[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 187 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50785-50789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20557]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System

48 CFR Parts 208, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217, 234, and 237

[Docket DARS-2018-0055]
RIN 0750-AJ74


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Restrictions 
on Use of Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Source Selection Process 
(DFARS Case 2018-D010)

AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD is issuing a final rule amending the Defense Federal 
Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement sections of the 
National Defense Authorization Acts for Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018 that 
establish limitations and prohibitions on the use of the lowest price 
technically acceptable source selection process.

DATES: Effective October 1, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carrie Moore, telephone 571-372-
6093.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    DoD published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 83 FR 
62550 on December 4, 2018, to implement the limitations and 
prohibitions on use of the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) 
source selection process provided in sections 813, 814, and 892 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 
(Pub. L. 114-328) and sections 822, 832, 882, and 1002 of the NDAA for 
FY 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91). Sixteen respondents submitted public comments 
in response to the proposed rule.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    DoD reviewed the public comments in the development of the final 
rule. A discussion of the comments is provided as follows:

A. Significant Changes as a Result of Public Comments

    No changes from the proposed rule are made in the final rule as a 
result of the public comments received.

B. Analysis of Public Comments

1. Support for the Rule
    Comment: Several respondents express support for the rule.
    Response: DoD acknowledges support for the rule.
2. General Comments
    Comment: A respondent expresses concern that the rule will be 
interpreted as a complete prohibition on the use of the LPTA source 
selection process. The respondent recommends revising the rule to 
clarify that use of the process is acceptable and expand on the 
circumstances in which it is or is not appropriate for use in 
acquisitions.
    Response: It is not the intent of the rule to prohibit the use of 
the LPTA source selection process. The LPTA source selection process is 
a valuable part of the best value continuum and an acceptable and 
appropriate source selection approach for many acquisitions. Instead, 
the intent of the

[[Page 50786]]

