[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52791-52804]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16767]



[[Page 52791]]

Vol. 85

Wednesday,

No. 166

August 26, 2020

Part XXI





Department of Defense





General Services Administration





National Aeronautics and Space Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 166 / Wednesday, August 26, 2020 / 
UA: Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 52792]]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Ch. 1


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of regulations being 
developed by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council in compliance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' This agenda is being 
published to allow interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rulemaking process. The Regulatory Secretariat Division has 
attempted to list all regulations pending at the time of publication, 
except for minor and routine or repetitive actions; however, 
unanticipated requirements may result in the issuance of regulations 
that are not included in this agenda. There is no legal significance to 
the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for 
the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act 
on or by the dates shown.
    Published proposed rules may be reviewed in their entirety at the 
Government's rulemaking website at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lois Mandell, Division Director, 
Regulatory Secretariat Division, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd Floor, 
Washington, DC 20405-0001, 202-501-4755.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DoD, GSA, and NASA, under their several 
statutory authorities, jointly issue and maintain the FAR through 
periodic issuance of changes published in the Federal Register and 
produced electronically as Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs).
    The electronic version of the FAR, including changes, can be 
accessed on the FAR website at http://www.acquisition.gov/far.

    Dated: March 5, 2020.
William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-Wide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-Wide Policy.

                 DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
229.......................  FAR Acquisition Regulation         9000-AN31
                             (FAR); FAR Case 2015-038,
                             Reverse Auction Guidance.
230.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN43
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-014, Use of
                             Acquisition 360 to
                             Encourage Vendor Feedback.
231.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN44
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-013, Breaches
                             of Personally
                             Identifiable Information.
232.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN46
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-011, Section
                             508-Based Standards in
                             Information and
                             Communication Technology.
233.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN56
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-016, Controlled
                             Unclassified Information
                             (CUI).
234.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN57
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-018, Violation
                             of Arms Control Treaties
                             or Agreements With the
                             United States.
235.......................  Federal Regulation                 9000-AN59
                             Acquisition (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-019, Policy on
                             Joint Ventures.
236.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN62
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-002, Protecting
                             Life in Global Health
                             Assistance.
237.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN66
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-006; Definition
                             of Subcontract.
238.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN71
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-012, Rights to
                             Federally Funded
                             Inventions and Licensing
                             of Government-Owned
                             Inventions.
239.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN72
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-013, Exemption
                             of Commercial and COTS
                             Item Contracts From
                             Certain Laws and
                             Regulations.
240.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN73
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-014, Increasing
                             Task-Order Level
                             Competition.
241.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN76
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-018, Revision
                             of Definition of
                             ``Commercial Item''.
242.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN78
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-020,
                             Construction Contract
                             Administration.
243.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN84
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-001, Analysis
                             for Equipment
                             Acquisitions.
244.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN86
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-003,
                             Substantial Bundling and
                             Consolidation.
245.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN87
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-004, Good Faith
                             in Small Business
                             Subcontracting.
246.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN90
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-007, Update of
                             Historically
                             Underutilized Business
                             Zone Program.
247.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN91
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-008, Small
                             Business Program
                             Amendments.
248.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN92
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-009,
                             Prohibition on
                             Contracting With Entities
                             Using Certain
                             Telecommunications and
                             Video Surveillance
                             Services or Equipment.
249.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN94
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-010, Efficient
                             Federal Operations.
250.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN96
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-013, Inflation
                             Adjustment of
                             Acquisition--Related
                             Thresholds.
251.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN98
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-015, Improving
                             Consistency Between
                             Procurement & Non-
                             Procurement Procedures on
                             Suspension and Debarment.
252.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN99
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-016, Maximizing
                             Use of American-Made
                             Goods, Products and
                             Materials.
253.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO08
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-005,
                             Explanations to
                             Unsuccessful Offerors on
                             Certain Orders Under Task
                             and Delivery Order
                             Contracts.
254.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO10
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-007,
                             Accelerated Payments
                             Applicable to Contracts
                             With Certain Small
                             Business Concerns.
255.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO11
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-008,
                             Prohibition on Criminal
                             History Inquiries by
                             Contractors Prior to
                             Conditional Offer.
256.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO12
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-010, Small
                             Business Innovation
                             Research and Technology
                             Transfer Programs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 52793]]


