), Room 4041, 1800 F Street, NW., Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-
4755. Please cite GSAR Case 2006-G508.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    GSA is amending the GSAR to revise GSAR part 570, Acquiring 
Leasehold Interests in Real Property. This proposed rule is a result of 
the GSA Acquisition Manual (GSAM) rewrite initiative. The initiative 
was undertaken by GSA to revise the GSAM to maintain consistency with 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and implement streamlined and 
innovative acquisition procedures that contractors, offerors, and GSA 
contracting personnel can use when entering into and administering 
contractual relationships. The GSAM incorporates the GSAR as well as 
internal agency acquisition policy.
    GSA will rewrite each part of the GSAR and GSAM, and as each GSAR 
part is rewritten, GSA will publish it in the Federal Register.
    This proposed rule revises GSAR part 570 as follows: Overall 
changes were made throughout the text to change ``you'' to 
``contracting officer'', and to edit language for clarity.
    GSAR 570.101(b) is revised to delete GSAR rules that are no longer 
applicable to the acquisition of leasehold interests in real property 
and to add current references to GSAR 522.805, 522.807, and 532.111.
    GSAR 570.101(c) is revised to update the GSAR provisions that are 
applicable in leasing transactions. This section is revised to delete 
GSAM sections from the GSAR and move them to the GSAM, the non-
regulatory portion of the manual. GSAR 570.101(d) is added to explain 
that the FAR does not apply to leasehold acquisitions of real property 
and to further explain that references to the FAR in GSAR part 570 are 
used as a matter of policy where the underlying statute behind the FAR 
provision applies to leasing or as matter of administrative 
convenience.
    GSAR 570.102 is revised to add definitions for ``lease 
acquisition'', ``lease extension'', ``lease renewal (option)'', 
``succeeding lease'', ``superseding lease,'' and ``usable square 
feet''. The definition for ``simplified lease acquisition threshold'' 
is revised to delete the dollar value, and instead reference FAR 2.101 
for information about the threshold. The definition for ``small 
business'' is revised to delete the dollar limit for annual average 
gross receipts and to reference the size standard established by the 
Small Business Administration. Further revisions were made to include 
where the size standards may be found on the Web. The definition for 
``space in buildings'' is deleted because this definition was only 
referenced at GSAR 570.105-3, which is also being deleted.
    GSAR 570.103 is revised to update the statutory reference to 
leasing authority. In addition, GSAR 570.103 is revised, consistent 
with statute and regulation, to allow the contracting officer to 
designate a contracting officer's representative.
    GSAR 570.105-2 is re-titled Criteria for the use of two-phase 
design-build. GSAR 570.105-2 is revised to update the statutory 
reference to leasing authority. GSAR 570.105-2(c) is added to reference 
570.305, where additional procedures can be found regarding two-phase 
design-build selections that apply to acquisition of leasehold 
interests. GSAR 570.105-3 is deleted in its entirety because sealed 
bidding is not used in GSA leasing transactions.
    GSAR 570.106 is re-titled Advertising, Publicizing, and 
Notifications to Congress, and revised to incorporate advertising 
requirements from GSAR part 505, because most of the exceptions to 
advertising requirements contained in GSAR part 505 relate to the 
leasing program.
    GSAR 570.106-1, Synopsis of lease awards, is added to incorporate 
synopsizing requirements of lease awards from GSAR part 505.
    GSAR 570.108 is revised to update reference to ``Excluded Parties 
List System'' (EPLS).
    GSAR 570.109 is revised to add the language ``representations and'' 
for clarification.
    GSAR 570.110 is revised to require the contracting officer to 
obtain two bids or cost and pricing data for price analysis of offered 
tenant improvement costs.
    GSAR 570.111 is revised to require that the inspection and 
acceptance document contain the usable square footage accepted and the 
acceptance date.
    GSAR 570.115, Novation and Change of Ownership, is added to include 
language stating that FAR subpart 42.12 applies in the event of a 
transfer of ownership of the leased premises or a change in the 
lessor's legal name.
    GSAR 570.116, Contract Format, is added to include language stating 
that the uniform contract format is not required for leases of real 
property.
    GSAR 570.117, Sustainable requirements for lease acquisitions, is 
added to add a requirement for the contracting officer to include 
sustainable design requirements appropriate for the type of leasing 
action in solicitations for offers and to provide that the solicitation 
requirements and instructions are listed on http://gsa.gov/leasing.

[[Page 63705]]

    GSAR 570.203-3(a), is revised to add a reference to ``GSA Form 
3626'' for clarity and to require the contracting officer to include 
sustainable design requirements in offers.
    GSAR 570.203-4 is revised to include a reference to the thresholds 
at FAR 15.403-4 and 19.702(a). It is further revised to require that 
the contracting officer make an affirmative determination of price 
reasonableness.
    GSAR subpart 570.3 is renamed Acquisition Procedures for Leasehold 
Interests in Real Property Over the Simplified Lease Acquisition 
Threshold.
    GSAR 570.303-1 is revised to add a requirement that each 
solicitation of offers (SFO) must include sustainable design 
requirements.
    GSAR 570.303-2 is revised to allow electronic issuance of 
solicitations.
    GSAR 570.303-4 is revised to require contracting officers to re-
advertise and reissue a solicitation when a complete revision of a 
solicitation is required in accordance with GSAR 570.106.
    GSAR 570.304 is revised to adequately distinguish between best 
value and low price technically acceptable acquisitions.
    GSAR 570.305 is revised to require the contracting officer to 
consider planned subcontracting opportunities for small disadvantaged 
business concerns during phase one evaluations.
    GSAR 570.306(b) is revised to require the contracting officer to 
review the elements of the lessor's proposed rent to analyze whether 
the individual elements are realistic and reflect the lessor's 
understanding of work to be performed.
    GSAR 570.306(c) is revised to add information on past performance 
evaluations.
    GSAR 570.306(f) is revised to direct the reader to important 
paragraphs in part 570 concerning the evaluation of offers.
    GSAR 570.401 is revised to add language indicating that if a 
renewal option was not evaluated as part of the lease at award, then 
the addition of a renewal option during the lease term must satisfy the 
requirements of GSAM 506 regarding full and open competition.
    GSAR 570.402-2 is revised to update the reference to publication 
and advertising requirements for leases.
    GSAR 570.402-5(a) is revised to add language to emphasize that 
relocation costs are to be used in price evaluations.
    GSAR 570.402-6 is revised to provide clarification on how to 
conduct a cost-benefit analysis.
    GSAR 570.403 is revised for clarity to refer to the cost-benefit 
analysis in 570.402-6 when identifying other potentially suitable 
properties.
    GSAR 570.404 is revised to clarify that a superseding lease may be 
used when market conditions warrant renegotiation of an existing lease, 
and to provide considerations of a cost-benefit analysis.
    GSAR 570.405 is revised to provide examples of situations where 
lease extensions may be appropriate.
    GSAR 570.501(a) is revised to explain that the procedures in 
570.502 apply to alterations acquired directly from a lessor by 
modification or supplemental lease agreement.
    GSAR 570.502 is deleted because this information is addressed in 
570.501(a).
    GSAR 570.502-1 is revised to tie the threshold to the FAR 
definition of the micro-purchase threshold.
    GSAR 570.502-2 is revised to delete language that refers to an 
obsolete form, GSA Form 300, and allow the lease contracting officer to 
delegate alteration contracting authority to a warranted contracting 
officer's representative in GSA or the tenant agency.
    GSAR 570.503 is revised to delete paragraph (b) from the GSAM and 
incorporate it into the GSAR.
    GSAR subpart 570.6 is renumbered as GSAR subpart 570.7 and a new 
GSAR Subpart 570.6, Contracting for Overtime Services and Utilities in 
Leases is added to provide requirements for when overtime services and 
utilities.
    GSAR 570.601 is renumbered as 570.701 and is revised to delete the 
reference to the dollar value of the thresholds, and to instead provide 
the FAR reference because the thresholds may change.
    GSAR 570.601 is revised to include additional FAR provisions or 
clauses that must be included in solicitations.
    GSAR 570.602 and 570.603 are renumbered as 570.702 and 703, 
respectively, and are revised to require the contracting officer to 
document the file when deleting or substantially changing a clause. 
GSAR 570.603 is further revised to number the paragraphs (a) and (b), 
and to include language in paragraphs (a) and (b) to require the 
contracting officer to include the following additional clauses in 
leaseholds for real property:
    552.215-70, Examination of Records by GSA;
    552.270-28, Mutuality of Obligation;
    552.270-29, Acceptance of Space;
    552.270-30, Price Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity;
    552.270-31, Prompt Payment; and
    552.270-32, Covenant Against Contingent Fees.
    GSAR 570.604 is renumbered as 570.704 and is revised to delete the 
reference to GSAR clause 552.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees, 
because the updated clause number is now referenced in 570.703.
    GSAR 570.701 is renumbered as 570.801 and is revised to delete the 
instructions to omit the reference to Standard Form 2-A.
    GSAR 570.802(d) is added to allow the use of the GSA Form 1217, 
Lessor's Annual Cost Statement, to obtain pricing information regarding 
offered services and lease commissions.
    The clause at GSAR 552.270-1, Instructions to Offerors-Acquisition 
Leasehold Interest in Real Property, is revised to add language 
requiring execution and delivery of a lease to effectuate contract 
formation. It also adds paragraph (f) to address paperwork collection 
information.
    The provision at GSAR 552.270-3, Parties to Execute Leases, is 
revised to make it consistent with the instructions contained in FAR 
4.102.
    The clause at GSAR 552.270-7, Fire and Casualty Damage, is revised 
to permit the government to assess a property's condition before giving 
notice of termination.
    The clause at GSAR 552.270-14, Changes, is revised to specify the 
impact of the failure to assert a claim for a price adjustment.
    The clause at GSAR 552.270-16, Adjustment for Vacant Premises, is 
revised to clarify when and how adjustments for vacant premises will be 
made.
    The clause at GSAR 552.270-29, Acceptance of Space, is revised to 
simplify the reference to a section in the solicitation.
    The clause at GSAR 552.203.70, Price Adjustment for Illegal or 
Improper Activity, is relocated from GSAR part 503 to GSAR part 570 
and, as a result, is renumbered as GSAR 552.270-30.
    The clause at GSAR 552.232-75, Prompt Payment, is relocated from 
GSAR part 532 to GSAR part 570 and, as a result, is renumbered as GSAR 
552.270-31. This clause is also revised to add paragraph (d) 
Overpayments, to give instructions to the contractor in cases where the 
Government has overpaid.
    The clause at GSAR 552.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees, is 
relocated from GSAR part 503 to GSAR part 570 and, as a result, is 
renumbered as GSAR 552.270-32.

