[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52420-52425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20796]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 2, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 52

[FAR Case 2018-004; Docket No. FAR-2018-0011, Sequence No. 1]
RIN 9000-AN65


Federal Acquisition Regulation: Increased Micro-Purchase and 
Simplified Acquisition Thresholds; 2018-004

AGENCY: 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 implement a section of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 and several 
sections of the NDAA for FY 2018 that increase the micro-purchase 
threshold (MPT), increase the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), 
and clarify certain procurement terms, as well as align some non-
statutory thresholds with the MPT and SAT.

DATES: Interested parties should submit comments to the Regulatory 
Secretariat Division at one of the addresses shown below on or before 
December 2, 2019 to be considered in the formulation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in response to FAR Case 2018-004 by any of 
the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching for ``FAR Case 
2018-004''. Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds with ``FAR 
Case 2018-004.'' Follow the instructions provided on the screen. Please 
include your name, company name (if any), and ``FAR Case 2018-004'' on 
your attached document.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat Division (MVCB), ATTN: Lois Mandell, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd 
floor, Washington, DC 20405.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite ``FAR case 2018-
004'' 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. To 
confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check http://www.regulations.gov, approximately two to three days after submission 
to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments 
submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael O. Jackson, Procurement 
Analyst, at 202-208-4949 or [email protected] for clarification 
of content. For information pertaining to status or publication 
schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202-501-4755. 
Please cite ``FAR Case 2018-004''.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR to implement 
section 217(b) of the NDAA for FY 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328) and sections 
805, 806, and 1702(a) of the NDAA for FY 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91). The 
proposed rule will also replace non-statutory, stated dollar thresholds 
that are intended to correspond with the MPT and SAT, with the text 
``micro-purchase threshold'' and ``simplified acquisition threshold.'' 
Referencing some stated thresholds by name instead of by a specific 
dollar value will ease maintenance of regulations, given the likelihood 
of future changes to the threshold amounts. Text clarifying the use of 
the approval thresholds, based on the increase of the SAT, for sole 
source justifications executed under the simplified procedures for 
certain commercial items has been added to subpart 13.5.
    Section 217(b) amends 41 U.S.C. 1902 to increase the MPT for 
acquisitions from institutions of higher education or related or 
affiliated nonprofit entities, or from nonprofit research organizations 
or independent research institutes, from $3,500 to $10,000, or a higher 
amount as determined appropriate by the head of the agency and 
consistent with clean audit findings under 31 U.S.C. Chapter 75, an 
internal institutional risk assessment, or State law.
    Section 806 increases the MPT in 41 U.S.C. 1902(a) to $10,000.
    Section 805 increases the SAT to $250,000.

[[Page 52421]]

    Section 1702(a) amends section 15(j)(1) of the Small Business Act 
(15 U.S.C. 644(j)(1)) to replace specific dollar thresholds with the 
terms ``micro-purchase threshold'' and ``simplified acquisition 
threshold.''

