[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 29, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73564-73570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30622]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 1, 4, 19, and 52

[FAR Case 2010-014; Docket 2010-0014; Sequence 1]
RIN 9000-AL99


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Updates to Contract Reporting and 
Central Contractor Registration

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

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to limit the use of generic substitutes 
instead of Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) numbers, and update 
the policies and procedures associated with reporting in the Federal 
Procurement Data System (FPDS). Additionally, changes are proposed for 
the clauses requiring contractor registration in the Central Contractor 
Registration (CCR) database and DUNS number reporting.

DATES: Interested parties should submit written comments to the 
Regulatory Secretariat at one of the addresses

[[Page 73565]]

shown below on or before January 30, 2012 to be considered in the 
formation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in response to FAR case 2010-014 by any of 
the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by inputting ``FAR Case 
2010-014'' under the heading ``Enter Keyword or ID'' and selecting 
``Search.'' Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with 
``FAR Case 2010-014.'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Submit 
a Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), 
and ``FAR Case 2010-014'' on your attached document.
     Fax: (202) 501-4067.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat (MVCB), ATTN: Hada Flowers, 1275 First Street NE., 7th 
Floor, Washington, DC 20417.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAR Case 2010-
014, 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: Ms. Clare McFadden, Procurement 
Analyst, at (202) 501-0044 for clarification of content. For 
information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the 
Regulatory Secretariat at (202) 501-4755. Please cite FAR Case 2010-
014.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    For decades, the DUNS number provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) has 
been the Federal Government's unique identifier for contractors. It is 
used to (1) Uniquely identify a contractor entity, and (2) to roll-up 
Government procurements to the ultimate parent organization to show the 
corporate family receiving U.S. obligations. Furthermore, the DUNS 
number is the identifier for the FPDS and for the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Transparency Act) 
reporting to USAspending.gov.
    Due to legitimate challenges encountered with overseas contracting, 
a practice existed using a generic DUNS number, such as ``Miscellaneous 
Foreign Vendor'' to enable accounting of the obligation without 
explicit identification of the vendor, i.e., foreign local contractors 
where D&B registration is impracticable, or foreign contractors when 
identification may endanger the contractor.
    When a generic DUNS number is used, the identity of the contractor 
is masked beyond the local contracting office. The contractor's 
identification for all downstream reporting processes is the name of 
the generic DUNS number, for example, ``Miscellaneous Foreign Vendor''.
    The practice of using generic DUNS numbers adversely affects the 
transparency of the Government's data, including Transparency Act 
contract reporting. Also, the contractor is not able to access and 
perform its own reporting requirements, such as Transparency Act 
subcontract reporting, because the contract is not associated with the 
contractor in Federal-wide processes. As such, the use of a generic 
DUNS number should be limited to those actions where it is truly 
necessary. The proposed rule includes requirements intended to more 
strictly limit the use of the generic DUNS number to foreign contract 
actions valued at or below $25,000.
    For greater transparency and clarification, updates or 
corresponding changes in procedures and clauses proposed in FAR parts 
1, 4, 19, and 52 are related to the use of the DUNS number, and CCR and 
FPDS reporting.

II. Proposed Changes to FAR

A. Changes to FAR Part 1

    FAR part 1.106 is updated to include clauses 52.204-XX, Data 
Universal Numbering System DUNS) Maintenance and 52-204-YY, Central 
Contractor Registration (CCR) Maintenance, to existing OMB Paperwork 
Reduction Act Approvals.