rule is to implement the statutory language, which aims to identify 
meaningful circumstances that must exist for an acquisition to use the 
LPTA source selection process and certain types of requirements that 
will regularly benefit from the use of tradeoff source selection 
procedures. If a requirement satisfies the limitations for use of the 
LPTA source selection process, then the process may be used as a source 
selection approach. Supplemental information to contracting officers on 
when and from whom to seek additional guidance on whether a requirement 
satisfies the limitations at 215.101-2-70(a)(1) will be published in 
the DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI) in conjunction 
with this final rule.
    Comment: One respondent expresses concern about how the agencies 
using fully automated systems to award contracts are going to implement 
this rule.
    Response: Each Department or agency is required to implement the 
requirements of this final rule in its acquisition business processes 
and procedures.
    Comment: One respondent expresses support for additional training 
and guidance that will assist acquisition personnel in making best 
value decisions.
    Response: Training is readily available to DoD personnel on a 
variety of acquisition topics, including best value decisions. Upon 
publication of the final rule, the DFARS PGI will be updated to provide 
contracting officers with information on when and from whom to seek 
additional guidance when acquiring supplies and services that are 
impacted by this rule.
3. Expansion of the Applicability of the Rule
    Comment: Some respondents recommend applying greater restrictions 
on the types of acquisitions that can use the LPTA source selection 
process. For example, a respondent suggests revising this rule to only 
authorize the use of the LPTA source selection process when acquiring 
goods that are predominantly expendable in nature, non-technical, or 
have a short shelf life or life expectancy. Another respondent suggests 
limiting the use of the LPTA source selection process to only 
commercial and commercial-off-the-shelf items valued at or below the 
simplified acquisition threshold, while expressly prohibiting its use 
for all other requirements.
    Response: To ensure that DoD is not denied the benefit of cost and 
technical tradeoffs in the source selection process, the rule 
identifies meaningful circumstances that must exist for an individual 
requirement to use the LPTA source selection process. Each requirement 
has a unique set of circumstances that should be considered when 
developing a source selection approach. The LPTA source selection 
process is a valuable part of the best value continuum and can be used 
to facilitate an effective and competitive acquisition approach, 
depending on the circumstances of the acquisition. Limiting the use of 
the LPTA source selection process to only goods, commercial items under 
a specific dollar threshold, or other broadly defined groupings does 
not fully consider the circumstances of an individual requirement and 
could result in additional and unnecessary time and cost burdens for 
both Government and industry.
4. Limitation Criteria at 215.101-2-70(a)(1)
a. Application of Criteria
    Comment: Some respondents recommend revising the rule to clarify 
whether each limitation listed at 215.101-2-70(a)(1) applies to 
supplies, services, or both supplies and services. In particular, a 
respondent suggests that the rule text be clarified to ensure that the 
limitations at 215.101-2-70(a)(i) through (iv) are applied to both 
supplies and services. The respondent also suggests restructuring the 
rule text by dividing the limitations into two paragraphs: One 
paragraph that identifies the limitations that apply to the acquisition 
of supplies, and one that identifies the limitations that apply to the 
acquisition of services. In contrast, another respondent expresses 
support for retaining the existing structure of the rule.
    Response: The statutory language being implemented by the rule does 
not categorize the limitations into those that apply to supplies or 
services. As a result, the list of limitations at 215.101-2-70(a)(1)(i) 
through (viii) is written to apply to any acquisition that utilizes the 
LPTA source selection process. In consideration of these limitations, 
the contracting officer must document the contract file with a 
description of the circumstances that justify the use of the LPTA 
source selection process.
    One exception is the limitation at 215.101-2-70(a)(1)(vi), which 
implements paragraph (a)(3) of section 822 of the NDAA for FY 2018 that 
states the limitation is ``with respect to a contract for the 
procurement of goods;'' as such, this rule specifically identifies that 
goods must meet this limitation.
b. Additional Criteria
    Comment: Some respondents suggest that additional criteria be added 
to the list of limitations in order to satisfy Congressional intent. 
Specifically, one respondent suggests that ``non-complex'' be added to 
the additional criteria for goods at 215.101-2-70(a)(1)(vi). The 
respondent also suggests adding another factor to the list that 
expressly limits the use of LPTA source selection procedures to 
procurements where the risk of unsuccessful performance is minimal.
    Response: The intent of this rule is to implement the statutory 
language, which does not include ``non-complex'' as a criteria to meet 
when purchasing goods, or a limitation on acceptable performance risk, 
when using the LPTA source selection process. Comprehensively, the 
consideration of each limitation at 215.101-2-70(a)(1) provides an 
effective evaluation of a requirement's suitability to use of the LPTA 
source selection process and reflects the intent of the statutory 
language; therefore, no additional limitation criteria are included in 
this final rule.
c. Clarification of Terms
    Comment: Some respondents indicate that the terms used in the rule 
are unclear. Specifically, one respondent suggests modifying paragraph 
215.101-2-70(a)(1)(ii) to expressly state that ``value'' includes both 
qualitative and quantitative value to be realized by DoD. Another 
respondent advises that it is unclear what ``full life-cycle costs'' 
means when acquiring services.
    Response: Supplemental guidance will be published in DFARS PGI in 
conjunction with this final rule to assist contracting officers in 
documenting the contract file with a determination that the lowest 
price reflects full life-cycle costs. The term ``value'' includes 
monetary and non-monetary benefits, as applicable to the requirement. 
The term also considers whether DoD is willing to pay more than a 
minimum price in return for non-monetary benefits (e.g., greater 
functionality, higher performance, or lower performance risk). The rule 
does not place any limitations on the meaning of the term.
d. Documentation of Justification
    Comment: A respondent expresses concern that this rule requires a 
written justification when using the LPTA source selection process. As 
acquisition planning already requires the contracting officer to 
document the acquisition process and the rationale behind the decision 
to use one process

[[Page 50787]]