II. Discussion and Analysis

    This rule proposes to amend the FAR, as follows:
     At FAR Part 2, to--
    [cir] Replace ``$3,500'' with ``$10,000'' and add an exception to 
the MPT for acquisitions from institutions of higher education or 
related or affiliated nonprofit entities, nonprofit research 
organizations, or independent research institutes, at the definition of 
``micro-purchase threshold'' and,
    [cir] Replace ``$150,000'' with ``$250,000'' at the definition of 
``simplified acquisition threshold.''
     At FAR Part 3, to replace ``simplified acquisition 
threshold'' with ``$150,000'' at 3.502-3 to conform to 3.502-2(i).
     At FAR part 9, to replace ``$3,500'' with ``$10,000'' as 
the Federal tax delinquency threshold, at 9.406-2(b)(1)(v) replaces 
``$3,500'' with ``the threshold at FAR 9.104-5(a)(2)'' and at 9.407-
2(a)(7) replaces ``$3,500'' with ``the threshold at FAR 9.104-
5(a)(2)''. When an offeror indicates in its representations and 
certifications a delinquency in excess of the threshold, a contracting 
officer must report that information to the agency's suspending or 
debarring official, and, a suspending or debarring official may suspend 
or debar a contractor for delinquent Federal taxes in excess of the 
threshold.
     At FAR part 13, to replace ``$3,500'' with ``the micro-
purchase threshold'' and ``$150,000'' with ``the simplified acquisition 
threshold'' when addressing the thresholds for acquisitions that are 
reserved exclusively for small business concerns;
    [cir] At FAR 13.005, List of laws inapplicable to contracts and 
subcontracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, there is 
an impact of this increase in the SAT. This list was first required by 
section 4101 of FASA (Pub. L. 103-355), now codified at 41 U.S.C. 1906. 
FASA sections 4102-4104 made certain laws inapplicable below the SAT, 
and made other laws inapplicable below $100,000. At the time, these two 
thresholds were of equivalent value, so there was no problem with 
listing all of them at FAR 13.005. Intervening escalation raised all of 
these thresholds to $150,000. However, now that the SAT has been 
increased to $250,000, those thresholds that were set at a dollar value 
rather than at the SAT, are not increasing to $250,000. Therefore, the 
following laws should be removed from the list at FAR 13.005: 
13.005(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(5);
    [cir] At FAR 13.501(a)(2) to clarify the procedures to be used for 
justifications of other than full and open competition, when the 
simplified acquisition threshold is raised, e.g., for contingency 
operations.
     At FAR part 16, to replace ``$150,000'' with ``the 
simplified acquisition threshold'' when addressing the maximum 
threshold for fixed-ceiling-price contracts with retroactive price 
redetermination and the maximum threshold for firm-fixed-price, level-
of-effort term contracts, without higher level approval.
     At FAR part 19, to replace ``$3,500'' with ``the micro-
purchase threshold'' and/or ``$150,000'' with ``the simplified 
acquisition threshold'' when addressing set-aside requirements, and 
inserting the clause for FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.
     At FAR part 22, specifically, 22.1803, replace ``the 
simplified acquisition threshold'' with ``$150,000.''
     At FAR part 25, to replace ``$3,500'' with ``10,000'' as 
the ``significant transaction'' amount an offeror may not exceed when 
engaging with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, 
agents, or affiliates.
     At FAR part 52, to--
    [cir] Replace ``$3,500'' with ``the threshold at 9.104-5(a)(2)'' at 
FAR 52.209-5(a)(1)(i)(D) and FAR 52.212-3(h)(4);
    [cir] Replace ``$150,000'' with the ``simplified acquisition 
threshold'' as the subcontractor flow-down threshold for FAR 52.203-16, 
Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest;
    [cir] Replace ``$3,500'' with ``the micro-purchase threshold'' as 
the threshold an offer must exceed, unless otherwise required, for the 
offeror to be required to provide its unique entity identifier, as 
stated in paragraph (j) of FAR provision 52.212-1, Instruction to 
Offerors--Commercial Items;
    [cir] Replace the threshold an offeror must certify, in paragraph 
(o)(2)(iii) of FAR 52.212-3, and FAR 52.225-25, Prohibition on 
Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or 
Transactions Relating to Iran--Representation and Certifications, it 
has not exceeded when engaging with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or 
any of its officials, agents, or affiliates. The clause title of FAR 
52.225-25 is also corrected. The threshold will be that at FAR 25.703-
2(a)(2);
    [cir] Replace ``$150,000'' with ``the simplified acquisition 
threshold'' as the threshold a subcontract award must exceed in order 
for a contractor to be required to keep records on the corresponding 
subcontract solicitation, as identified in FAR clause 52.219-9, Small 
Business Subcontracting Plan and its Alternate IV.