Discussion of Comments

    There were no public comments received in response to the 
``Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking'' pertaining to this GSAR 
part.

[[Page 63706]]

    This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not 
subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, 
Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is 
not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The General Services Administration does not expect this proposed 
rule 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 the revisions are not considered 
substantive. The revisions delete obsolete coverage, clarify existing 
coverage, and edit current language. An ``Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis'' has therefore, not been performed. We invite 
comments from small businesses and other interested parties. GSA will 
consider comments from small businesses concerning the affected GSAR 
part 570 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must 
submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. 
(GSAR case 2006-G508), in all correspondence.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) applies because the proposed rule 
contains information collection requirements. Accordingly, the 
Regulatory Secretariat has submitted a request for approval of a new 
information collection requirement concerning GSAR Case 2006-G508 to 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

Annual Reporting Burden

    At GSAR 570.702(d), the contracting officer may use GSA Form 1217, 
Lessor's Annual Cost Statement, to obtain pricing information regarding 
offered services and lease commissions.
    The annual reporting burden is estimated as follows:
    Respondents: 5,733.
    Responses per respondent: 1.
    Total annual responses: 5,733.
    Preparation hours per response: 1 hour.
    Total response burden hours: 5,733.
    Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information.
    An existing OMB clearance, OMB Control No. 3090-0086, covers the 
information contained in GSAR 570.702(c), GSA Form 1364, Proposal To 
Lease Space. In this instance, the PRA does not apply because the 
proposed changes to the GSAM do not impose information collection 
requirements that require the approval of OMB under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et 
seq.

D. Request for Comments Regarding Paperwork Burden

    Submit comments, including suggestions for reducing this burden, 
not later than February 2, 2010 to: GSAR Desk Officer, OMB, Room 10102, 
NEOB, Washington, DC 20503, and a copy to the General Services 
Administration, Regulatory Secretariat (MVPR), 1800 F Street, NW., Room 
4041, Washington, DC 20405.
    Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
functions of the GSAR, and will have practical utility; whether our 
estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is 
accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use 
of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    Requester may obtain a copy of the justification from the General 
Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat (MVPR), Room 4041, 
Washington, DC 20405, telephone (202) 501-4755. Please cite OMB Control 
Number 3090-00XX, GSAR Case 2006-G508, Acquiring Leasehold Interests in 
Real Property, in all correspondence.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 552 and 570

    Government procurement.

    Dated: November 5, 2009.
David A. Drabkin,
Senior Procurement Executive, Office of Acquisition Policy, U.S. 
General Services Administration.

    Therefore, GSA proposes to amend 48 CFR parts 552 and 570 as set 
forth below:
    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 552 and 570 continues to 
read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).

PART 552--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

    2. Amend section 552.270-1 by--
    a. Removing from the clause heading ``(MAR 1998)'' and adding 
``([DATE])'' in its place;
    b. Revising in paragraph (a) the definition ``In writing or 
written'';
    c. Removing from paragraph (c)(2)(i)(A) ``the 5th'' and adding 
``the fifth'' in its place;
    d. Removing from paragraph (c)(2)(i)(E) ``the Contracting'' and 
adding ``that the Contracting'' in its place;
    e. Revising paragraph (e)(7); and
    f. Adding paragraph (f).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


552.270-1  Instructions to Offerors--Acquisition of Leasehold Interests 
in Real Property.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    In writing, writing, or written means any worded or numbered 
expression that can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and 
includes electronically transmitted and stored information.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (7) The execution and delivery of the Lease contract by the 
Government establishes a valid award and contract.
* * * * *
    (f) Paperwork collection. The information collection requirements 
contained in this solicitation/contract are either required by 
regulation or approved by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant 
to the Paperwork Reduction Act and assigned OMB Control No. 3090-0163.
    3. Amend section 552.270-3 by--
    a. Removing from the clause heading ``(SEP 1999)'' and adding 
``([DATE])'' in its place;
    b. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b);
    c. Removing from paragraph (c) ``shall be signed with'' and adding 
``must be signed in'' in its place; and
    d. Adding paragraphs (d) and (e).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


552.270-3  Parties to Execute Lease.

* * * * *
    (a) If the lessor is an individual, that individual shall sign the 
lease. A lease with an individual doing business as a firm shall be 
signed by that individual, and the signature shall be followed by the 
individual's typed, stamped, or printed name and the words, ``an 
individual doing business as ---------------- [insert name of firm]''.
    (b) If the Lessor is a partnership, the lease must be signed in the 
partnership name, followed by the name of the legally authorized 
partner signing the same, and a copy of either the partnership 
agreement or current Certificate of Limited Partnership shall accompany 
the lease.
* * * * *

[[Page 63707]]

    (d) If the Lessor is a joint venture, the lease must be signed by 
each participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in 
paragraphs (a) through (c) of this provision for each type of 
participant. When a corporation is participating in the joint venture, 
the corporation shall provide evidence that the corporation is 
authorized to participate in the joint venture.
    (e) If the lease is executed by an attorney, agent, or trustee on 
behalf of the Lessor, an authenticated copy of his/her power of 
attorney, or other evidence to act on behalf of the Lessor, must 
accompany the lease.


552.270-7  [Amended]

    4. Amend section 552.270-7 by removing from the clause heading 
``(SEP 1999)'' and adding ``([DATE])'' in its place, and removing from 
the second sentence of the clause ``days of the fire or other 
casualty;'' and adding ``days after such determination;'' in its place.
    5. Amend section 552.270-14 by removing from the clause heading 
``(SEP 1999)'' and adding ``([DATE])'' in its place, and revising 
paragraph (c) to read as follows:


552.270-14  Changes.