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
257.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM93
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2014-002; Set-Asides
                             Under Multiple Award
                             Contracts.
258.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN29
                             Regulation: FAR Case 2016-
                             005; Effective
                             Communication Between
                             Government and Industry.
259.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN32
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-005,
                             Whistleblower Protection
                             for Contractor Employees.
260.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN34
                             Regulation; FAR Case 2016-
                             002, Applicability of
                             Small Business
                             Regulations Outside the
                             United States.
261.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN35
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-011, Revision
                             of Limitations on
                             Subcontracting.
262.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN38
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2016-013, Tax on
                             Certain Foreign
                             Procurement.
263.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN39
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-003; Individual
                             Sureties.
264.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN40
                             Regulations (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2015-002,
                             Requirements for DD Form
                             254, Contract Security
                             Classification
                             Specification.
265.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN54
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2017-010, Evaluation
                             Factors for Multiple-
                             Award Contracts.
266.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN65
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-004; Increased
                             Micro-Purchase and
                             Simplified Acquisition
                             Thresholds.
267.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN69
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-005,
                             Modifications to Cost or
                             Pricing Data and
                             Reporting Requirements.
268.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN75
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-016, Lowest
                             Price Technically
                             Acceptable Source
                             Selection Process.
269.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN79
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-021, Reserve
                             Officer Training Corps
                             and Military Recruiting
                             on Campus.
270.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN80
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-022; Orders
                             Issued Via Fax or
                             Electronic Commerce.
271.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN81
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-023, Taxes--
                             Foreign Contracts in
                             Afghanistan.
272.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN83
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-017--
                             Prohibition on Certain
                             Telecommunications and
                             Video Surveillance
                             Services or Equipment.
273.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN85
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-002,
                             Recreational Services on
                             Federal Lands.
274.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO04
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-004,
                             Application of the MPT to
                             Certain Task and Delivery
                             Orders.
275.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO09
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-006,
                             Documentation of Market
                             Research.
276.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AO13
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2020-011,
                             Implementation of Issued
                             Exclusion and Removal
                             Orders.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR)--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
277.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AM58
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2013-002; Reporting
                             of Nonconforming Items to
                             the Government-Industry
                             Data Exchange Program.
278.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN77
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2018-019, Review of
                             Commercial Clause
                             Requirements and Flowdown.
279.......................  Federal Acquisition                9000-AN88
                             Regulation (FAR); FAR
                             Case 2019-005, Update to
                             Contract Performance
                             Assessment Reporting
                             System (CPARS).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Proposed Rule Stage

229. Far Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2015-038, Reverse 
Auction Guidance

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement policies addressing the 
effective use of reverse auctions. Reverse auctions involve offerors 
lowering their pricing over multiple rounds of bidding in order to win 
Federal contracts. This change incorporates guidance from the Office of 
Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) memorandum, ``Effective Use of 
Reverse Auctions,'' which was issued in response to recommendations 
from the GAO report, Reverse Auctions: Guidance is Needed to Maximize 
Competition and Achieve Cost Savings (GAO-14-108). Reverse auctions are 
one tool used by Federal agencies to increase competition and reduce 
the cost of certain items. Reverse auctions differ from traditional 
auctions in that sellers compete against one another to provide the 
lowest price or highest-value offer to a buyer. This change to the FAR 
will include guidance that will standardize agencies' use of reverse 
auctions to help agencies maximize competition and savings when using 
reverse auctions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN31

[[Page 52794]]

230. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-014, Use of 
Acquisition 360 To Encourage Vendor Feedback

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to address the solicitation of contractor 
feedback on both contract formation and contract administration 
activities. Agencies would consider this feedback, as appropriate, to 
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their acquisition 
activities. The rule would create FAR policy to encourage regular 
feedback in accordance with agency practice (both for contract 
formation and administration activities) and a standard FAR 
solicitation provision to support a sustainable model for broadened use 
of the Acquisition 360 survey to elicit feedback on the pre-award and 
debriefing processes in a consistent and standardized manner. Agencies 
would be able to use the solicitation provision to notify interested 
sources that a procurement is part of the Acquisition 360 survey and 
encourage stakeholders to voluntarily provide feedback on their 
experiences of the pre-award process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   07/23/18  83 FR 34820
ANPRM Comment Period End............   09/21/18
NPRM................................   07/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN43

231. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-013, Breaches 
of Personally Identifiable Information

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to create and implement appropriate 
contract clauses and regulatory coverage to address contractor 
requirements for a breach response consistent with the requirements. 
This FAR change will implement the requirements outlined in the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum, M-17-12, ``Preparing for and 
Responding to a Breach of Personally Identifiable Information,'' 
section V part B .
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN44

232. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-011, Section 
508-Based Standards in Information and Communication Technology