or method over another, the respondent views the documentation required 
by this rule to be unnecessary. In contrast, another respondent 
suggests that this rule expand the documentation requirement to include 
a description and analysis of the all the requirements at 215.101-2-
70(a)(1) in order to justify the use of the LPTA source selection 
process and require the justification to be posted with the 
solicitation.
    Response: This rule implements statutory language that requires a 
contracting officer document the contract file with the circumstances 
justifying the use of the LPTA source selection process. The rule does 
not specify a format or method to be used to meet this statutory 
requirement. The appropriate format of the justification and the method 
of incorporation into the contract file is left to the discretion of 
each Department or agency. When developing a source selection approach, 
acquisition personnel consider the unique circumstances of a 
requirement and determine the method that will result in the best value 
to DoD. Publicizing the justification with the solicitation is not 
required by statute and could result in increased cost and time burden 
to both Government and industry.
5. List of Services and Supplies at 215.101-2-70(a)(2)
    Comment: A respondent suggests that the rule specify how a 
contracting officer determines that a procurement is predominately for 
a specific category of service.
    Response: For solicitation and reporting purposes, contracting 
officers assign each acquisition a product or service code that best 
represents the predominant dollar amount of supplies or services being 
procured on an award. This code will determine whether the acquisition 
is subject to the limitations at 215.101-2-70(a)(2).
    Comment: A respondent recommends that the list include services 
directly related to national security, in order to implement the intent 
of Congress.
    Response: The intent of this rule is to implement the requisite 
statutory language, which does not include ``services directly related 
to national security'' in the list of service categories that must 
avoid using the LPTA source selection process, to the maximum extent 
practicable; as such, the rule text does not include such services in 
215.101-2-70(a)(2)(i).
    Comment: A respondent suggests that the list of services at 
215.101-2-70(a)(2)(i) expressly include advisory and assistance 
services, as the term ``knowledge-based professional services'' may be 
misinterpreted to not include advisory and assistance services.
    Response: The intent of this rule is to implement the requisite 
statutory language, which does not explicitly include advisory and 
assistance services; therefore, the rule text does not identify 
advisory and assistance services in 215.101-2-70(a)(2)(1).
    Comment: Section 880(c) of the NDAA for FY 2019 restricts civilian 
agencies from using the LPTA source selection process for procurements 
that are predominately for the same services listed at 215.101-2-
70(a)(2)(i), and also includes ``health care services and records'' and 
``telecommunication devices and services'' to the list. To harmonize 
the requirements between the FAR and the DFARS or comply with statute, 
a couple of respondents suggest the rule incorporate the two additional 
categories from section 880(c) into the restrictions at 215-101-2-
70(a)(2).
    Response: The intent of this rule is to implement the statutes at 
sections 813, 814, and 892 of the NDAA for FY 2017, and sections 822, 
832, 882, and 1002 of the NDAA for FY 2018. Section 880 of the NDAA for 
FY 2019 is being implemented via FAR case 2018-016, Lowest Price 
Technically Acceptable Source Selection Process, and does not apply to 
DoD.
6. Suggestion for Technical Edit
    Comment: One respondent suggests that the two sentences regarding 
audit services at 215.101-2-70(b)(3) be reversed to state the 
prohibition upfront and follow with how award decisions shall be made 
for such services.
    Response: The primary intent of the text, as arranged, is to 
address the action a contracting officer shall take when awarding an 
auditing contract; therefore, no change is made to the final rule.

C. Other Changes

    An editorial change was made to the rule to update the reference at 
213.106-1(a)(2)(ii) from 215.101-70 to 215.101-2-70.

III. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition 
Threshold and for Commercial Items, Including Commercially Available 
Off-the-Shelf Items

    This rule does not create any new DFARS clauses or amend any 
existing DFARS clauses.

IV. 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 not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not 
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.

V. Executive Order 13771

    This final rule is not subject to E.O. 13771, because this rule is 
not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule primarily affects the internal Government procedures, 
including requirements determination and acquisition strategy 
decisions, and contract file documentation requirements. However, a 
final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) has been prepared 
consistent with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. 
The FRFA is summarized as follows:
    DoD is amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 
Supplement (DFARS) to implement sections of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328) 
and the NDAA for FY 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91). These sections establish a 
preference for the use of the tradeoff source selection process for 
certain safety items and auditing services; prohibit the use of reverse 
auctions or the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) source 
selection process for specific supplies and services; and specify 
criteria for the use of the LPTA source selection process.
    No public comments were received in response to the initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis.
    DoD does not have information on the total number of solicitations 
issued on an annual basis that specified the use of the LPTA source 
selection process, or the number or description of small entities that 
are impacted by certain solicitations. However, the Federal Procurement 
Data System (FPDS) provides the following information for fiscal year 
2016:
    DoD competitive contracts using FAR part 15 procedures. DoD awarded 
18,361 new contracts and orders using competitive negotiated 
procedures, of

[[Page 50788]]