* * * * *
    (c) The Lessor must assert its right to an adjustment under this 
clause within 30 days from the date of receipt of the change order and 
must submit a proposal for adjustment. The Lessor's failure to assert 
its right for adjustment within the time frame specified herein shall 
be a waiver of the Lessor's right to an adjustment under this 
paragraph. Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute under 
the Disputes clause. However, nothing in this clause excuses the lessor 
from proceeding with the change as directed.
* * * * *
    6. Revise section 552.270-16 to read as follows:


552.270-16   Adjustment for Vacant Premises.

    As prescribed in 570.603, insert the following clause:

Adjustment for Vacant Premises ([DATE])

    (a) If the Government fails to occupy any portion of the leased 
premises or vacates the premises in whole or in part before the 
lease term expires, the rental rate will be reduced. The reduction 
shall occur after the Government gives 30 calendar days' notice to 
the Lessor, and shall continue in effect until the Government 
occupies or reoccupies the vacant premises or the lease expires or 
is terminated.
    (b) The rate will be reduced by that portion of the costs per 
usable square foot of operating expenses not required to maintain 
the space. In addition, at the first operating cost adjustment after 
the notice of reduction to the rent, the base cost of services 
subject to escalation will be reduced by said amount. In the event 
that the Government occupies or reoccupies the vacant premises on 
the lease anniversary date following the occupation of the vacant 
premises, the base cost of services subject to escalation will be 
increased by said amount.
    (c) The reduction in operating costs shall be negotiated and 
stated in the lease.
    (End of clause)

    7. Amend section 552.270-29 by removing from the clause heading 
``(SEP 1999)'' and adding ``([DATE])'' in its place, and revising 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


552.270-29  Acceptance of Space.

* * * * *
    (b) The Government will accept the space and the lease term will 
begin after determining that the space is substantially complete and 
contains the required usable square footage as indicated in the 
solicitation paragraph, Amount and Type of Space.
    8. Add section 552.270-30 to read as follows:


552.270-30  Price Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity.

    As prescribed in 570.603, insert the following clause:

Price Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity ([DATE])

    (a) If the head of the contracting activity (HCA) or his or her 
designee determines that there was a violation of subsection 27(a) 
of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, as amended (41 
U.S.C. 423), as implemented in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, 
the Government, at its election, may--
    (1) Reduce the monthly rental under this lease by five percent 
of the amount of the rental for each month of the remaining term of 
the lease, including any option periods, and recover five percent of 
the rental already paid;
    (2) Reduce payments for alterations not included in monthly 
rental payments by five percent of the amount of the alterations 
agreement; or
    (3) Reduce the payments for violations by a Lessor's 
subcontractor by an amount not to exceed the amount of profit or fee 
reflected in the subcontract at the time the subcontract was placed.
    (b) Prior to making a determination as set forth above, the HCA 
or designee shall provide to the Lessor a written notice of the 
action being considered and the basis therefor. The Lessor shall 
have a period determined by the agency head or designee, but not 
less than 30 calendar days after receipt of such notice, to submit 
in person, in writing, or through a representative, information and 
argument in opposition to the proposed reduction. The agency head or 
designee may, upon good cause shown, determine to deduct less than 
the above amounts from payments.
    (c) The rights and remedies of the Government specified herein 
are not exclusive, and are in addition to any other rights and 
remedies provided by law or under this lease.
    (End of clause)

    9. Add section 552.270-31 to read as follows:


552.270-31  Prompt Payment.

    As prescribed in 570.603, insert the following clause:

Prompt Payment (Sep 1999)

    The Government will make payments under the terms and conditions 
specified in this clause. Payment shall be considered as being made 
on the day a check is dated or an electronic funds transfer is made. 
All days referred to in this clause are calendar days, unless 
otherwise specified.
    (a) Payment due date.
    (1) Rental payments. Rent shall be paid monthly in arrears and 
will be due on the first workday of each month, and only as provided 
for by the lease.
    (i) When the date for commencement of rent falls on the 15th day 
of the month or earlier, the initial monthly rental payment under 
this contract shall become due on the first workday of the month 
following the month in which the commencement of the rent is 
effective.
    (ii) When the date for commencement of rent falls after the 15th 
day of the month, the initial monthly rental payment under this 
contract shall become due on the first workday of the second month 
following the month in which the commencement of the rent is 
effective.
    (2) Other payments. The due date for making payments other than 
rent shall be the later of the following two events:
    (i) The 30th day after the designated billing office has 
received a proper invoice from the Contractor.
    (ii) The 30th day after Government acceptance of the work or 
service. However, if the designated billing office fails to annotate 
the invoice with the actual date of receipt, the invoice payment due 
date shall be deemed to be the 30th day after the Contractor's 
invoice is dated, provided a proper invoice is received and there is 
no disagreement over quantity, quality, or Contractor compliance 
with contract requirements.
    (b) Invoice and inspection requirements for payments other than 
rent.
    (1) The Contractor shall prepare and submit an invoice to the 
designated billing office after completion of the work. A proper 
invoice shall include the following items:
    (i) Name and address of the Contractor.
    (ii) Invoice date.
    (iii) Lease number.
    (iv) Government's order number or other authorization.
    (v) Description, price, and quantity of work or services 
delivered.
    (vi) Name and address of Contractor official to whom payment is 
to be sent (must be the same as that in the remittance address in 
the lease or the order).
    (vii) Name (where practicable), title, phone number, and mailing 
address of person to be notified in the event of a defective 
invoice.

[[Page 63708]]

    (2) The Government will inspect and determine the acceptability 
of the work performed or services delivered within seven days after 
the receipt of a proper invoice or notification of completion of the 
work or services unless a different period is specified at the time 
the order is placed. If actual acceptance occurs later, for the 
purpose of determining the payment due date and calculation of 
interest, acceptance will be deemed to occur on the last day of the 
seven day inspection period. If the work or service is rejected for 
failure to conform to the technical requirements of the contract, 
the seven days will be counted beginning with receipt of a new 
invoice or notification. In either case, the Contractor is not 
entitled to any payment or interest unless actual acceptance by the 
Government occurs.
    (c) Interest Penalty.
    (1) An interest penalty shall be paid automatically by the 
Government, without request from the Contractor, if payment is not 
made by the due date.
    (2) The interest penalty shall be at the rate established by the 
Secretary of the Treasury under Section 12 of the Contract Disputes 
Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 611) that is in effect on the day after the 
due date. This rate is referred to as the ``Renegotiation Board 
Interest Rate,'' and it is published in the Federal Register 
semiannually on or about January 1 and July 1. The interest penalty 
shall accrue daily on the payment amount approved by the Government 
and be compounded in 30-day increments inclusive from the first day 
after the due date through the payment date.
    (3) Interest penalties will not continue to accrue after the 
filing of a claim for such penalties under the clause at 52.233-1, 
Disputes, or for more than one year. Interest penalties of less than 
$1.00 need not be paid.
    (4) Interest penalties are not required on payment delays due to 
disagreement between the Government and Contractor over the payment 
amount or other issues involving contract compliance or on amounts 
temporarily withheld or retained in accordance with the terms of the 
contract. Claims involving disputes, and any interest that may be 
payable, will be resolved in accordance with the clause at 52.233-1, 
Disputes.
    (d) Overpayments. If the Lessor becomes aware of a duplicate 
payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a payment, 
the Contractor shall--
    (1) Return the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in 
the contract along with a description of the overpayment including 
the--
    (i) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, 
erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);
    (ii) Affected lease number;
    (iii) Affected lease line item or subline item, if applicable; 
and
    (iv) Lessor point of contact.
    (2) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting 
documentation to the Contracting Officer.
    (End of clause)

    Alternate I (Sep 1999). If Alternate I is used, subparagraph (a)(1) 
of the basic clause should be designated as paragraph (a) and 
subparagraph (a)(2) and paragraph (b) should be deleted. Paragraph (c) 
of the basic clause should be redesignated (b).
    10. Add section 552.270-32 to read as follows:


552.270-32  Covenant Against Contingent Fees.