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate recent revisions and 
updates to accessibility standards issued by the U.S. Access Board 
pursuant to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This FAR 
change incorporates the U.S. Access Board's final rule, ``Information 
and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines,'' which 
published on January 18, 2017. This rule updates the FAR to ensure that 
the updated accessibility standards are appropriately considered in 
Federal ICT acquisitions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/31/20  85 FR 17831
Correction..........................   04/16/20  85 FR 21139
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN46

233. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-016, 
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA) Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) 
program of Executive Order 13556 of November 4, 2010. As the executive 
agent designated to oversee the Governmentwide CUI program, NARA issued 
implementing regulations in late 2016 designed to address Federal 
agency policies for designating, safeguarding, disseminating, marking, 
decontrolling, and disposing of CUI. The NARA rule, which is codified 
at 32 CFR 2002, affects contractors that handle, possess, use, share, 
or receive CUI. This FAR rule helps to ensure uniform implementation of 
the requirements of the CUI program in contracts across Government 
agencies.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN56

234. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-018, Violation 
of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements With the United States

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a proposed rule to address 
a public comment on the interim rule issued to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1290(c)(3) of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2017, which requires 
an offeror or any of its subsidiaries to certify that it does not 
engage in any activity that contributed to or is a significant factor 
in the determination that a country is not in full compliance with its 
obligations undertaken in all arms control, nonproliferation, and 
disarmament agreements or commitments in which the United States is a 
participating state.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   06/15/18  83 FR 28145
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      08/14/18
 End.
NPRM................................   09/00/20

[[Page 52795]]

 
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN57

235. Federal Regulation Acquisition (FAR); FAR Case 2017-019, Policy on 
Joint Ventures

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes made by 
the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Mentor 
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Programs, published on July 25, 2016 (81 FR 
48557), regarding joint ventures and to clarify policy on 8(a) joint 
ventures. The regulatory changes provide industry with a new way to 
compete for small business or socioeconomic set-asides using a joint 
venture made up of a mentor and a prot[eacute]g[eacute]. The 8(a) joint 
venture clarification prevents confusion on an 8(a) joint venture's 
eligibility to compete for an 8(a) competitive procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/05/20  85 FR 34561
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/04/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN59

236. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-002, 
Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Regulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Presidential Memorandum, 
``The Mexico City Policy,'' issued on January 13, 2017, in accordance 
with the Department of State's implementation plan dated May 9, 2017. 
This rule would extend requirements of the memorandum and plans to new 
funding agreements for global health assistance furnished by all 
Federal departments or agencies. This expanded policy will cover global 
health assistance to include funding for international health programs, 
such as those for HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, malaria, global 
health security, and certain family planning and reproductive health.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: FAR Policy, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-4075, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN62

237. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-006; 
Definition of Subcontract

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Aquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 820 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2018. Section 820 amends 41 
U.S.C. 1906(c)(1) to change the definition of ``subcontract'' for the 
procurement of commercial items to exclude agreements entered into by a 
contractor for the supply of commodities that are intended for use in 
the performance of multiple contracts with the Federal Government and 
other parties and are not identifiable to any particular contract.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN66

238. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-012, Rights to 
Federally Funded Inventions and Licensing of Government-Owned 
Inventions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR to 
implement the changes to 37 CFR parts 401 and 404, ``Rights to 
Federally Funded Inventions and Licensing of Government-Owned 
Inventions,'' dated May 14, 2018. The changes reduce regulatory 
burdens, provide greater clarity to large businesses by codifying the 
applicability of Bayh-Dole as directed in Executive Order 12591, and 
provide greater clarity to all Federal funding recipients by updating 
regulatory provisions to align with provisions of the Leahy-Smith 
America Invents Act in terms of definitions and timeframes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN71

239. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-013, Exemption 
of Commercial and Cots Item Contracts From Certain Laws and Regulations

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch.137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement paragraph (a) of section 839 
of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 
year 2019. Paragraph (a) requires the FAR Council to review each past 
determination made not to exempt contracts and subcontracts for 
commercial products, commercial services, and commercially available 
off-the-shelf (COTS) items from certain laws when these contracts would 
otherwise have been exempt under 41 U.S.C. 1906(d) or 41 U.S.C. 
1907(b). The FAR Council or the Administrator for Federal Procurement 
Policy has to determine whether there still exists specific reason not 
to provide exemptions from certain laws. If no

[[Page 52796]]

determination is made to continue to exempt commercial contracts and 
subcontracts from certain laws, paragraph (a) requires that revisions 
to the FAR be proposed to reflect exemptions from those laws. Paragraph 
(a) requires these revisions to be proposed within one year of the date 
of enactment of section 839.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN72

240. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-014, 
Increasing Task-Order Level Competition