B. Changes to FAR Part 4

    FAR 4.603, Policy, paragraphs (a) and (b) are clarified to indicate 
that contract reporting for the Transparency Act, and in FPDS, shall be 
made on all unclassified contract actions. This is to emphasize that 
classified contract actions are exempt from being reported.
    FAR 4.603(c) is amended to update the name of the FPDS data field 
from ``Funding Agency'' to ``Program/Funding Agency'' and indicate that 
the ``Office Codes'' must also be reported by each agency in FPDS. The 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference was 
removed since NIST retired its report and the data will be maintained 
now in FPDS only. FAR 4.603(d) language encouraging FAR-exempt agencies 
to report contract actions in FPDS is deleted.
    FAR 4.604, Responsibilities, proposed amendments include changes to 
paragraph (b) to add procedures clarifying the contracting officer's 
responsibility to complete rather than submit the contract action 
report (CAR) and that when there is a draft or error status, it is not 
considered complete. Paragraph (b)(2) is amended to include a timeline 
of three business days for completion of the CAR regardless of whether 
the contract writing system is integrated with FPDS or not. Paragraph 
(b)(3), which provided a timeline of three business days, was deleted 
and combined with paragraph (b)(2).
    At FAR 4.604(c), it is proposed that the Chief Acquisition Officer 
of each agency now submit its annual certified CAR data report to GSA 
within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year.
    FAR 4.605, Procedures, is proposed for revision to clarify when a 
generic DUNS number can be used. A new paragraph (c) labeled ``Generic 
Duns'' is proposed, to discourage use of generic DUNS numbers. 
Additionally, tighter controls for use of the generic DUNS numbers are 
established by deleting language indicating that the contracting 
officer could use generic DUNS numbers identified in CCR. The 
procedures for use of a generic DUNS number are revised and moved from 
FAR 4.605(b) to FAR 4.605(c). The proposed generic DUNS number 
requirements are similar to existing language at FAR 4.605(b) except 
that use of a generic DUNS number will be limited to contract actions 
valued at or below $25,000, or contracts awarded to individuals for 
performance overseas. The classified or national security circumstance 
for using a generic DUNS number will be deleted. The intent is to limit 
use of generic DUNS numbers to small dollar value contract actions, or 
contracts awarded to individuals for performance overseas, and to 
clarify that contract actions in which the required data would 
constitute classified information shall not be reported. At FAR 
4.605(c)(2)(iii), language was added to require that a written 
determination be in the file explaining the decision to use a generic 
DUNS as a protection from harm to the mission, contractor, or customer. 
A determination is required because use of a generic number is contrary 
to the Transparency Act requirements to make publicly available the 
total amount of Federal funding awarded to a contractor.
    FAR 4.606, Reporting Data, paragraph (b) was clarified to inform 
agencies subject to the FAR that actions other than those required to 
be reported under FAR 4.606(a) may be reported in FPDS only when the 
actions can be segregated from FAR-based actions, and approved by the 
GSA FPDS Program Office. Existing language requires agencies to contact 
the FPDS Program Office when

[[Page 73566]]

they desire to report items listed at FAR 4.606(b); those items listed 
at FAR (b)(4) through (6), (8), and (9) are now proposed to be actions 
not to be reported in FPDS under FAR 4.606(c), along with contract 
actions in which the required data would constitute classified 
information. Classified actions are not reported to FPDS, since FPDS is 
not approved to handle classified information, but this is not 
expressly stated in the FAR, so language is proposed to clarify that 
classified actions are not to be reported in FPDS. At FAR 4.606(d), 
agencies not subject to the FAR must first receive approval before 
reporting information in FPDS, to enable improved internal controls and 
reporting.
    FAR 4.607, Solicitation provisions, is renamed as ``Solicitation 
provisions and contract clause.'' A new clause 52.204-XX, Data 
Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number Maintenance, was added for 
contracts not containing the clause at 52.204-YY, Central Contractor 
Registration Maintenance.
    FAR 4.1102, Policy, is changed to clarify that contractors are not 
required to be registered in CCR prior to micro-purchases made using a 
Governmentwide purchase card. A change is also proposed to indicate 
that contracts awarded and performed outside the United States are not 
required to be registered in CCR, if the contract is less than $25,000. 
This corresponds to the change associated with the use of the DUNS 
number at FAR 4.605(c). An exception to CCR registration is added for 
work outside the United States in danger zones.
    At FAR 4.1103(a)(2), DoD, GSA, and NASA updated Federal Service 
Desk Web site information (http://www.fsd.gov) where CCR registration 
information can be located.
    At 4.1103(b)(3), DoD, GSA, and NASA added language to indicate that 
when a contract action is awarded under unusual and compelling urgency 
circumstances (see FAR 6.302-2), the contracting officer shall require 
the contractor to be registered in CCR within 30 days after contract 
award, or before three days prior to submission of the first invoice, 
whichever occurs first. This change will allow, under such 
circumstances, the contractor to accomplish its reporting requirements 
(e.g., Transparency Act executive compensation and subaward reporting), 
and the Government to make more effective use of contractor information 
in CCR for completing administrative tasks, such as paying invoices.
    FAR 4.1105, Solicitation provision and contract clauses, was 
revised to include the prescription for a new clause at 52.204-YY, 
Central Contractor Registration Maintenance.