    As prescribed in 570.603, insert the following clause:

Covenant Against Contingent Fees ([DATE])

    (a) The Contractor warrants that no person or agency has been 
employed or retained to solicit or obtain this contract upon an 
agreement or understanding for a contingent fee, except a bona fide 
employee or agency. For breach or violation of this warranty, the 
Government shall have the right to annul this contract without 
liability or, in its discretion, to deduct from the contract price 
or consideration, or otherwise recover the full amount of the 
contingent fee.
    (b) Bona fide agency, as used in this clause, means an 
established commercial or selling agency (including licensed real 
estate agents or brokers), maintained by a Contractor for the 
purpose of securing business, that neither exerts nor proposes to 
exert improper influence to solicit or obtain Government contracts 
nor holds itself out as being able to obtain any Government contract 
or contracts through improper influence.
    Bona fide employee, as used in this clause, means a person, 
employed by a Contractor and subject to the Contractor's supervision 
and control as to time, place, and manner of performance, who 
neither exerts nor proposes to exert improper influence to solicit 
or obtain Government contracts nor holds out as being able to obtain 
any Government contract or contracts through improper influence.
    Contingent fee, as used in this clause, means any commission, 
percentage, brokerage, or other fee that is contingent upon the 
success that a person or concern has in securing a Government 
contract.
    Improper influence, as used in this clause, means any influence 
that induces or tends to induce a Government employee or officer to 
give consideration or to act regarding a Government contract on any 
basis other than the merits of the matter.
    (End of clause)

PART 570--ACQUIRING LEASEHOLD INTERESTS IN REAL PROPERTY

    11. Amend section 570.101 by revising the table in paragraph (b), 
and adding paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:


570.101   Applicability.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

  GSAR Rules Applicable to Acquisitions of Leasehold Interests in Real
                                Property
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            501         515.209-70             519.12           536.271
            502            515.305            522.805             537.2
            503            517.202            522.807               552
          509.4            517.207            532.111               553
        514.407              519.7                533
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (c) The following GSAM provisions apply to acquisitions of 
leasehold interests in real property. These are in addition to the GSAR 
requirements identified in 570.101(b).

 GSAM Applicable to Acquisitions of Leasehold Interests in Real Property
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            501                506              519.6               530
            503                507              519.7             532.6
          504.2         515.305-70             519.12             532.8
          504.9         515.305-71             522.13             532.9
        504.606              515.6             522.14               533
         504.11              519.3              523.4             537.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 63709]]

     (d) The FAR does not apply to leasehold acquisitions of real 
property. Where referenced in this part, FAR provisions have been 
adopted based on a statutory requirement applicable to such lease 
acquisitions or as a matter of policy, including, but not limited to 
``Federal agency procurement'' as defined at FAR 3.104.
    12. Amend section 570.102 by--
    a. Removing the definition ``Acquisition'';
    b. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``Lease 
acquisition'', ``Lease extension'', and ``Lease renewal (option)'';
    c. Revising the definitions ``Simplified lease acquisition 
threshold'', ``Small business'', and ``Solicitation for Offers (SFO)'';
    d. Removing the definition ``Space in buildings'';
    e. Removing from the first sentence of the definition 
``Substantially as follows'' or ``substantially the same as,'' the word 
``you'' and adding ``the contracting officer'' in its place; and
    f. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``Succeeding 
lease'', ``Superseding lease'', and ``Usable square feet''.
    The added and revised text reads as follows:


570.102   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Lease acquisition means the acquiring by lease of an interest in 
improved real property for use by the Federal Government, whether the 
space already exists or must be constructed.
    Lease extension means extension of the expiration date of a lease 
to provide for continued occupancy on a short term basis.
    Lease renewal (option) means the right, but not the obligation of 
the Government to continue a lease upon specified terms and conditions, 
including lease term and rent.
* * * * *
    Simplified lease acquisition threshold means the simplified 
acquisition threshold (see FAR 2.101), when applied to the average 
annual amount of rent for the term of the lease, including option 
periods and excluding the cost of services.
    Small business means a concern including affiliates, which is 
organized for profit, is independently-owned and operated, is not 
dominant in the field of leasing commercial real estate, and that has 
annual average gross receipts for the preceding three fiscal years 
which are less than the size standard established by the Small Business 
Administration pursuant to 13 CFR Part 121. The size standards may be 
found at http://www.sba.gov/size/sizetable2002.html. For most lease 
procurements, the NAICS code is 531190.
    Solicitation for Offers (SFO) means a request for negotiated 
proposals.
* * * * *
    Succeeding lease means a lease whose effective date immediately 
follows the expiration date of an existing lease for space in the same 
building.
    Superseding lease means a lease that replaces an existing lease, 
prior to the scheduled expiration of the existing lease term.
    Usable square feet means the American National Standards Institute/
Building Owners and Managers Association (ANSI/BOMA) Office Area where 
a tenant normally houses personnel, and/or furniture, for which a 
measurement is to be computed.
    13. Revise section 570.103 to read as follows:


570.103   Authority to lease.

    (a) The Administrator of General Services is authorized by 40 
U.S.C. 585 to enter into a lease agreement for the accommodation of a 
Federal agency in a building (or improvement) which is in existence or 
being erected by the lessor for the accommodation of the Federal 
agency. The lease agreement may not bind the Government for more than 
20 years.
    (b) The contracting officer has exclusive authority to enter into 
and administer leases on the Government's behalf to the extent provided 
in his/her certificate of appointment as a contracting officer. Nothing 
in this subsection is intended to limit the contracting officer's 
authority to designate, consistent with statute and regulation, a 
contracting officer's representative.


570.104   [Amended]

    14. Amend section 570.104 by removing ``Unless use'' and adding 
``Unless the contracting officer uses'' in its place.
    15. Revise section 570.105-1 to read as follows:


570.105-1   Contracting by negotiation.

    Contracting by negotiation is appropriate for acquiring space in a 
building through a lease contract. The contracting officer will usually 
need to conduct discussions with offerors about their proposals and 
consider factors other than price in making the award.
    16. Amend section 570.105-2 by--
    a. Revising the section heading;
    b. Revising the introductory paragraph and paragraph (a);
    c. Removing from paragraph (b) ``You determine'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer determines whether'' in its place;
    d. Removing from paragraph (b)(1) ``You expect'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer expects'' in its place;
    e. Removing from paragraph (b)(4) ``You consider'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer considers'' in its place;
    f. Redesignating paragraphs (b)(iv) through (b)(vi) as paragraphs 
(b)(v) through (b)(vii) and adding new paragraph (b)(iv); and
    g. Adding paragraph (c).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


570.105-2   Criteria for the use of two-phase design-build.

    The contracting officer may use the two-phase design-build 
selection procedures in 41 U.S.C. 253m for lease construction projects. 
This includes lease construction projects with options to purchase the 
real property leased. Use the procedures in 41 U.S.C. 253m and FAR 36.3 
when the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section are met:
    (a) The contracting officer anticipates that the lease will involve 
the design and construction of a building, facility, or work for lease 
to the Government.
    (b) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (iv) The past performance of potential contractors.
* * * * *
    (c) See 570.305 for additional information.