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 876 of the John S. 
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019, which 
would provide civilian agencies with an exception to the existing 
statutory requirement to include price to the Federal Government as an 
evaluation factor that must be considered in the evaluation of 
proposals for all contracts. The exception would only apply to IDIQ 
contracts and to Federal Supply Schedule contracts for services that 
are priced at an hourly rate. Furthermore, the exception would only 
apply in those instances where the Government intends to make a 
contract award to all qualifying offerors, thus affording maximum 
opportunity for effective competition at the task order level. An 
offeror would be qualified only if it is a responsible source and 
submits a proposal that conforms to the requirements of the 
solicitation, meets any technical requirements, and is otherwise 
eligible for award.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN73

241. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-018, Revision 
of Definition of ``Commercial Item''

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C.121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to separate the commercial item definition 
into definitions of commercial product and commercial service. Section 
836 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 
(FY) 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) set the effective date of the new 
definitions to January 1, 2020. This is consistent with the 
recommendations by the independent panel created by section 809 of the 
NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 11492). This case implements amendment to 41 
U.S.C. 103.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN76

242. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-020, 
Construction Contract Administration

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 855 of the NDAA for 
FY 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232). Section 855 requires, for solicitations for 
construction contracts anticipated to be awarded to a small business, 
notification to prospective offerors regarding agency policies or 
practices in complying with FAR requirements relating to the timely 
definitization of requests for equitable adjustment and agency past 
performance in definitizing such requests.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/01/20  85 FR 18181
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/01/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN78

243. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-001, Analysis 
for Equipment Acquisitions

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the FAR by 
implementing section 555 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
Reauthorization Act for FY 2018 (Pub. L. 115-254), which requires 
equipment to be acquired using the method of acquisition most 
advantageous to the Government based on a case-by-case analysis of 
costs and other factors. Section 555 requires the methods of 
acquisition to be compared in the analysis to include, at a minimum: 
(1) Purchase; (2) long-term lease or rental; (3) short-term lease or 
rental; (4) interagency acquisition; or, (5) acquisition agreements 
with a State or local government. Section 555 exempts certain 
acquisitions from this required analysis.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN84

244. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-003, 
Substantial Bundling and Consolidation

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 863 of the National 
Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA) for FY 2016 and the Small Business

[[Page 52797]]

Administration (SBA) implementing regulations requiring publication of 
a notice of substantial bundling and a notice of consolidation of 
contract requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/27/20  85 FR 23299
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/26/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN86

245. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-004, Good 
Faith in Small Business Subcontracting

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1821 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2017 and the Small Business 
Administration regulatory changes relating to small business 
subcontracting plans. Section 1821 requires examples of activities that 
would be considered a failure to make a good faith effort to comply 
with small business subcontracting plan requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/03/20  85 FR 34155
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/03/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN87

246. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-007, Update of 
Historically Underutilized Business Zone Program

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes issued in 
a final rule on November 26, 2019 by the Small Business Administration 
regarding the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) 
Program. The regulatory changes are intended to reduce the regulatory 
burden associated with the HUBZone Program.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN90

247. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-008, Small 
Business Program Amendments

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes proposed 
by the Small Business Administration regarding small business programs. 
The proposed regulatory changes include the timing of the determination 
of size status for multiple-award contracts for which price is not 
evaluated at the contract level; the grounds for size-status protests; 
and the grounds for socioeconomic status protests.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Malissa Jones, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2815, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN91

248. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-009, 
Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Using Certain 
Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement paragraph (a)(1)(B) of 
section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 19 
(Pub. L. 115-232). Beginning two years from the enacted date, paragraph 
(a)(1)(B) of section 889 prohibits the Government from entering into a 
contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses 
any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications 
equipment and services from Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE 
Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Technology 
Company, or Dahua Technology Company, to include any subsidiaries or 
affiliates. This FAR rule is needed to protect U.S. networks against 
cyber activities conducted through Chinese Government-supported 
telecommunications equipment and services. Paragraph (a)(1)(A) of 
section 889 is being implemented separately through FAR Case 2018-017.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 357-5805, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN92

249. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-010, Efficient 
Federal Operations

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order 13834, 
``Efficient Federal Operations.'' Executive Order 13834 directs Federal 
agencies to comply with statutory requirements related to energy and 
environmental performance in a manner that increases efficiency, 
maximizes performance, eliminates unnecessary use of resources, and 
protects the environment. This rule promotes the efficient acquisition 
of sustainable products, services, and construction methods in order to 
reduce energy and water consumption, reliance on natural resources, and 
enhance pollution prevention, within the Federal Government.
    Timetable:

[[Page 52798]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 357-5805, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN94

250. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-013, Inflation 
Adjustment of Acquisition-Related Thresholds

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c) ; 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a proposed rule amending 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the inflation 
adjustment of acquisition-related dollar thresholds. A statute (41 
U.S.C. 1908) requires an adjustment every 5 years of acquisition-
related thresholds for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for all 
urban consumers, except for the Construction Wage Rate Requirements 
statute (formerly Davis-Bacon Act), Service Contract Labor Standards 
statute, and trade agreements thresholds.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN96

251. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-015, Improving 
Consistency Between Procurement & Non-Procurement Procedures on 
Suspension and Debarment

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to bring the FAR and the Non-procurement 
Common Rule (NCR) procedures on suspension and debarment into closer 
alignment. The FAR covers procurement matters and the NCR covers other 
transactions, such as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts of 
assistance, loans and loan guarantees.
    The Government uses suspension and debarment procedures to exercise 
business judgment. These procedures give Federal officials a 
discretionary means to exclude parties from participation in certain 
transactions, while affording those parties due process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN98

252. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-016, 
Maximizing Use of American-Made Goods, Products and Materials

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13881, 
Maximizing Use of American-Made Goods, Products, and Materials, which 
would provide that materials shall be considered to be of foreign 
origin if: (A) For iron and steel end products, the cost of foreign 
iron and steel used in such iron and steel end products constitutes 5 
percent or more of the cost of all the products used in such iron and 
steel end products; or (B) for all other end products, the cost of the 
foreign products used in such end products constitutes 45 percent or 
more of the cost of all the components. In addition, the E.O. provides 
that in determining price reasonableness or public interest, the 
evaluation factors of 20 percent (for other than small businesses), or 
30 percent (for small businesses) shall be applied to offers of 
materials of foreign origin.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN99

253.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-005, 
Explanations to Unsuccessful Offerors on Certain Orders Under Task and 
Delivery Order Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 874 of the NDAA for 
FY 2020, which requires, when awarding a task or delivery order in an 
amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, but not 
greater than $5.5 million, contracting officers, upon written request 
from an unsuccessful offeror, to provide a brief explanation as to why 
the offeror was unsuccessful, including the rationale for award and an 
evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the 
offeror's offer.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO08

254.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-007, 
Accelerated Payments Applicable to Contracts With Certain Small 
Business Concerns

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to establish an accelerated payment date 
for small business contractors, to the fullest extent permitted by law, 
with a goal of 15 days after receipt of a proper invoice, if a specific 
payment date is not established by contract. For contractors that 
subcontract with small businesses, the proposed rule, to the fullest 
extent permitted by law, establishes an accelerated payment date, with 
a goal of 15 days after receipt of a proper invoice,

[[Page 52799]]

if: (1) A specific payment date is not established by contract, and (2) 
the contractor agrees to make accelerated payments to the subcontractor 
without any further consideration from, or fees charged to, the 
subcontractor. This change implements section 873 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Pub. L. 116-92). 
Section 873 amends 31 U.S.C. 3903(a).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO10

255.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-008, 
Prohibition on Criminal History Inquiries by Contractors Prior to 
Conditional Offer

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 1123 of the NDAA for 
FY 2020 (Pub. L. 116-92) for the prohibition on criminal history 
inquiries by contractors prior to conditional offer to an individual or 
sole proprietor.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO11

256.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-010, 
Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Programs

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement changes to the U.S. Small 
Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 
and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Policy Directive issued 
(May 2, 2019). The proposed changes include updating FAR 27 to add 
reference to the STTR program, revise: Definitions, allocation of 
rights, protection period, SBIR/STTR rights notice, data rights marking 
provisions, and add language to FAR 6.302-5(b) to acknowledge the 
unique competition requirements for SBIR/STTR Phase III contracts 
permitted by the Small Business Act.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/20
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: FAR Policy, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-4075, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO12

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Final Rule Stage

257. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2014-002; Set-
Asides Under Multiple Award Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement regulatory changes 
made by the Small Business Administration, which provide Governmentwide 
policy for partial set-asides and reserves and for set-asides of orders 
for small business concerns under multiple-award contracts.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/06/16  81 FR 88072
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/06/17
Final Rule..........................   02/27/20  85 FR 11746
Final Rule Effective................   03/30/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM93

258. Federal Acquisition Regulation: FAR Case 2016-005; Effective 
Communication Between Government and Industry

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 887 of the 
NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 114-92). This law provides that Government 
acquisition personnel are permitted and encouraged to engage in 
responsible and constructive exchanges with industry. This change will 
permit and encourage Government acquisition personnel to engage in 
responsible and constructive exchanges with industry as part of market 
research as long as those exchanges are consistent with existing laws 
and regulations and promote a fair competitive environment.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/29/16  81 FR 85914
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/02/17
Final Rule..........................   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN29

259. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-005, 
Whistleblower Protection for Contractor Employees

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement 41 U.S.C. 4712, 
``Enhancement of Contractor Protection From Reprisal for Disclosure of 
Certain Information,'' and makes the pilot program permanent. The pilot 
was enacted on January 2, 2013, by section 828 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2013. The rule clarifies 
that

[[Page 52800]]

contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discharging, 
demoting, or otherwise discriminating against an employee as a reprisal 
for disclosing to any of the entities such as agency Inspector Generals 
and Congress information that the employee reasonably believes is 
evidence of gross mismanagement of a Federal contract; a gross waste of 
Federal funds; an abuse of authority relating to a Federal contract; a 
substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or a 
violation of law, rule, or regulation related to a Federal contract 
(including the competition for or negotiation of a contract.) This rule 
enhances whistleblower protections for contractor employees by making 
permanent the protection for disclosure of the aforementioned 
information, and ensuring that the prohibition on reimbursement for 
legal fees accrued in defense against reprisal claims applies to both 
contractors and subcontractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/26/18  83 FR 66223
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/25/19
Final Rule..........................   09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN32

260. Federal Acquisition Regulation; FAR Case 2016-002, Applicability 
of Small Business Regulations Outside the United States

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) consistent with SBA's regulation 
at 13 CFR 125.2 as finalized in its rule ``Acquisition Process: Task 
and Delivery Order Contracts, Bundling, Consolidation'' issued on 
October 2, 2013, to clarify that overseas contracting is not excluded 
from agency responsibilities to foster small business participation.
    In its final rule, SBA has clarified that, as a general matter, its 
small business contracting regulations apply regardless of the place of 
performance. In light of these changes, there is a need to amend the 
FAR, both to bring its coverage into alignment with SBA's regulation, 
and to give agencies the tools they need, especially the ability to use 
set-asides to maximize opportunities for small businesses overseas.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/12/19  84 FR 39793
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/11/19
Final Rule..........................   09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 703 605-2868, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN34

261. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-011, Revision 
of Limitations on Subcontracting

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise and standardize the 
limitations on subcontracting, including the nonmanufacturer rule, that 
apply to small business concerns under FAR part 19 procurements. This 
rule incorporates The Small Business Administration's (SBA) final rule 
that implemented the statutory requirements of section 1651 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2013. This 
action is necessary to meet the Congressional intent of clarifying the 
limitations on subcontracting with which small businesses must comply, 
as well as the ways in which they can comply. The rule will benefit 
both small businesses and Federal agencies. The rule will allow small 
businesses to take advantage of subcontracts with similarly situated 
entities. As a result, these small businesses will be able to compete 
for larger contracts, which would positively affect their potential for 
growth as well as that of their potential subcontractors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/04/18  83 FR 62540
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/04/19
Final Rule..........................   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 357-5805, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN35

262. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2016-013, Tax on 
Certain Foreign Procurement

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 37; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement a final rule issued 
by the Department of the Treasury that implements section 301 of the 
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, Public Law 
111347. This section imposes on any foreign person that receives a 
specified Federal procurement payment a tax equal to two percent of the 
amount of such payment. This rule applies to foreign persons that are 
awarded Federal Government contracts to provide goods or services.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/20/19  84 FR 49498
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/19/19
Final Rule..........................   05/06/20  85 FR 27098
Final Rule Effective................   06/05/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN38

263. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-003; 
Individual Sureties

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. 137; 51 U.S.C. 20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to change the kinds of assets that 
individual sureties must use as security for their individual surety 
bonds. This change implements section 874 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2016 (Pub. L. 114-92), codified at 31 
U.S.C. 9310, Individual Sureties. Individual sureties will no longer be 
able to pledge real property, corporate stocks, corporate bonds, or 
irrevocable letters of credit. The requirements of 31 U.S.C. 9310 are 
intended to strengthen the assets pledged by individual sureties, 
thereby mitigating risk to the Government.
    Timetable:

[[Page 52801]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/12/20  85 FR 7910
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/13/20
Final Rule..........................   12/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN39

264. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); FAR Case 2015-002, 
Requirements for DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification 
Specification