C. Proposed Changes to FAR Part 19

    FAR 19.708(b)(1)(iii) was changed to include an additional 
reference at FAR 4.606(c)(6) for actions not reported in FPDS.

D. Proposed Changes to FAR Part 52

    FAR 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, was 
revised to include a definition for DUNS number. FAR 52-204-7(f) and 
FAR 52-212-4 were updated to include the Federal Service Desk Web site 
for CCR information.
    A new FAR clause at 52.204-XX, Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) Number Maintenance, was added to ensure that the DUNS number is 
maintained with D&B throughout the life of the contract. It requires 
the contractor to communicate any change to the DUNS number to the 
contracting officer within 30 days after the change, so an appropriate 
modification can be issued to update the contract data. It also 
clarifies that a change in the DUNS number does not necessarily require 
a novation be accomplished.
    FAR 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, was revised to 
become a provision. References to contractor requirements at paragraphs 
(f) and (g) are deleted and moved to the new clause at FAR 52.204-XX, 
Central Contractor Registration Maintenance. Additionally, updated 
contact phone numbers are provided where offerors may obtain 
information on registration and annual confirmation requirements.
    Alternate I of FAR 52.204-7 language was added for unusual and 
compelling urgency awards allowing for CCR registration within 30 days 
after award or before three days prior to submission of the first 
invoice, whichever occurs first. This corresponds to the text at FAR 
4.1103(b)(3).
    A new clause at FAR 52.204-YY, Central Contractor Registration 
Maintenance, was added. It contains language currently at 52.204-7, 
which states that the contractor is responsible for the accuracy and 
completeness of the data within the CCR database, and responsible for 
any liability resulting from the Government's reliance on inaccurate or 
incomplete data, and that it is the contractor's responsibility to 
remain registered in the CCR database after the initial registration, 
and to review and update on an annual basis information in the CCR 
database to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete. It contains 
new language similar to FAR 52.204-XX on the DUNS number.

III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This is a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was subject to 
review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and 
Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 
U.S.C. 804.

IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD, GSA, and NASA do 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 proposed FAR amendments affect internal Government 
procedures, or clarify existing procedures. Additionally, the 
requirement for the contractor to report any changes to their DUNS 
number to the contracting officer throughout the life of the contract 
may be rare, but should it occur, the impact may be minimal. Therefore, 
an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has not been performed.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA invite comments from small business concerns and 
other interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small 
entities.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA will also consider comments from small entities 
concerning the existing regulations in subparts affected by the rule in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such 
comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C 610 (FAR Case 2010-014), in 
correspondence.

V. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The proposed rule does not contain any information collection 
requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and 
Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

[[Page 73567]]

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1, 4, 19, and 52

    Government procurement.

William Clark,
Acting Director, Office of Governmentwide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy.
    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA propose amending 48 CFR parts 1, 4, 
19, and 52 as set forth below:
    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 1, 4, 19, and 52 
continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 
U.S.C. 2473(c).

PART 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION SYSTEM


1.106  [Amended]

    2. Amend section 1.106, in the table following the introductory 
text, by adding in numerical sequence, FAR segment ``52.204-XX'' and 
its corresponding OMB Control Number ``9000-0145'', and FAR segment 
``52.204-YY'' and its corresponding OMB Control Number ``9000-0159''.