570.105-3  [Removed]

    17. Remove section 570.105-3.
    18. Revise section 570.106 to read as follows:


570.106  Advertising, Publicizing, and Notifications to Congress.

    (a) If a proposed acquisition is not exempt under FAR 5.202 or GSAR 
570.106(e), and is for a leasehold interest in real property estimated 
to exceed 10,000 usable square feet, then the contracting officer must 
publicize the proposed acquisition in FedBizOpps.gov.
    (b) For leasehold acquisitions where the solicitation requires the 
construction of a new building on a preselected site, the contracting 
officer, in accordance with the timeframes established in FAR 5.203, 
must publicize the proposed acquisition in FedBizOpps.gov regardless of 
size or value.
    (c) Other than as identified above, the contracting officer need 
not publicize the proposed acquisition of a leasehold interest in real 
property, including expansion requests within the scope of

[[Page 63710]]

a lease (see 570.403), lease extensions under the conditions defined in 
570.405, and building alterations within the scope of a lease (see 
570.5). However, the contracting officer may publicize proposed lease 
acquisitions of any dollar value or square footage in FedBizOpps.gov or 
local newspapers if, in the opinion of the contracting officer, doing 
so is necessary to promote competition.
    (d) The contracting officer may issue a consolidated advertisement 
for multiple, leasing actions.
    (e) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) above, where 
publicizing of the proposed acquisition is required, the notice shall 
be published in FedBizOpps.gov not less than three calendar days prior 
to issuance of a solicitation.
    (f) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section 
and as set forth below, the contracting officer shall provide offerors 
not less than 20 calendar days between solicitation issuance and the 
date established for receipt of initial offers.
    (1) For a proposed acquisition using simplified lease acquisition 
procedures (see 570.2), consider the individual acquisition and 
establish a reasonable response time.
    (2) In cases of unusual and compelling urgency (FAR 6.303-2), 
provide as much time as reasonably possible under the circumstances and 
document the contract file.
    (g) If a Member of Congress has specifically requested notification 
of award, the contracting officer must provide award notifications in 
accordance with 505.303.
    19. Add section 570.106-1 to read as follows:


570.106-1  Synopsis of lease awards.

    (a) Except for lease actions described in paragraph (b) of this 
section, contracting officers must synopsize in FedBizOpps.gov awards 
exceeding $25,000 total contract value that are likely to result in the 
award of any subcontracts. However, the dollar threshold is not a 
prohibition against publicizing an award of a smaller amount when 
publicizing would be advantageous to industry or to the Government.
    (b) A notice is not required if--
    (1) The notice would disclose the occupant agency's needs and the 
disclosure of such needs would compromise the national security; or
    (2) The lease--
    (i) Is for an amount not greater than the simplified lease 
acquisition threshold;
    (ii) Was made through a means where access to the notice of 
proposed lease action was provided through FedBizOpps.gov; and
    (iii) Permitted the public to respond to the solicitation 
electronically.
    (c) Justifications for other than full and open competition must be 
posted in FedBizOpps.gov. Information exempt from public disclosure 
must be redacted.


570.107  [Amended]

    20. Amend section 570.107 by removing ``You may use'' and adding 
``The contracting officer may require'' in its place.


570.108  [Amended]

    21. Amend section 570.108 by--
    a. Removing from the third sentence in paragraph (a) ``the List of 
Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs'' 
and adding ``the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)'' in its place;
    b. Removing from paragraph (b) ``Your signature'' and adding ``the 
contracting officer's signature'' in its place; and
    c. Removing from paragraphs (c) and (d) ``you find'' and adding 
``the contracting officer finds'' in its place.


570.109  [Amended]

    22. Amend section 570.109 by removing ``applicable certifications'' 
and adding ``applicable representations and certifications'' in its 
place.
    23. Amend section 570.110 by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


570.110  Cost or pricing data and information other than cost or 
pricing data.

* * * * *
    (b) FAR 15.403-1 defines exceptions to and waivers for submitting 
cost or pricing data. Most leasing actions will have adequate price 
competition. For price analysis of offered rental rates, the 
contracting officer may use a market survey, an appraisal conducted 
using accepted real property appraisal procedures to establish a market 
price for comparison, or other relevant market research data. For price 
analysis of offered tenant improvement costs, obtain two bids or cost 
and pricing data.
* * * * *
    24. Revise section 570.111 to read as follows:


570.111  Inspection and acceptance.

    Before contracting officers accept space they must verify that the 
space complies with the Government's requirements and specifications 
and document this in an inspection report. The inspection and 
acceptance document must contain the usable square footage accepted and 
the acceptance date. Include the inspection and acceptance in the 
contract file.
    25. Revise section 570.112 to read as follows:


570.112  Awards to Federal employees.

    If contracting officers receive an offer from an officer or 
employee of the Government, they must follow the procedures in FAR 3.6.
    26. Revise section 570.113 to read as follows:


570.113  Disclosure of mistakes after award.

    If a mistake in a lessor's offer is discovered after award, the 
contracting officer should process it substantially in accordance with 
FAR 14.407-4 and GSAM 514.407.
    27. Add section 570.115 to read as follows:


570.115  Novation and Change of Ownership.

    In the event of a transfer of ownership of the leased premises or a 
change in the lessor's legal name, FAR 42.12 applies.
    28. Add section 570.116 to read as follows:


570.116  Contract format.

    The uniform contract format is not required for leases of real 
property.
    29. Add section 570.117 to read as follows:


570.117  Sustainable requirements for lease acquisition.

    Contracting officers must include sustainable design requirements 
appropriate for the type of leasing action in solicitations for offers. 
Solicitation requirements and instructions are listed on http://gsa.gov/leasing under Leasing Policies and Procedures, Green Leasing. 
Sustainable design requirements support improving the quality of the 
environment by--
    (a) Controlling pollution;
    (b) Managing energy and water use efficiently;
    (c) Using renewable energy and renewable energy technologies;
    (d) Acquiring energy-efficient and water-efficient products and 
services, environmentally preferable products, products containing 
recovered materials, and biobased products; and
    (e) Requiring lessors to identify hazardous materials.
    30. Amend section 570.203-2 by revising paragraph (a) and removing 
from paragraph (b) ``you solicit'' and adding ``the contracting officer 
solicits'' in its place.


570.203-2  Competition.

    (a) To the maximum extent practicable, the contracting officer must 
solicit at least three sources to promote competition. If there are 
repeated

[[Page 63711]]

requirements for space in the same market, invite two sources, if 
practicable, that are not included in the most recent solicitation to 
submit offers.
* * * * *
    31. Amend section 570.203-3 by--
    a. Revising introductory paragraph (a);
    b. Removing from paragraph (a)(1) ``A description of'' and adding 
``Describe'' in its place;
    c. Revising paragraph (a)(2);
    d. Removing from paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) ``A statement of'' 
and adding ``State'' in its place; and
    e. Adding paragraph (a)(6) to read as follows:


570.203-3  Soliciting offers.

    (a) The contracting officer must solicit offers by providing each 
prospective offeror a proposed short form lease GSA Form 3626 or SFO. 
The short form lease or SFO must:
* * * * *
    (2) List all award factors, including price or cost, and any 
significant subfactors that the contracting officer will consider in 
awarding the lease.
* * * * *
    (6) Include sustainable design requirements.
* * * * *
    32. Amend section 570.203-4 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (a) ``you need'' and adding ``the 
contracting officer needs'' in its place;
    b. Removing from paragraph (b) ``reasonable.'' and adding 
``reasonable. See 570.110.'' in its place;
    c. Revising paragraph (c);
    d. Redesignating paragraphs (d) and (e) as paragraphs (e) and (f), 
respectively, and adding new paragraph (d); and
    e. Removing from the newly designated paragraph (e) ``$500,000'' 
and adding ``the amount established by FAR 19.702(a)'' in its place.
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


570.203-4  Negotiation, evaluation, and award.

* * * * *
    (c) If the total price, including options, exceeds the amount 
established by FAR 15.403-4, consider whether the contracting officer 
needs cost and pricing data to determine that the price is fair and 
reasonable. In most cases, the exceptions at FAR 15.403-1 will apply.
    (d) Regardless of the process used, the contracting officer must 
determine whether the price is fair and reasonable.
* * * * *
    33. Revise the heading in subpart 570.3--to read as follows:

Subpart 570.3--Acquisition Procedures for Leasehold Interests in 
Real Property Over the Simplified Lease Acquisition Threshold


570.303-1  [Amended]

    34. Amend section 570.303-1 by removing from the last sentence of 
the introductory paragraph ``provide all the following''; removing from 
paragraph (h) ``570.7'' and adding ``570.8'' in its place; and adding 
paragraph (i) to read as follows:


570.303-1  Preparing the SFO.

* * * * *
    (i) Include sustainable design requirements.
    35. Revise section 570.303-2 to read as follows:


570.303-2  Issuing the SFO.