which 47% were awarded to 5,221 unique small business entities. It is 
important to note that FPDS does not collect data on the source 
selection process used for a solicitation. Therefore, this data 
includes competitive solicitations using LPTA or tradeoff source 
selection processes, which will be subject to future considerations and 
restrictions provided by section 813 of the NDAA for FY 2017 and 
section 822 of the NDAA for FY 2018.
    Personal protective equipment. DoD competitively awarded 9,130 new 
contracts and orders potentially for combat-related personal protective 
equipment items that could be impacted by restrictions in section 814 
of the NDAA for FY 2017. Of those new contracts and orders, 89% were 
awarded to 668 unique small business entities.
    Aviation critical safety items. As discussed during the rulemaking 
process for DFARS clause 252.209-7010 published in the Federal Register 
at 76 FR 14641 on March 17, 2011, the identification of aviation 
critical safety items occurs entirely outside of the procurement 
process and is not captured in FPDS. Therefore, it is not possible for 
DoD to assess the impact of section 814 of the NDAA for FY 2017, as 
amended by 822 of the NDAA for FY 2018 on small business entities.
    Audit-related services. DoD competitively awarded 46 new contracts 
and orders for audit services that could be impacted by section 1002 of 
the NDAA for FY 2018. Of those new contracts and orders, 61% were 
awarded to 17 unique small business entities.
    Major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs). The impact to small 
businesses resulting from implementation of sections 832 and 882 of the 
NDAA for FY 2018 cannot be assessed, since FPDS does not collect data 
for MDAPs or specific acquisition phases (i.e., engineering and 
manufacturing development (EMD)). Subject matter experts within DoD 
know of no instances where the LPTA source selection process has been 
used for procurement of EMD of an MDAP.
    This rule does not include any new reporting, recordkeeping, or 
other compliance requirements.
    This rule implements the statutory requirements, as written. There 
are no known alternative approaches to the rule that would meet the 
stated objectives of the applicable statutes.

VII. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The 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).

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 208, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217, 234, 
and 237

    Government procurement.

Jennifer Lee Hawes,
Regulatory Control Officer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 208, 212, 213, 215, 216, 217, 234, and 237 
are amended as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 208, 212, 213, 215, 216, 
217, 234, and 237 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.

PART 208--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

0
2. Amend section 208.405 by redesignating the text as paragraph (1) and 
adding paragraphs (2) and (3) to read as follows:


208.405  Ordering procedures for Federal Supply Schedules.

* * * * *
    (2) See 215.101-2-70 for the limitations and prohibitions on the 
use of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection 
process, which are applicable to orders placed under Federal Supply 
Schedules.
    (3) See 217.7801 for the prohibition on the use of reverse auctions 
for personal protective equipment and aviation critical safety items.

PART 212--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS

0
3. Add section 212.203 to subpart 212.2 to read as follows:


212.203   Procedures for solicitation, evaluation, and award.

    (1) See 215.101-2-70 for the limitations and prohibitions on the 
use of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection 
process, which are applicable to the acquisition of commercial items.
    (2) See 217.7801 for the prohibition on the use of reverse auctions 
for personal protective equipment and aviation critical safety items.

PART 213--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

0
4. Revise section 213.106-1 to read as follows:


213.106-1   Soliciting competition.

    (a) Considerations.
    (2)(i) Include an evaluation factor regarding supply chain risk 
(see subpart 239.73) when acquiring information technology, whether as 
a service or as a supply, that is a covered system, is a part of a 
covered system, or is in support of a covered system, as defined in 
239.7301.
    (ii) See 215.101-2-70 for limitations and prohibitions on the use 
of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process, 
which are applicable to simplified acquisitions.
    (iii) See 217.7801 for the prohibition on the use of reverse 
auctions for personal protective equipment and aviation critical safety 
items.

PART 215--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION

0
5. Add section 215.101-2 heading to read as follows:


215.101-2  Lowest price technically acceptable source selection 
process.

0
6. Add section 215.101-2-70 to read as follows:


215.101-2-70   Limitations and prohibitions.

    The following limitations and prohibitions apply when considering 
the use of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection 
procedures.
    (a) Limitations.
    (1) In accordance with section 813 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328) as amended by 
section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2018 (Pub. L. 115-91) (see 10 U.S.C. 2305 note), the lowest price 
technically acceptable source selection process shall only be used 
when--
    (i) Minimum requirements can be described clearly and 
comprehensively and expressed in terms of performance objectives, 
measures, and standards that will be used to determine the 
acceptability of offers;
    (ii) No, or minimal, value will be realized from a proposal that 
exceeds the minimum technical or performance requirements;
    (iii) The proposed technical approaches will require no, or 
minimal, subjective judgment by the source selection authority as to 
the desirability of one offeror's proposal versus a competing proposal;
    (iv) The source selection authority has a high degree of confidence 
that reviewing the technical proposals of all offerors would not result 
in the identification of characteristics that could provide value or 
benefit;
    (v) No, or minimal, additional innovation or future technological