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require the use of Department 
of Defense (DoD) Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) for the electronic 
submission of the DD Form 254, ``Contract Security Classification 
Specification.'' This form is used to convey security requirements 
regarding classified information to contractors and subcontractors and 
must be submitted to the Defense Security Services (DSS) when 
contractors or subcontractors require access to classified information 
under contracts awarded by agencies that are covered by the National 
Industrial Security Program (NISP). By changing the submittal process 
of the form from a manual process to an automated one, the Government 
will reduce the cost of maintaining the forms, while also providing a 
centralized repository for classified contract security requirements 
and supporting data.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/12/19  84 FR 33201
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/10/19
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN40

265. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2017-010, 
Evaluation Factors for Multiple-Award Contracts

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 825 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 17 (Pub. L. 114-328). 
Section 825 amends 10 U.S.C. 2305(a)(3) to change the requirement 
regarding the consideration of cost or price to the Government as a 
factor in the evaluation of proposals for certain multiple-award task 
order contracts awarded by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard. At the 
Government's discretion, solicitations for multiple-award contracts, 
which intend to award the same or similar services to each qualifying 
offeror, do not require price or cost as an evaluation factor for the 
base contract award. This rule will streamline the award of contracts 
for DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard because they will not be required to 
consider cost or price in the evaluation of the award decision. 
Relieving the requirement to account for cost or price when evaluating 
proposals for these types of contracts, which feature competitive 
orders, will enable procurement officials to focus their energy on 
establishing and evaluating the non-price factors that will result in 
more meaningful distinctions among offerors.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/24/18  83 FR 48271
Correction..........................   10/23/18  83 FR 53421
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/23/18
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN54

266. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-004; Increased 
Micro-Purchase and Simplified Acquisition Thresholds

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
FAR to implement sections 805, 806, and 1702(a) of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2018. Section 805 increases the micro-
purchase threshold (MPT) to $10,000 and limits the use of convenience 
checks to not more than one half of the MPT amount (i.e., $5,000). 
Section 806 increases the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) to 
$250,000. 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.''
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/02/19  84 FR 52420
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/19
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN65

267. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-005, 
Modifications to Cost or Pricing Data and Reporting Requirements

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to increase the Truth in 
Negotiation Act (TINA) threshold to $2 million and require other than 
certified cost or pricing data. The rule reduces the burden on 
contractors because they would not be required to certify their cost or 
pricing data between $750,000 and $2 million. This change implements 
section 811 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 
2018. Section 811 modifies 10 U.S.C. 2306a and 41 U.S.C. 3502.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/02/19  84 FR 52428
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/19
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].

[[Page 52802]]

    RIN: 9000-AN69

268. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-016, Lowest 
Price Technically Acceptable Source Selection Process

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement section 880 of the 
John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal 
Year (FY) 2019 to avoid using lowest price technically acceptable 
source selection criteria in circumstances that would deny the 
Government the benefits of cost and technical tradeoffs in the source 
selection process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/02/19  84 FR 52425
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/02/19
Final Rule..........................   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN75

269. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-021, Reserve 
Officer Training Corps and Military Recruiting on Campus

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the requirements at 
10 U.S.C. 983, which prohibits the award of certain Federal contracts 
or grants to institutions of higher education that prohibit Senior 
Reserve Officer Training Corps units or military recruiting on campus.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/24/19  84 FR 49974
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/25/19
Final Rule..........................   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zenaida Delgado, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-7207, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN79

270. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-022; Orders 
Issued via Fax or Electronic Commerce

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.216-18, Ordering, to 
authorize issuance of orders via fax or email and clarify when an order 
is considered to be issued when utilizing these methods.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/23/19  84 FR 44270
NPRM Comment Period End.............   10/22/19
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover Sr., Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 501-
1448, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN80

271. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-023, Taxes--
Foreign Contracts in Afghanistan

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement the provisions on 
taxes, duties, and fees contained in the Security and Defense 
Cooperation Agreement (dated 2014) and the North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization Status of Forces Agreement (dated 2014) with the Islamic 
Republic of Afghanistan. Both Agreements exempt the United States 
Government, and its contractors and subcontractors (other than those 
who are Afghan legal entities or residents), from paying any tax or 
similar charge assessed on activities associated with contracts 
performed within Afghanistan. The Agreements also exempt the 
acquisition, importation, exportation, reexportation, transportation, 
and use of supplies and services in Afghanistan, by or on behalf of the 
United States Government, from any taxes, customs, duties, fees, or 
similar charges in Afghanistan.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/20/19  84 FR 49502
Correction..........................   10/15/19  84 FR 55109
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/19/19
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 357-5805, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN81

272. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-017--
Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance 
Services or Equipment