    Release the SFO to all prospective offerors at the same time. The 
SFO may be released electronically.
    36. Amend section 570.303-4 by revising paragraph (d), and adding 
paragraph (e) to read as follows:


570.303-4  Changes to SFOs.

* * * * *
    (d) If an amendment is so substantial that it requires a complete 
revision of the SFO, cancel the SFO, readvertise if required by 
570.106, and issue a new SFO.
    (e) If there are changes to the Government's requirements for 
amount of space, delineated area, occupancy date, and/or other major 
aspects of the requirements, the contracting officer shall consider 
whether there is a need to readvertise, and to document the file 
accordingly.
    37. Amend section 570.304 by removing from introductory paragraph 
(a) ``you use either'' and adding ``the contracting officer uses one of 
the following''; revising paragraph (c) and introductory paragraph (d); 
and removing from paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) ``if you'' and adding 
``if the contracting officer'' in its place.
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.304  General source selection procedures.

* * * * *
    (c) In a best value trade off procurement, the contracting officer 
must include price or cost to the Government, past performance, the 
planned participation of small disadvantaged business concerns in 
performance of the contract, and other factors as required by FAR 
15.304 as evaluation factors. The contracting officer may include other 
evaluation factors as needed.
    (d) The evaluation factors and significant subfactors must comply 
with FAR 15.304 and either one of the following:
* * * * *
    38. Amend section 570.305 by--
    a. Revising paragraph (a);
    b. Redesignating paragraph (c)(1)(iv) as paragraph (c)(1)(v), and 
adding a new paragraph (c)(1)(iv);
    c. Removing from paragraph (c)(2) ``Do not'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer shall not'' (twice) in its place; and
    d. Revising paragraph (d).
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.305  Two-phase design-build selection procedures.

    (a) These procedures apply to acquisitions of leasehold interests 
if the contracting officer uses the two-phase design-build selection 
procedures authorized by 570.105-2. Follow FAR 36.3.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (iv) The planned participation of small disadvantaged business 
concerns in performance of the contract.
* * * * *
    (d) The contracting officer shall set the maximum number of 
offerors to be selected for phase-two to not exceed five unless the 
contracting officer determine that a number greater than five is both:
* * * * *
    39. Amend section 570.306 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (a) ``You'' and adding ``The contracting 
officer'' in its place;
    b. Revising paragraphs (b) and (c);
    c. Redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (e); and adding new 
paragraph (d); and
    d. Adding paragraph (f).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


570.306  Evaluating offers.

* * * * *
    (b) Evaluate prices and document the lease file to demonstrate that 
the proposed contract price is fair and reasonable. The contracting 
officer must review the elements of the offeror's proposed rent to 
analyze whether the individual elements are realistic and reflect the 
offeror's clear understanding of the work to be performed. The 
contracting officer must discuss any inconsistencies with the offeror. 
If the offeror refuses to support or make any changes to the rent 
proposed, consider the risk to the Government prior to making any lease 
award.
    (c) Evaluate past performance on previous lease projects in 
accordance

[[Page 63712]]

with 515.305 and FAR 15.305(a)(2). Obtain information through:
    (1) Questionnaires tailored to the circumstances of the 
acquisition;
    (2) Interviews with program managers or contracting officers;
    (3) Other sources; or
    (4) Past performance information collected under FAR 42.15 and 
available through the Past Performance Information Retrieval System 
(PPIRS) at http://www.ppirs.gov.
    (d) The contracting officer may obtain information to evaluate an 
offeror's past performance on subcontracting plan goals and small 
disadvantaged business participation, monetary targets, and 
notifications under FAR 19.1202-4(b) from the following sources:
    (1) The Small Business Administration;
    (2) Information on prior contracts from contracting officers and 
administrative contracting officers;
    (3) Offeror's references; and
    (4) Past performance information collected under FAR 42.15 and 
available through PPIRS.
* * * * *
    (f) Also see the requirements in 570.108, 570.109, and 570.111.


570.308  [Amended]

    40. Amend section 570.308 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (b)(1) and the first sentence of 
paragraph (b)(2) ``you'' and adding ``the contracting officer'' (two 
times) in its place; and
    b. Removing from the second sentence of paragraph (b)(2) ``You'' 
and adding ``The contracting officer'' in its place.
    41. Revise section 570.401 to read as follows:


570.401  Renewal options.

    (a) Exercise of options. Before exercising an option to renew, 
follow the procedures in 517.207. The contract must first provide the 
right to renew the lease. If a renewal option was not evaluated as part 
of the lease at award, then the addition of a renewal option during the 
lease term must satisfy the requirements of GSAM 506 regarding full and 
open competition.
    (b) Market information review. Before exercising an option to renew 
a lease, review current market information to determine that the rental 
rate in the option is fair and reasonable.


570.402-1  [Amended]

    42. Amend section 570.402-1 by--
    a. Removing from paragraphs (a) and (b) ``you'' and adding ``the 
contracting officer'' (twice) in its place;
    b. Removing from paragraph (b)(1) ``You do'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer does'' in its place; and
    c. Removing from paragraph (b)(2) ``You identify'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer identifies'' in its place.
    43. Amend section 570.402-2 by--
    a. Revising the introductory paragraph;
    b. Removing from paragraph (a) ``the'' and adding ``that the'' in 
its place;
    c. Removing from paragraph (b) ``requirement'' and adding 
``requirements'' in its place; and
    d. Revising paragraphs (c) and (d).
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.402-2  Publicizing/Advertising.

    The contracting officer must publish a notice if required by 
570.106. The notice should:
* * * * *
    (c) Indicate that the Government is interested in considering 
alternative space if economically advantageous, or otherwise the 
Government intends to pursue a sole source acquisition.
    (d) Advise prospective offerors that the Government will consider 
relocation costs (such as moving, alterations, and telecommunications) 
when deciding whether it should relocate or pursue a sole source 
acquisition.
* * * * *
    44. Amend section 570.402-4 by revising the first sentence to read 
as follows:


570.402-4  No potential acceptable locations.

    If the contracting officer does not identify any potential 
acceptable locations through the advertisement or the market survey, s/
he may prepare a justification to negotiate directly with the present 
lessor. * * *
    45. Amend section 570.402-5 by--
    a. Removing from the introductory paragraph ``you identify'' and 
adding ``the contracting officer identifies'' in its place;
    b. Revising paragraph (a); and
    c. Removing from paragraph (b)(1) ``you'' and adding ``the 
contracting officer'' in its place.
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.402-5  Potential acceptable locations.

* * * * *
    (a) If the cost-benefit analysis indicates that the Government will 
recover relocation costs and duplication of costs through competition, 
develop an SFO and negotiate with all interested parties following 
570.3. Disclose in the SFO Price Evaluation paragraph the Government's 
estimate of relocation costs that will be used in the price evaluation. 
Relocation costs should include, but are not limited to, costs to 
duplicate tenant improvements, furniture and equipment move, breakdown 
and setup of systems furniture and other equipment, telecommunications 
costs, and administrative time.
* * * * *
    46. Revise section 570.402-6 to read as follows:


570.402-6  Cost-benefit analysis.