III. Expected Impact of the Proposed Rule and Proposed Cost Savings

    This rule impacts any business, large or small, that prepares 
quotes exceeding $3,500 ($5,000 for DoD) and not exceeding $10,000 (or 
higher for select educational institutions); proposals exceeding 
$150,000 and not exceeding $250,000; and proposals exceeding $300,000 
and not exceeding $500,000, in support of humanitarian or peacekeeping 
operations. This rule does not add any new solicitation provisions or 
contract clauses. Rather, it reduces burden on contractors by 
increasing the thresholds at which various regulatory burdens apply.
    Increasing the MPT and SAT means additional awards could be made 
under the MPT and additional awards could be made under the SAT. The 
additional awards at or below the MPT would not require provisions or 
clauses, except as provided in FAR 13.202 and FAR 32.1110, and the 
additional awards at or below the SAT would be awarded without 
provisions and clauses which are prescribed only above the SAT. In 
addition to including fewer regulations in applicable awards, the 
proposed rule would allow for more awards based on quotes in lieu of a 
formal proposal, thereby reducing the contractor's bid and proposal 
costs. Costs associated with contractor financing could also be reduced 
by increasing the number of micro-purchases, for which the 
Governmentwide purchase card is the preferred method of purchase and 
payment (see FAR 13.201(b)).
    To determine the dollar amounts and entities affected, data was 
pulled from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) from fiscal 
years 2015-2018. For the micro-purchase value change, there was an 
annual average in total impacted contract awards of $2,442,317 for 
small businesses and $1,359,916 for other than small businesses for 
contracts with values exceeding $3,500 ($5,000 for DOD), but less than 
or equal to $10,000 (or higher, for educational institutions). For the 
simplified acquisition threshold change, there was an annual average in 
total impacted contract awards of $300,073,039 for small businesses and 
$161,715,144 for other than small businesses for contracts with values 
exceeding $150,000, but less than or equal to $250,000 (from $300,000 
to $500,000 for contingency, humanitarian, or peacekeeping awards).

[[Page 52422]]

    Commercial item awards, as well as orders placed through 
indefinite-quantity contract orders and other large contracting 
schedule orders, were removed from this calculation to determine the 
cost reduction on offerors and contractors. Commercial items were 
removed from this calculation because the simplified threshold for 
commercial item awards is set at $7 million, so the increased SAT 
threshold would not impact compliance or business procedures for 
contractors with awards conducted through commercial item procedures.
    To calculate the burden reduction on Government by raising these 
thresholds, indefinite-quantity contracts were included, as the 
threshold changes would impact Government acquisition procedures.
    The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) made a number of 
laws inapplicable to items procured under the SAT. This was meant to 
save both the Government and service providers money while also 
expediting the entire contract process. When finalized, this rule will 
decrease the number of regulatory requirements agencies need to include 
in awards.
    Because this rule will reduce bid and proposal costs and other 
administrative burdens and since it does not implement any new 
requirements on offerors, DoD, GSA, and NASA believe this rule to be 
deregulatory.
    Please see the Regulatory Cost Analysis narrative for an in-depth 
discussion of data used to calculate the estimated reduced burden on 
contractors and the Government. To access the full Regulatory Cost 
Analysis for this rule, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 
www.regulations.gov, search for ``FAR Case 2018-004,'' click ``Open 
Docket,'' and view ``Supporting Documents.'' The following is a summary 
of the estimated public and Government cost savings calculated in 
perpetuity in 2016 dollars at a 7-percent discount rate:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Summary                            Public              Government               Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Present Value Costs...........................         -$662,413,271       -$2,216,678,757       -$2,879,092,029
Annualized Costs..............................          -$46,368,929         -$155,167,513         -$201,536,442
Annualized Value Costs (as of 2016 if Year 1            -$37,850,858         -$126,662,911         -$164,513,770
 is 2019).....................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In an attempt to quantify savings as a result of this rule, DoD, 
GSA, and NASA seek input from contractors that could be impacted by 
this rule. In addition to the Government cost savings discussed in the 
accompanying materials in the docket at www.regulations.gov, DoD, GSA, 
and NASA welcome feedback on contract proposals and contract quotes 
(but not quotes for a task order or delivery order) on--
    1. The total bid and proposal (B&P) cost and the total number of 
proposals in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 for proposals greater than $150,000 
and less than or equal to $250,000, including the hours expended in the 
preparation of the proposals and personnel involved. If available, the 
total cost related to compliance for awards greater than $150,000 and 
less than or equal to $250,000 that could be eliminated by using 
simplified acquisition procedures.
    2. The total B&P cost and the total number of quotes in FY 2018 for 
quotes less than or equal to $150,000, including the hours expended in 
the preparation of the quotes and personnel involved.
    3. The total B&P cost and the total number of quotes in FY18 for 
quotes greater than $3,500 and less than or equal to $10,000, including 
the hours expended in the preparation of the quotes and personnel 
involved. If available, the total cost related to compliance for awards 
greater than $3,500 and less than or equal to $10,000 that could be 
eliminated by conducting a micro-purchase.
    4. The total B&P cost and the total number of quotes in FY18 for 
quotes less than or equal to $3,500, including the hours expended in 
the preparation of the quotes and personnel involved.