[[Page 50789]]

advantage will be realized by using a different source selection 
process;
    (vi) Goods to be procured are predominantly expendable in nature, 
are nontechnical, or have a short life expectancy or short shelf life 
(See PGI 215.101-2-70(a)(1)(vi) for assistance with evaluating whether 
a requirement satisfies this limitation);
    (vii) The contract file contains a determination that the lowest 
price reflects full life-cycle costs (as defined at FAR 7.101) of the 
product(s) or service(s) being acquired (see PGI 215.101-2-
70(a)(1)(vii) for information on obtaining this determination); and
    (viii) The contracting officer documents the contract file 
describing the circumstances justifying the use of the lowest price 
technically acceptable source selection process.
    (2) In accordance with section 813 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, as amended by section 822 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Pub. L. 
115-91) (see 10 U.S.C. 2305 note), contracting officers shall avoid, to 
the maximum extent practicable, using the lowest price technically 
acceptable source selection process in the case of a procurement that 
is predominately for the acquisition of--
    (i) Information technology services, cybersecurity services, 
systems engineering and technical assistance services, advanced 
electronic testing, or other knowledge-based professional services;
    (ii) Items designated by the requiring activity as personal 
protective equipment (except see paragraph (b)(1) of this section); or
    (iii) Services designated by the requiring activity as knowledge-
based training or logistics services in contingency operations or other 
operations outside the United States, including in Afghanistan or Iraq.
    (b) Prohibitions.
    (1) In accordance with section 814 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 as amended by section 882 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (see 10 U.S.C. 
2302 note), contracting officers shall not use the lowest price 
technically acceptable source selection process to procure items 
designated by the requiring activity as personal protective equipment 
or an aviation critical safety item, when the requiring activity 
advises the contracting officer that the level of quality or failure of 
the equipment or item could result in combat casualties. See 252.209-
7010 for the definition and identification of critical safety items.
    (2) In accordance with section 832 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (see 10 U.S.C. 2442 note), 
contracting officers shall not use the lowest price technically 
acceptable source selection process to acquire engineering and 
manufacturing development for a major defense acquisition program for 
which budgetary authority is requested beginning in fiscal year 2019.
    (3) Contracting officers shall make award decisions based on best 
value factors and criteria, as determined by the resource sponsor (in 
accordance with agency procedures), for an auditing contract. The use 
of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process is 
prohibited (10 U.S.C. 254b).

PART 216--TYPES OF CONTRACTS

0
7. Amend section 216.505 by--
0
a. Removing paragraphs (1) and (2);
0
b. Adding paragraph (a);
0
c. Adding a paragraph (b) heading: and
0
d. Adding paragraph (b)(1).
    The additions read as follows:


216.505  Ordering.

    (a) General.
    (6) Orders placed under indefinite-delivery contracts may be issued 
on DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies or Services.
    (S-70) Departments and agencies shall comply with the review, 
approval, and reporting requirements established in accordance with 
subpart 217.7 when placing orders under non-DoD contracts in amounts 
exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
    (b) Orders under multiple-award contracts.
    (1) Fair opportunity.
    (A) See 215.101-2-70 for the limitations and prohibitions on the 
use of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection 
process, which are applicable to orders placed against multiple award 
indefinite delivery contracts.
    (B) See 217.7801 for the prohibition on the use of reverse auctions 
for personal protective equipment and aviation critical safety items.
* * * * *

PART 217--SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS

0
8. Add new subpart 217.78 to read as follows:

217.78--REVERSE AUCTIONS

Sec.
217.7801 Prohibition.

217.78--REVERSE AUCTIONS


217.7801   Prohibition.

    In accordance with section 814 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328) as amended by 
section 882 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2018 (Pub. L. 115-91) (see 10 U.S.C. 2302 note), contracting officers 
shall not use reverse auctions when procuring items designated by the 
requiring activity as personal protective equipment or an aviation 
critical safety item, when the requiring activity advises the 
contracting officer that the level of quality or failure of the 
equipment or item could result in combat casualties. See 252.209-7010 
for the definition and identification of critical safety items.

PART 234--MAJOR SYSTEM ACQUISITION

0
9. Add section 234.005-2 to read as follows:


234.005-2   Mission-oriented solicitation.

    See 215.101-2-70(b)(2) for the prohibition on the use of the lowest 
price technically acceptable source selection process for engineering 
and manufacturing development of a major defense acquisition program 
for which budgetary authority is requested beginning in fiscal year 
2019.

PART 237--SERVICE CONTRACTING

0
10. Amend section 237.270 by-
0
a. Redesignating paragraph (a)(2) as paragraph (a)(3); and
0
b. Adding new paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


237.270   Acquisition of audit services.

    (a) * * *
    (2) See 215.101-2-70(b)(3) for the prohibition on the use of the 
lowest price technically acceptable source selection process when 
acquiring audit services.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2019-20557 Filed 9-25-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P