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) to implement section 889 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 19 (Pub. L. 115-232). Section 889 
prohibits the procurement or use of covered telecommunications 
equipment and services from Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE 
Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Technology 
Company, or Dahua Technology Company, to include any subsidiaries or 
affiliates. This FAR rule is needed to protect U.S. networks against 
cyber activities conducted through Chinese Government-supported 
telecommunications equipment and services.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   08/13/19  84 FR 40216
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      10/15/19
 End.
Interim Final Rule..................   12/13/19  84 FR 68314
Interim Final Rule Effective........   12/13/19
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      02/11/20
 End.
Final Rule..........................   09/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: FAR Policy, DOD/GSA/NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 969-4075, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN83

[[Page 52803]]

273. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-002, 
Recreational Services on Federal Lands

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to exempt contracts for seasonal 
recreational services and seasonal recreational equipment rental on 
Federal lands from the Executive Order 13658 minimum wage requirements. 
This rule implements Executive Order 13838 that was issued on May 25, 
2018, and associated Department of Labor final rule published on 
September 26, 2018. In accordance with Executive Order 13838, this 
proposed rule will not limit Executive Order 13658's coverage of 
lodging and food services associated with seasonal recreational 
services, even when seasonal recreational services or seasonal 
recreational equipment rental are also provided under the same 
contract.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/21/19  84 FR 56157
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/20/19
Final Rule..........................   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kevin Funk, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 357-5805, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN85

274.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-004, 
Application of the MPT to Certain Task and Delivery Orders

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Fully or Partially Exempt.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending the FAR by implementing 
section 826 of the NDAA for FY 2020 (Pub. L. 116-92) which increases 
the threshold for requiring fair opportunity on orders under multiple-
award contracts from $3,500 to the micro-purchase threshold, unless an 
exception applies. This change applies the word-based threshold to 
ensure continued alignment with any future changes to the thresholds.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael O. Jackson, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/
NASA (FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 208-
4949, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO04

275.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-006, 
Documentation of Market Research

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA opened this case to implement section 
818 of the NDAA for FY 2020. Section 818 amends 10 U.S.C. 2377(c) and 
41 U.S.C. 3307(d) to require that the head of the agency shall document 
the results of market research in a manner appropriate to the size and 
complexity of the acquisition.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   07/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO09

276.  Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2020-011, 
Implementation of Issued Exclusion and Removal Orders

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: This rule will amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
(FAR) to address implementation of issued exclusion and removal orders 
authorized by Section 202 of the SECURE Technology Act (115 Pub. L. 
390), which amends 41 U.S.C. 1323 by creating the Federal Acquisition 
Security Council (FASC) and authorizing the Secretary of Homeland 
Security, the Secretary of Defense, and the Director of National 
Intelligence to issue exclusion and removal orders, upon the 
recommendation of the FASC. These orders are issued to protect national 
security by excluding certain covered products, services, or sources 
from the Federal supply chain.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   08/00/20
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      10/00/20
 End.
Final Rule..........................   05/00/21
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, DOD/GSA/NASA 
(FAR), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, Phone: 202 550-0935, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AO13

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION/NATIONAL 
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (FAR)

Completed Actions

277. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2013-002; Reporting 
of Nonconforming Items to the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Other.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require contractors and 
subcontractors to report to the Government-Industry Data Exchange 
Program certain counterfeit or suspect counterfeit parts and certain 
major or critical nonconformances.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule..........................   11/22/19  84 FR 64680
Final Rule Effective................   12/23/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: FAR Policy, Phone: 202 969-4075, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AM58

278. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2018-019, Review of 
Commercial Clause Requirements and Flowdown

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Deregulatory.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: This proposed rule is being withdrawn and merged into FAR 
Case 2018-013, which is implementing paragraph (a) of section 839 of 
the John

[[Page 52804]]

S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   02/10/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mahruba Uddowla, Phone: 703 605-2868, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN77

279. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); FAR Case 2019-005, Update to 
Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)

    E.O. 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant.
    Legal Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. ch. 137; 51 U.S.C. 
20113
    Abstract: DoD, GSA, and NASA issued a final rule amending the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement changes regarding the 
Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). This rule 
establishes that the Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System 
(CPARS) is the official system for past performance information.
    Effective January 15, 2019, PPIRS was officially retired to 
conclude its merger with the CPARS. Data from PPIRS has been merged 
into CPARS.gov, making CPARS the official system for past performance 
information. This merge simplifies functions such as creating and 
editing performance and integrity records, changes to administering 
users and running reports, generating performance records, and viewing/
managing performance records. Users will now have one location and one 
account to perform all functionality.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Rule Effective................   10/10/19
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Curtis E. Glover, Phone: 202 501-1448, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 9000-AN88

[FR Doc. 2020-16767 Filed 8-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P