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

    The rule applies to contracts at or below the simplified 
acquisition threshold, and to contracts for commercial items, including 
COTS items. However, it does not add any new solicitation provisions or 
contract clauses, and it reduces burden on contractors by increasing 
the thresholds at which various regulatory burdens apply.

V. 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 an economically 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 a major 
rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

VI. Congressional Review Act

    This proposed rule is subject to the Congressional Review Act 
provisions of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) and will, if finalized, be transmitted to 
the Congress and to the Comptroller General for review in accordance 
with such provisions.

VII. Executive Order 13771

    This rule is subject to E.O. 13771 because this rule is an 
economically significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. As 
explained in section III of this preamble and in the accompanying 
documentation available in the docket at www.regulations.gov, DoD, GSA, 
and NASA believe the rule is deregulatory and seek public input on this 
preliminary determination as well as information that can better 
quantify savings.

VIII. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD, GSA, and NASA expect this rule to have a positive 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. An 
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) has been performed and 
is summarized as follows:

    DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR to implement a 
section of the NDAA for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 and several sections 
of the NDAA for FY 2018 that increase the MPT, increase the SAT, 
clarify certain procurement terms, as well as align non-statutory 
thresholds with the MPT and SAT.
    The objective of the rule is to implement section 217(b) of the 
NDAA for FY 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328) and sections 805, 806, and

[[Page 52423]]

1702(a) of the NDAA for FY 2018 (Pub. L. 115-91), as well as align 
non-statutory, stated dollar thresholds that are intended to 
correspond with the MPT and SAT, with word-based thresholds to 
ensure continued alignment with the current increase to these 
thresholds and any future change to the threshold amounts. DoD, GSA, 
and NASA expect this rule to have a positive 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.
    According to data from the Federal Procurement Data System 
(FPDS), there were 505 contracts awarded in FY 2018 with a value 
exceeding $3,500 ($5,000 for DOD), but less than or equal to $10,000 
wherein contractors would have a change in compliance requirements. 
Of the 505 new awards, 358 (71 percent) of these actions were 
awarded to 198 unique small business entities.
    Data from FPDS also indicates that in FY 2018, there were no (0) 
small business entities that had additional contract actions for 
educational or related institutions for contracts with a value 
exceeding $10,000, but less than or equal to $15,000 (equivalent to 
the upper bound of the expected micro-purchase value for these types 
of institutions) wherein contractors would have a change in 
compliance requirements.
    Data from FPDS also indicates there were 3,653 new contracts 
awarded in FY 2018 with a value exceeding $150,000, but less than or 
equal to $250,000 wherein contractors would have a change in 
compliance requirements. Of these, 2,621 (72 percent) of these 
actions were awarded to 1,680 unique small business entities.
    As mentioned previously, commercial items were removed from this 
calculation because the simplified threshold for commercial item 
awards is set at $7 million, so the increased SAT threshold would 
not impact compliance or business procedures for contractors with 
awards conducted through commercial item procedures.
    Data from the FPDS further indicates that for contingency, 
humanitarian, or peacekeeping contract actions, there were 11 new 
total contracts awarded in FY 2018 with a value exceeding $300,000 
but less than or equal to $500,000 wherein contractors would have a 
change in compliance requirements. Of these, 4 (36 percent) of these 
actions were awarded to 4 unique small business entities.
    This rule will also change the small-business set aside 
threshold under FAR 19.502; instead of being from greater than 
$3,500 to less than or equal to $150,000, the threshold will be from 
greater than $10,000 to less than or equal to $250,000. This is 
expected to increase the number of small business entities able to 
do business with the Government; for contracts affected by this 
threshold change, (please see full regulatory cost analysis for 
explanation of excepted contract types), in FY 2018, there were 
3,653 records exceeding $150,000 and less than or equal to $250,000, 
while there were 505 records exceeding $3,500 ($5,000 for DOD) and 
less than or equal to $10,000.
    As of September 30, 2017, there were 637,791 active entity 
registrations in SAM. Of those active entity registrations, 452,310 
(71 percent) completed all four modules of the registration, in 
accordance with the definition ``Registered in the System for Award 
Management (SAM)'' at FAR 52.204-7(a), including Assertions (where 
they enter their size metrics and select their NAICS Codes) and Reps 
& Certs (where they certify to the information they provided and the 
size indicator by NAICS).
    Of the possible 452,310 active SAM entity registrations, 338,207 
(75 percent) certified to meeting the size standard of small for 
their primary NAICS Code. Therefore, this rule may be beneficial to 
338,207 small business entities that submit solicitation responses 
that may now fall under the MPT or SAT and have streamlined 
procedures as a result of this rule.
    The proposed rule applies to all entities who do business with 
the Federal Government.
    This proposed rule does not include any new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements. The rule reduces 
burden on contractors by increasing the thresholds at which various 
regulatory burdens begin to apply. The proposed rule does not 
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other Federal rules. There 
are no known significant alternative approaches to the proposed rule 
that would meet the requirements of the applicable requirement.