    The contracting officer must compare the costs and prices for a 
lease at potentially suitable properties to the costs and prices for a 
succeeding lease at the current location. The analysis must summarize 
the total present value of the costs and prices for the firm term of 
the lease and incorporate the elements in paragraphs (a) through (d) of 
this section:
    (a) Lease prices. Establish the lease prices by requesting an 
informational quotation from each prospective offeror and the present 
lessor. Provide a general description of the Government's needs without 
a formal SFO.
    (1) Adjust the prices quoted to reflect GSA's standard space at the 
potentially suitable properties to cover any special requirements.
    (2) Document quotations with the following information:
    (i) Name and address of the firm solicited.
    (ii) Name of the firm's representative providing the quote.
    (iii) Price(s) quoted.
    (iv) Description of the space and services for which the quote is 
provided.
    (v) Name of the Government employee soliciting the quotation.
    (vi) Date quote was received.
    (b) Full costs to duplicate tenant improvements. (1) Estimate the 
full cost to duplicate alterations at potentially suitable properties. 
Estimate the cost of new tenant improvements, if required, at the 
current location.
    (2) Estimate the cost of lump sum tenant improvement at potentially 
suitable properties. Estimate the cost of new lump sum tenant 
improvements, if required, at the current location.
    (c) Relocation costs. Estimate the relocation costs to potentially 
suitable properties, including, but not limited to, the costs 
associated with furniture and equipment move, breakdown and setup of 
systems furniture and other equipment, telecommunications costs, and 
administrative time.
    (d) Other appropriate considerations.
    (e) Summary of firm term costs and prices. Total the costs and 
prices for the elements in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, 
compare the potentially suitable properties to a succeeding lease, and 
conclude whether the

[[Page 63713]]

Government will recover relocation costs and duplication of costs 
through competition.
    47. Amend section 570.403 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (a) ``you'' and adding ``the contracting 
officer'' in its place;
    b. Revising paragraph (b)(2); and
    c. Removing from paragraph (c) ``you determine'' and adding ``the 
contracting officer determines'' in its place.
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.403  Expansion requests.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) If the contracting officers identify other potentially suitable 
properties for the total requirement, they must perform a cost-benefit 
analysis to determine whether it is in the Government's best interest 
to relocate.
    (i) Follow the procedure in 570.402-6. (ii) Add the total present 
value cost of the unexpired portion of the firm term of the current 
lease.
* * * * *
    48. Amend section 570.404 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (a) ``present lease.'' and adding ``or 
when market conditions warrant renegotiation of an existing lease.'' in 
its place;
    b. Redesignating paragraph (b) as paragraph (d), and adding new 
paragraphs (b) and (c), respectively;
    c. Removing from the newly designated paragraph (d) ``you'' and 
adding ``the contracting officer'' in its place; and
    d. Adding paragraph (e).
    The added text reads as follows:


570.404  Superseding leases.

* * * * *
    (b) If contracting officers plan to renegotiate a lease and the 
superseding lease will exceed the simplified lease acquisition 
threshold, they may do so under either one of the following conditions:
    (1) The Government does not identify any potential acceptable 
locations.
    (2) The Government identifies potential acceptable locations, but a 
cost-benefit analysis as described in 570.402-6 indicates that award to 
an offeror other than the present lessor will result in substantial 
relocation costs or duplication of costs to the Government, and the 
Government cannot expect to recover such costs through competition.
    (c) If contracting officers plan to renegotiate a lease they should 
publish a notice if required by 570.106. The notice should:
    (1) Indicate that the Government is considering renegotiating an 
existing lease.
    (2) Describe the requirement in terms of type and quantity of 
space.
    (3) Indicate that the Government is interested in considering 
alternative space if economically advantageous, or that otherwise the 
Government intends to pursue a sole source acquisition.
    (4) Advise prospective offerors that the Government will consider 
relocation costs (which may include but are not limited to costs to 
duplicate tenant improvements, move furniture and equipment, breakdown 
and setup systems furniture and other equipment, telecommunications, 
and administrative time) and the cost of terminating its existing lease 
when deciding whether it should relocate or pursue a sole source lease.
    (5) Provide a contact person for those interested in providing 
space to the Government.
* * * * *
    (e) If the contracting officer identifies other potentially 
suitable properties, s/he must perform a cost-benefit analysis to 
determine whether it is in the Government's best interest to relocate.
    (1) Follow the procedure in 570.402-6.
    (2) Add the total present value cost of the unexpired portion of 
the firm term of the current lease.
    49. Amend section 570.405 by removing from paragraph (b) ``you'' 
and adding ``the contracting officer'' in its place; revising 
introductory paragraph (c) and paragraph (c)(3); and adding paragraph 
(c)(4).
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.405  Lease extensions.

* * * * *
    (c) FAR 6.302-1 permits contracting without providing for full and 
open competition when the property or services needed by the agency are 
available from only one responsible source and no other type of 
property or services will satisfy the needs of the agency. This 
authority may apply to lease extensions in situations such as, but not 
limited to, the following:
* * * * *
    (3) The Government is consolidating various agencies and the 
contracting officer needs to extend the terms of some leases to 
establish a common expiration date.
    (4) The agency occupying the space has encountered delays in 
planning for a potential relocation to other Federally controlled space 
due to documented organizational, financial, or other uncertainties.
    50. Amend section 570.501 by revising introductory paragraph (a) 
and paragraph (a)(1); removing from introductory paragraph (b) 
``general''; and removing from paragraph (b)(1) ``justified'' and 
adding ``as justified'' in its place.
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.501  General.

    (a) The procedures in 570.502 apply to alterations acquired 
directly from a lessor by modification or supplemental lease agreement. 
This is allowed if the following conditions are met:
    (1) The alterations fall within the scope of the lease. Consider 
whether the work can be regarded as fairly and reasonably as part of 
the original lease requirement.
* * * * *
    51. Revise section 570.502 to read as follows:


570.502  Alterations by the lessor.

    52. Amend section 570.502-1 by removing from the introductory 
paragraph ``you plan'' and adding ``the contracting officer plans'' in 
its place; and revising paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) to read as 
follows:


570.502-1  Justification and approval requirements.

* * * * *
    (a) If the alteration project will not exceed the micro-purchase 
threshold identified in FAR 2.101(b), no justification and approval is 
required.
    (b) If the alteration project will exceed the micro-purchase 
threshold identified in FAR 2.101(b), but not the simplified lease 
acquisition threshold, the contracting officer may use simplified 
acquisition procedures and explain the absence of competition in the 
file.
    (c) If the alteration project will exceed the simplified lease 
acquisition threshold, the justification and approval requirements in 
FAR 6.3 and 506.3 apply.
    53. Amend section 570.502-2 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (a) ``Prepare'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer must prepare'' in its place;
    b. Removing from paragraph (b) ``Obtain'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer must obtain'' in its place;
    c. Removing from paragraph (c)(1) ``Provide'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer must provide'' in its place;
    d. Removing from paragraph (c)(2) ``Request'' and adding ``The 
contracting officer must request'' in its place;
    e. Revising paragraph (d);
    f. Revising introductory paragraph (e) and paragraph (e)(2), and 
removing from paragraph (e)(4) ``your analysis'' and adding ``the 
analysis'' in its place;
    g. Revising introductory paragraph (f), removing from paragraph 
(f)(1) ``You may make reasonable'' and adding ``Make reasonable'' in 
its place, and removing from paragraph (f)(2) ``The

[[Page 63714]]

negotiated price should provide the'' and adding ``Provide the'' in its 
place;
    h. Revising paragraph (g); and
    i. Removing from introductory paragraph (h) ``Do not'' and adding 
``The contracting officer must not'' in its place.


570.502-2  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (d) Audits. If the contracting officer requires cost or pricing 
data and the alteration project will exceed the threshold identified in 
FAR 15.403-4, request an audit.
    (e) Proposal evaluation. The contracting officer must--
* * * * *
    (2) Analyze price or cost information. At a minimum, compare the 
proposed cost to the independent estimate and, if applicable, any audit 
results received.
* * * * *
    (f) Price negotiations. The contracting officer must--
* * * * *
    (g) Order. For modifications not exceeding the simplified 
acquisition threshold, lease contracting officers may delegate 
alteration contracting authority to a warranted contracting officer's 
representative in GSAR or the tenant agency. Alterations awards must 
reference the lease number.
* * * * *
    54. Amend section 570.503 by revising paragraph (a)(2), and 
removing paragraph (b).
    The revised text reads as follows:


570.503  Alterations by the Government or through a separate contract.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Contract out the work using standard contracting procedures 
that apply to a construction contract performed on Federal property. If 
the Government decides to contract for the work, invite the lessor, as 
well as all other prospective contractors, to submit offers for the 
project.
    55. Redesignating subpart 570.6 (consisting of sections 570.601 
through 570.604) and subpart 570.7 (consisting of 570.701 and 570.702) 
as subpart 570.7 and subpart 570.8, respectively; and adding new 
subpart 570.6.
    The added text reads as follows:

Subpart 570.6--Contracting for Overtime Services and Utilities in 
Leases

Sec.
570.601 General.
Subpart 570.6--Contracting for Overtime Services and Utilities in 
Leases