PART 4--ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

    3. Revise section 4.603 to read as follows:


4.603  Policy.

    (a) In accordance with the Federal Funding Accountability and 
Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282), all unclassified Federal 
award data must be publicly accessible.
    (b) Executive agencies shall use FPDS to maintain publicly 
available information about all unclassified contract actions exceeding 
the micro-purchase threshold, and any modifications to those actions 
that change previously reported contract action report data, regardless 
of dollar value.
    (c) Agencies awarding assisted acquisitions or direct acquisitions 
must report these actions and identify the Program/Funding Agency and 
Office Codes from the applicable agency codes maintained by each agency 
at FPDS. These codes represent the agency and office that has provided 
the predominant amount of funding for the contract action.
    (d) Agencies awarding contract actions with a mix of appropriated 
and non-appropriated funding shall only report the full appropriated 
portion of the contract action in FPDS.
    4. Amend section 4.604 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to read 
as follows:


4.604  Responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) The responsibility for the completion and accuracy of the 
individual contract action report (CAR) resides with the contracting 
officer who awarded the contract action. CARs in a draft or error 
status in FPDS are not considered complete.
    (2) The CAR must be confirmed for accuracy by the contracting 
officer prior to release of the contract award. The CAR must then be 
completed in FPDS within three business days after contract award.
    (3) For any action awarded in accordance with 6.302-2 or pursuant 
to any of the authorities listed at subpart 18.2, the CAR must be 
completed in FPDS within 30 days after contract award.
    (4) When the contracting office receives written notification that 
a contractor has changed its size status in accordance with the clause 
at 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation, the 
contracting officer must submit a modification contract action report 
to ensure that the updated size status is entered in FPDS.
    (c) The chief acquisition officer of each agency that is required 
to report its contract actions must submit an annual certification of 
whether, and to what degree, agency CAR data for the preceding fiscal 
year is complete and accurate. The certification must be submitted to 
the General Services Administration (GSA), in accordance with FPDS 
guidance, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year.
    5. Amend section 4.605 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c); and 
adding paragraph (d) to read as follows.


4.605  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (b) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS). The contracting officer 
must identify and report a DUNS number (Contractor Identification 
Number) for the successful offeror on a contract action. The DUNS 
number reported must identify the successful offeror's name and address 
as stated in the offer and resultant contract, and as registered in the 
Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database in accordance with the 
clause at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration. The contracting 
officer must ask the offeror to provide its DUNS number by using either 
the provision at 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 
Number, the provision at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, or 
the provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Items.
    (c) Generic DUNS. (1) The use of a generic DUNS should be limited, 
and only used in the situations described in (c)(2) of this section; 
this does not supersede the requirements of either provision 52.204-6 
or 52.204-7 (if present in the solicitation) for the contractor to have 
a DUNS number assigned.
    (2) An authorized generic DUNS number, maintained by the Integrated 
Acquisition Environment (IAE) program office (http://www.acquisition.gov), may be used to report contract actions in lieu of 
the contractor's actual DUNS number only for--
    (i) Contract actions valued at or below $25,000 that are awarded to 
a contractor that is--
    (A) A student;
    (B) A dependent of a veteran, foreign service officer, or military 
member assigned overseas; or
    (C) Located outside the United States and its outlying areas as 
defined in 2.101 for work to be performed overseas, and the contractor 
does not otherwise have a DUNS number;
    (ii) Contracts awarded to individuals for performance overseas; or
    (iii) Specific public identification of the contracted party could 
endanger the mission, contractor, or recipients of the acquired goods 
or services.
    (3) The contracting officer must include a written determination in 
the contract file of the decision, as it is contrary to the Federal 
Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-282).
    (d) The contracting officer, when entering data in FPDS, shall use 
the instructions at https://www.fpds.gov to identify any action funded 
in whole or in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 
2009 (Pub. L. 111-5).
    6. Amend section 4.606 by--
    a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (b);
    b. Removing from paragraph (b)(2) ``nonappropriated'' and adding 
``non-appropriated'' in its place;
    c. Removing paragraphs (b)(4) through (6);
    d. Redesignating paragraph (b)(7) as paragraph (b)(4); and
    e. Removing paragraphs (b)(8) and (9);
    f. Adding paragraphs (c)(6) through (11); and
    g. Revising paragraph (d).
    The revised added text reads as follows:


4.606  Reporting data.

* * * * *
    (b) Reporting Other Actions. Agencies may submit actions other than 
those listed at paragraph (a)(1) of this section only if they are able 
to be segregated from FAR-based actions and this is approved in writing 
by the GSA FPDS

[[Page 73568]]

Program Office. Prior to the commencement of reporting, agencies must 
contact the FPDS Program Office at [email protected] if 
they desire to submit any of the following types of activity:
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (6) Contract actions in which the required data would constitute 
classified information.
    (7) Resale activity (i.e., commissary or exchange activity).
    (8) Revenue generating arrangements (i.e., concessions).
    (9) Training expenditures not issued as orders or contracts.
    (10) Interagency agreements other than inter-agency acquisitions 
required to be reported at 4.606(a)(1).
    (11) Letters of obligation used in the A-76 process.
    (d) Actions not subject to the FAR. Agencies not subject to the FAR 
may be required by other authority (e.g., statute, OMB, or internal 
agency policy) to report certain information to FPDS. When this is 
applicable, agencies must first receive approval from the GSA FPDS 
Program Office.
    7. Amend section 4.607 by revising the section heading and 
paragraph (a); by redesignating paragraph (b) as paragraph (c); and 
adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:


4.607  Solicitation provisions and contract clause.

    (a) Insert the provision at 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) Number, in solicitations that do not contain the 
provision at 52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, or meet any 
exception at 4.605(c)(2).
    (b) Insert the clause at 52.204-XX, Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS) Number Maintenance, in solicitations and resulting contracts 
that contain the provision at 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System 
(DUNS).
* * * * *
    7. Amend section 4.1102 by--
    a. Amending paragraph (a)(1) by--
    1. Revising paragraph (a)(1);
    2. Removing from paragraph (3)(i) ``; or'' adding ``or'' in its 
place;
    3. Redesignating paragraph (3)(ii) as paragraph (3)(iii);
    4. Adding a new paragraph (3)(ii);
    5. Redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as paragraphs (5) 
through (7);
    6. Adding a new paragraph (4); and
    7. Revising the newly redesignated paragraph (6); and
    b. Removing from paragraph (b) ``or (a)(4)''.
    The revised and added text reads as follows:


4.1102  Policy.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Purchases under the micro-purchase threshold that use a 
Governmentwide commercial purchase card as both the purchasing and 
payment mechanism, as opposed to using the purchase card for payment 
only;
* * * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) Contracting officers located outside the United States and its 
outlying areas, as defined in 2.101, for work to be performed in 
support of diplomatic or developmental operations, including those 
performed in support of foreign assistance programs overseas, in an 
area that has been designated by the Department of State as a danger 
pay post (see http://aoprals.state.gov/Web920/danger_pay_all.asp); or
* * * * *
    (4) Contracts with individuals for performance overseas;
* * * * *
    (6) Contract awards at or below $25,000 awarded outside the United 
States to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States, 
if it is impractical to obtain CCR registration; and
* * * * *
    8. Amend section 4.1103 by--
    a. Removing from paragraph (a)(2)(i) ``http://www.ccr.gov,'' and 
adding ``http://www.fsd.gov;'' in its place;
    b. Removing paragraph (a)(2)(ii), and redesignating paragraph 
(a)(2)(iii) as (a)(2)(ii);
    c. Removing from paragraph (b)(2) the period and adding ``; or'' in 
its place; and
    d. Adding a new paragraph (b)(3).
    The added text reads as follows:


4.1103   Procedures.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) If the contract action is being awarded pursuant to 6.302-2, 
the contractor must be registered in CCR within 30 days after contract 
award, or before three days prior to submission of the first invoice, 
whichever occurs first.
    9. Revise section 4.1105 to read as follows:


4.1105  Solicitation provision and contract clauses.

    (a)(1) Except as provided in 4.1102(a), use the provision at 
52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration, in solicitations.
    (2) If the solicitation is anticipated to be awarded in accordance 
with 4.1102(a)(5), the contracting officer shall use the provision at 
52.204-7, Central Contractor Registration with its Alternate I.
    (b)(1) Insert the clause at 52.204-YY, Central Contractor 
Registration Maintenance, in solicitations that contain the provision 
at 52.204-7, and resulting contracts.


4.1402  [Amended]

    10. Amend section 4.1402 by removing from paragraph (b) 
``4.605(b)(2)'' and adding ``4.605(c)(2)'' in its place.

PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS


19.708  [Amended]

    11. Amend section 19.708 by removing from paragraph (b)(1)(iii) 
``or 4.606(c)(5) and adding ``4.606(c)(5) or (c)(6)'' in its place.

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES


52.204-5  [Amended]

    12. Amend section 52.204-5 by removing from the introductory text 
``4.607(b)'' and adding ``4.607(c)'' in its place.
    13. Amend section 52.204-6 by revising the date of the provision; 
and redesignating paragraphs (a) and (b) as paragraphs (b) and (c), 
respectively; and adding a new paragraph (a) to read as follows:


52.204-6   Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number.

* * * * *

Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (Date)

    (a) Definition. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, 
as used in this provision, means the 9-digit number assigned by Dun 
and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique business entities, 
which is used as the identification number for Federal contractors.
* * * * *
    14. Amend section 52.204-7 by
    a. Revising the introductory text;
    b. Revising the date of the provision;
    c. Removing from the introductory text of paragraph (a) ``clause'' 
and adding ``provision'' in its place;
    d. Amending the definition ``Registered in the CCR database'' by 
removing from paragraphs (1) and (2) ``Contractor'' and adding 
``offeror'' in its place;
    e. Removing paragraphs (f) and (g);
    f. Redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (f); and revising the 
newly designated paragraph (f); and
    g. Adding Alternate I.
    The revised and added text reads as follows:

[[Page 73569]]

52.204-7   Central Contractor Registration.

    As prescribed in 4.1105(a), use the following provision.

Central Contractor Registration (Date)

* * * * *
    (f) Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual 
confirmation requirements via the Internet at http://www.fsd.gov.
    (End of provision)
    Alternate I (DATE). As prescribed in 4.1105(b), substitute the 
following paragraph (b)(1) for paragraph (b)(1) of the basic 
provision:
    (b)(1) By submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the 
requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the 
CCR database prior to award, during performance, and through final 
payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, 
or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation. If 
registration prior to award is not possible, the awardee shall be 
registered in the CCR database within 30 days after award or before 
three days prior to submission of the first invoice, whichever 
occurs first.

    15. Add sections 52.204-XX and 52.204-YY to read as follows:


52.204-XX   Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number Maintenance.

    As prescribed in 4.607(b), insert the following clause:

Data universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number Maintenance (Date)

    (a) Definition. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as 
used in this clause, means the 9-digit number assigned by Dun and 
Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique business entities, which 
is used as the identification number for Federal Contractors.
    (b) The Contractor shall ensure that the DUNS number is 
maintained with Dun & Bradstreet throughout the life of the 
contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the DUNS 
number to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, 
so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on 
the contract. A change in the DUNS number does not necessarily 
require a novation be accomplished. Dun & Bradstreet may be 
contacted--
    (1) Via the Internet at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or if the 
Contractor does not have Internet access, it may call Dun and 
Bradstreet at 1-(866) 705-5711 if located within the United States; 
or
    (2) If located outside the United States, by contacting the 
local Dun and Bradstreet office.
    (End of clause)

52.204-YY   Central Contractor Registration Maintenance.