    The Regulatory Secretariat Division has submitted a copy of the 
IRFA to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration. A copy of the IRFA may be obtained from the Regulatory 
Secretariat Division. 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 2018-004), 
in correspondence.

IX. 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 2, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25 and 52

    Government procurement.

William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.

    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA propose amending 48 CFR parts 2, 9, 
13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 52 as set forth below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 2, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 
and 52 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 51 
U.S.C. 20113.

PART 2--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS

0
2. Amend section 2.101, in paragraph (b) by--
0
 a. In the definition ``Micro-purchase threshold'' removing from the 
introductory text ``$3,500'' and adding ``$10,000'' in its place, 
removing from paragraph (2) the word ``and'' at the end of the 
sentence, removing from paragraph (3)(ii) ``States.'' and adding 
``States; and'' in its place, and adding paragraph (4); and
0
 b. In the definition ``Simplified acquisition threshold'' removing 
from the introductory text ``$150,000'' and adding ``$250,000'' in its 
place, and removing from paragraph (2) ``$300,000'' and adding 
``$500,000'' in its place.
    The addition reads as follows:


2.101   Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    Micro-purchase threshold * * *
    (4) For acquisitions of supplies or services from institutions of 
higher education (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) or related or affiliated nonprofit 
entities, or from nonprofit research organizations or independent 
research institutes--
    (i) $10,000; or
    (ii) A higher threshold, as determined appropriate by the head of 
the agency and consistent with clean audit findings under 31 U.S.C. 
chapter 75, Requirements for Single Audits; an internal institutional 
risk assessment; or State law.
* * * * *

PART 3--IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF 
INTEREST

* * * * *


3.502-3   [Amended]

0
3. Amend section 3.502-3 by removing ``the simplified acquisition 
threshold'' and adding ``$150,000'' in its place.
* * * * *

PART 9--CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS


9.104-5   [Amended]

0
 4. Amend section 9.104-5 by removing from paragraph (a)(2) ``$3,500'' 
and adding ``$10,000'' in its place.

[[Page 52424]]

9.406-2   [Amended]

0
 5. Amend section 9.406-2 by removing from paragraph (b)(1)(v) 
``$3,500'' and adding ``the threshold at 9.104-5(a)(2)'' in its place.