570.601  General.

    (a) Lease tenant agencies may need overtime services and utilities 
on a regular or intermittent basis. Lease contracting officers may 
negotiate overtime rates for services and utilities and include those 
rates in leases where a need is projected. Only lease contracting 
officers may negotiate overtime rates.
    (b) An independent government estimate is required in support of 
the negotiated rate.
    (c) Order. To order overtime services and utilities, if the order 
does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, a warranted 
contracting officer's representative, in GSA or the tenant agency, may 
place an order. The order must reference the lease number.
    (d) Payment. Do not make final payment for services and utilities 
until confirmed as delivered in a satisfactory manner.
    56. Amend the newly designated section 570.701 by revising 
paragraphs (a) through (j); and adding paragraph (l) to read as 
follows:


570.701  FAR provisions and clauses.

    Include provisions or clauses substantially the same as the FAR 
provisions and clauses listed below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  If--                            Then include--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The estimated value of the           52.204-3 Taxpayer
 acquisition exceeds the micro-purchase   Identification.
 threshold identified in FAR 2.101.
                                         52.204-6 Data Universal
                                          Numbering System (DUNS)
                                          Number.
                                         52.204-7 Central Contractor
                                          Registration.
                                         52.219-1 Small Business Program
                                          Representations.
                                         52-219-28 Post-Award Small
                                          Business Program
                                          Rerepresentation (use if lease
                                          term exceeds five years).
                                         52.222 52.232-23 Assignment of
                                          Claims.
                                         52.232-33 Electronic Funds
                                          Transfer--Central Contractor
                                          Registration.
                                         52.233-1 Disputes.
(b) The estimated value of the           52.222-21 Prohibition of
 acquisition exceeds $10,000.             Segregated Facilities.
                                         52.222-22 Previous Contracts
                                          and Compliance Reports.
                                         52.222-25 Affirmative Action
                                          Compliance.
                                         52.222-26 Equal Opportunity.
                                         52.222-35 Affirmative Action
                                          for Disabled Veterans and
                                          Veterans of the Vietnam Era.
                                         52.222-36 Affirmative Action
                                          for Workers with Disabilities
                                         52.222-37 Employment Reports on
                                          Disabled Veterans and Veterans
                                          of the Vietnam Era.
(c) The estimated value of the           52.209-6 Protecting the
 acquisition exceeds the threshold        Government's Interest when
 identified in FAR 9.409(b).              Subcontracting with
                                          Contractors Debarred,
                                          Suspended, or Proposed for
                                          Debarment.
(d) The estimated value of the           52.203-11 Certification and
 acquisition exceeds $100,000.            Disclosure Regarding Payments
                                          to Influence Certain Federal
                                          Transactions.
(e) The estimated value of the           52.203-2 Certificate of
 acquisition exceeds the simplified       Independent Price
 lease acquisition threshold.             Determination.
                                         52.203-7 Anti-Kickback
                                          Procedures.
                                         52.204-5 Women-Owned Business
                                          (Other than Small Business).
                                         52.209-5 Certification
                                          Regarding Debarment,
                                          Suspension, Proposed
                                          Debarment, and Other
                                          Responsibility Matters.
                                         52.215-2 Audit and Records--
                                          Negotiation.
                                         52.219-8 Utilization of Small
                                          Business Concerns.
                                         52.222-54 Employment
                                          Eligibility Verification.
                                         52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace.
                                         52.233-2 Service of Protest.

[[Page 63715]]

 
(f) The estimated value of the           52.219-9 Small Business
 acquisition exceeds the threshold        Subcontracting Plan
 identified in FAR 19.708(b).
                                         52.219-16 Liquidated Damages--
                                          Subcontracting Plan.
(g) The estimated value of the           52.219-24 Small Disadvantaged
 acquisition exceeds the threshold        Business Participation
 identified in FAR 19.1202-2(a) and the   Program--Targets.
 contracting officer is using a best
 value trade off analysis in an
 acquisition includes an evaluation
 factor that considers the extent of
 participation of small disadvantaged
 business concerns in accordance with
 FAR 19.12.
                                         52.219-25 Small Disadvantaged
                                          Business Participation
                                          Program--Disadvantaged Status
                                          and Reporting.
(h) The value of the contract is         52.203-13 Contractor Code of
 expected to exceed $5 million and the    Business Ethics and Conduct.
 performance period is 120 days or more.
                                         52.203-14 Display of Hotline
                                          Poster(s).
(i) The estimated value of the           52.222-24 Pre-award On-site
 acquisition exceeds $10 million.         Equal Opportunity Compliance
                                          Review.
(j) The contracting officer requires     52.215-10 Price Reduction for
 cost or pricing data for work or         Defective Cost or Pricing
 services exceeding the threshold         Data.
 identified in FAR 15.403-4.
                                         52.215-12 Subcontractor Cost.
                                         52.215-10 Price Reduction for
                                          Defective Cost or Pricing
                                          Data.
(k) The contracting officer authorizes   52.215-5 Facsimile Proposals.
 submission of facsimile proposals.
(l) A negotiated acquisition provides    52.219-26 Small Disadvantaged
 monetary incentives based on actual      Business Participation
 achievement of small disadvantaged       Program--Incentive
 business subcontracting targets under    Subcontracting.
 FAR 19.1203 and 519.1203.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    57. Revise the undesignated introductory paragraph of the newly 
designated section 570.702 to read as follows:


570.702   GSAR solicitation provisions.

    Each SFO must include provisions substantially the same as the 
following, unless the contracting officer determines that the provision 
is not appropriate. However, document the file with the basis for 
deleting or substantially changing a clause.
* * * * *
    58. Amend the newly designated section 570.703 by designating the 
introductory paragraph as introductory paragraph (a) and revising the 
newly designated introductory paragraph (a); adding new entry 552.215-
70 under introductory paragraph (a), in numerical order; and adding new 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


570.703   GSAR contract clauses.

    (a) Insert clauses substantially the same as the following in 
solicitations and contracts for leasehold interests in real property 
that exceed the simplified lease acquisition threshold, unless the 
contracting officer determines that a clause is not appropriate. 
However, document the file with the basis for deleting or substantially 
changing a clause. A deviation is not required under 570.704 to 
determine that a clause in this section is not appropriate. Use the 
clauses at your discretion in actions at or below the simplified lease 
acquisition threshold.


552.215-70   Examination of Records by GSA

* * * * *
    (b) Include the following provisions and clauses in leasehold 
interests in real property.


552.270-30   Price Adjustment for Illegal Improper Activity


552.270-31   Prompt Payment


552.270-32   Covenant Against Contingent Fees

    59. Amend section 570.704 by removing from paragraph (a) ``You 
need'' and adding ``The contracting officer needs'' in its place; 
revising paragraph (b); and removing from paragraph (c) ``you can'' and 
adding ``the contracting officer can'' in its place. The revised text 
reads as follows:


570.704   Deviations to provisions and clauses.

* * * * *
    (b) The contracting officer also needs an approved deviation to 
modify the language of a provision or clause mandated by statute (e.g., 
FAR 52.215-2, Audit and Records--Negotiation). The authorizing statute 
must allow for a waiver.
* * * * *
    60. Revise the newly designated section 570.801 to read as follows:


570.801   Standard forms.

    Use Standard Form 2, U.S. Government Lease for Real Property, to 
award leases unless the contracting officer uses GSA Form 3626 (see 
570.802).
    61. Amend the newly designated section 570.802 by revising 
paragraph (a); removing from paragraphs (b) and (c) ``You may'' and 
adding ``The contracting officer may'' in its place; and adding 
paragraph (d).
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


570.802   GSA forms.

    (a) The contracting officer may use GSA Form 3626, U.S. Government 
Lease for Real Property (Short Form), to award leases if using the 
simplified leasing procedures in 570.2 or if they determine it 
advantageous to use the form.
* * * * *
    (d) The contracting officer may use GSA Form 1217, Lessor's Annual 
Cost Statement, to obtain pricing information regarding offered 
services and lease commissions.

[FR Doc. E9-28246 Filed 12-3-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-61-P