    As prescribed in 4.1105(b), use the following clause:

Central Contractor Registration Maintenance (Date)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
    Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database means the primary 
Government repository for Contractor information required for the 
conduct of business with the Government.
    Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number means the 9-digit 
number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet, Inc. (D&B) to identify unique 
business entities, which is used as the identification number for 
Federal Contractors.
    Data Universal Numbering System+4 (DUNS+4) number means the DUNS 
number assigned by D&B plus a 4-character suffix that may be 
assigned by a business concern. (D&B has no affiliation with this 4-
character suffix.) This 4-character suffix may be assigned at the 
discretion of the business concern to establish additional CCR 
records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) 
accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same concern.
    Registered in the CCR database means that--
    (1) The Contractor has entered all mandatory information, 
including the DUNS number or the DUNS+4 number, into the CCR 
database; and
    (2) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to 
include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with 
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and has marked the record 
``Active''. The Contractor will be required to provide consent for 
TIN validation to the Government as a part of the CCR registration 
process.
    (b) The Contractor is responsible for the accuracy and 
completeness of the data within the CCR database, and for any 
liability resulting from the Government's reliance on inaccurate or 
incomplete data. To remain registered in the CCR database after the 
initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and 
update on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or 
subsequent updates its information in the CCR database to ensure it 
is current, accurate, and complete. Updating information in the CCR 
does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not 
a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.
    (c)(1)(i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name, 
``doing business as'' name, or division name (whichever is shown on 
the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the 
contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding 
novation and change-of-name agreements in subpart 42.12, the 
Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a 
minimum of one business day's written notification of its intention 
to-
    (A) Change the name in the CCR database;
    (B) Comply with the requirements of subpart 42.12; and
    (C) Agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by 
the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall provide 
with the notification sufficient documentation to support the 
legally changed name.
    (ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of 
paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the 
agreement at paragraph (c)(1)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the 
absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, 
the CCR information that shows the Contractor to be other than the 
Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be 
incorrect information within the meaning of the ``Suspension of 
Payment'' paragraph of the electronic funds transfer (EFT) clause of 
this contract.
    (2) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT 
payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in the CCR record to 
reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see 
subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately 
registered in the CCR database. Information provided to the 
Contractor's CCR record that indicates payments, including those 
made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor 
will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of 
the ``Suspension of payment'' paragraph of the EFT clause of this 
contract.
    (3) The Contractor shall ensure that the DUNS number is 
maintained with Dun & Bradstreet throughout the life of the 
contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the DUNS 
number to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, 
so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on 
the contract. A change in the DUNS number does not necessarily 
require a novation be accomplished. Dun & Bradstreet may be 
contacted--
    (i) Via the Internet at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or if the 
Contractor does not have Internet access, it may call Dun and 
Bradstreet at 1-(866) 705-5711 if located within the United States; 
or
    (ii) If located outside the United States, by contacting the 
local Dun and Bradstreet office.
    (d) Contractors may obtain additional information on 
registration and annual confirmation requirements via the Internet 
at http://www.fsd.gov.
    (End of clause)

    16. Amend section 52.212-1 by revising the date of the provision; 
and by removing from paragraph (k) ``http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 
1-(888) 227-2423 or (269)-961-5757.'' and by adding ``http://www.fsd.gov.'' in its place. The revised text reads as follows:


52.212-1  As prescribed in 12.301(b)(1), insert the following 
provision:

Instructions to Offerrors-Commercial items (Date)

* * * * *
    17. Amend section 52.212-4 by revising the date of the clause; and 
removing from paragraph (t)(4) the words ``http://www.ccr.gov or by 
calling 1-(888) 227-2423 or (269) 961-5757.'' and adding ``http://www.fsd.gov.'' in its place. The revised text reads as follows:


52.212-4  Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items.

* * * * *

[[Page 73570]]

Contract Terms and Conditions--Commercial Items (Date)

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2011-30622 Filed 11-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P