9.407-2   [Amended]

0
6. Amend section 9.407-2 by removing from paragraph (a)(7) ``$3,500'' 
and adding ``the threshold at 9.104-5(a)(2)'' in its place.

PART 13--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

0
7. Amend section 13.003 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


13.003   Policy.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) Acquisitions of supplies or services that have an 
anticipated dollar value exceeding the micro-purchase threshold but not 
exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold are reserved exclusively 
for small business concerns and shall be set aside (see 19.000, 19.203, 
and subpart 19.5).
* * * * *
0
8. Amend section 13.005 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


13.005   List of laws inapplicable to contracts and subcontracts at or 
below the simplified acquisition threshold.

    (a) The following laws are inapplicable to all contracts and 
subcontracts (if otherwise applicable to subcontracts) at or below the 
simplified acquisition threshold pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1905:
    (1) 41 U.S.C. 8102(a)(1) (Drug-Free Workplace), except for 
individuals.
    (2) 10 U.S.C. 2306(b) and 41 U.S.C. 3901(b) (Contract Clause 
Regarding Contingent Fees).
    (3) 10 U.S.C. 2313 and 41 U.S.C. 4706 (Authority to Examine Books 
and Records of Contractors).
    (4) 10 U.S.C. 2402 and 41 U.S.C. 4704 (Prohibition on Limiting 
Subcontractors Direct Sales to the United States).
    (5) 15 U.S.C. 631 note (HUBZone Act of 1997), except for 15 U.S.C. 
657a(b)(2)(B), which is optional for the agencies subject to the 
requirements of the Act.
    (6) 31 U.S.C. 1354(a) (Limitation on use of appropriated funds for 
contracts with entities not meeting veterans employment reporting 
requirements).
    (7) 22 U.S.C. 2593e (Measures Against Persons Involved in 
Activities that Violate Arms Control Treaties or Agreements with the 
United States). (The requirement at 22 U.S.C. 2593e(c)(3)(B) to provide 
a certification does not apply).
* * * * *


13.501   [Amended]

0
9. Amend section 13.501 by removing from paragraph (a)(2)(i) 
``$150,000'' and adding ``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its 
place, and removing from paragraph (a)(2)(ii) ``$700,000'' and adding 
``$700,000 or the thresholds in paragraph (1) of the definition of 
simplified acquisition threshold in FAR 2.101,'' in its place.

PART 16--TYPES OF CONTRACTS


16.206-2   [Amended]

0
 10. Amend section 16.206-2 by removing from the introductory text 
``$150,000'' and adding ``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its 
place.


16.206-3   [Amended]

0
11. Amend section 16.206-3 by removing from paragraph (a) ``$150,000'' 
and adding ``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place.


16.207-3   [Amended]

0
12. Amend section 16.207-3 by removing from paragraph (d) ``$150,000'' 
and adding ``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place.

PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

0
13. Amend section 19.203 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


19.203   Relationship among small business programs.

* * * * *
    (b) At or below the simplified acquisition threshold. For 
acquisitions of supplies or services that have an anticipated dollar 
value exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, but not exceeding the 
simplified acquisition threshold, the requirement at 19.502-2(a) to 
exclusively reserve acquisitions for small business concerns does not 
preclude the contracting officer from awarding a contract to a small 
business under the 8(a) Program, HUBZone Program, SDVOSB Program, or 
WOSB Program.
* * * * *


19.502-1   [Amended]

0
14. Amend section 19.502-1 by--
0
a. Removing from paragraph (b) ``of $3,500 or less ($20,000 or less for 
acquisitions as described in 13.201(g)(1))'' and adding ``valued at or 
below the micro-purchase threshold'' in its place, and
0
b. Removing ``Part 8'' in paragraph (b) and adding ``part 8'' in its 
place.
0
15. Amend section 19.502-2 by--
0
a. Revising the second sentence in paragraph (a), and
0
b. Removing from paragraph (b) ``$150,000'' and adding ``the simplified 
acquisition threshold'' in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


19.502-2   Total small business set-asides.

    (a) * * * Each acquisition of supplies or services that has an 
anticipated dollar value exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, but 
not over the simplified acquisition threshold, is automatically 
reserved exclusively for small business concerns and shall be set aside 
for small business unless the contracting officer determines there is 
not a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more 
responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of 
market prices, quality, and delivery. * * *
* * * * *


19.508   [Amended]

0
16. Amend section 19.508 by removing from paragraph (e) ``$150,000'' 
and adding ``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place.

PART 22--APPLICATION OF LABOR LAWS TO GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS


22.1803   [Amended]

0
17. Amend section 22.1803 by removing from the introductory text ``the 
simplified acquisition threshold'' and adding ``$150,000'' in its 
place.

PART 25--FOREIGN ACQUISITION


25.703-2   [Amended]

0
18. Amend section 25.703-2 by removing from paragraph (a)(2) ``$3,500'' 
and adding ``$10,000'' in its place.


25.703-4   [Amended]

0
19. Amend section 25.703-4 by removing from paragraphs (c)(5)(ii), 
(c)(7)(iii), and (c)(8)(iii) ``$3,500'' and adding ``the threshold at 
25.703-2(a)(2)'' in its place, respectively.

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
20. Amend section 52.203-16 by revising the date of the clause and 
removing from paragraph (d)(1) ``$150,000'' and adding ``the simplified 
acquisition threshold'' in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


52.203-16   Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest.

* * * * *

Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest (DATE)

* * * * *

[[Page 52425]]

0
21. Amend section 52.209-5 by revising the date of the provision and 
removing from paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) introductory text ``$3,500'' and 
adding ``the threshold at 9.104-5(a)(2)'' in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


52.209-5   Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters.

* * * * *

Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters (DATE)

* * * * *
0
22. Amend section 52.212-1 by revising the date of the provision and 
removing from paragraph (j) ``$3,500, and offers of $3,500'' and adding 
``the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at the micro-purchase 
threshold'' in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


52.212-1   Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Items.

* * * * *

Instructions to Offerors--Commercial Items (DATE)

* * * * *
0
23. Amend section 52.212-3 by--
0
 (a) Revising the date of the provision;
0
(b) Removing from paragraph (h)(4) introductory text ``$3,500'' and 
adding ``the threshold at 9.104-5(a)(2)'' in its place; and
0
(c) Removing from paragraph (o)(2)(iii) ``$3,500'' and adding ``the 
threshold at 25.703-2(a)(2)'' in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


52.212-3   Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial 
Items.

* * * * *

Offeror Representations and Certifications--Commercial Items (DATE)

* * * * *
0
24. Amend section 52.212-5 by--
0
(a) Revising the date of the clause;
0
 (b) Removing from paragraph (b)(17)(i) ``(Aug 2018)'' and adding 
``(DATE); and
0
(c) Removing from paragraph (b)(17)(v) ``(Aug 2018)'' and adding 
``(DATE) in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


52.212-5   Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes 
or Executive Orders--Commercial Items.

* * * * *

Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or 
Executive Orders--Commercial Items (DATE)

* * * * *
0
25. Amend section 52.219-9 by--
0
 a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
 b. Removing from paragraph (d)(11)(iii) ``$150,000'' and adding ``the 
simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place;
0
 c. Revising the date of Alternate IV; and
0
d. In Alternate IV, removing from (d)(11)(iii) ``$150,000'' and adding 
``the simplified acquisition threshold'' in its place.
    The revisions read as follows:


52.219-9   Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

* * * * *

Small Business Subcontracting Plan (DATE)

* * * * *
    Alternate IV (DATE). * * *

* * * * *
0
26. Amend section 52.225-25 by revising the provision title and date, 
and removing from paragraph (c)(3) ``$3,500'' and adding ``the 
threshold at 25.703-2(a)(2)'' in its place.
    The revisions read as follows:


52.225-25   Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in 
Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran--Representation and 
Certifications.

* * * * *

Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Engaging in Certain Activities 
or Transactions Relating to Iran--Representation and Certifications 
(DATE)

* * * * *

[FR Doc. 2019-20796 Filed 10-1-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P