[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 96 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27358-27363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-10582]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System

48 CFR Parts 215, 236, 242, and 252

[Docket DARS-2020-0040]
RIN 0750-AK16


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Past 
Performance of Subcontractors and Joint Venture Partners (DFARS Case 
2018-D055)

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

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition 
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 that establishes a 
requirement for use of the best available information regarding past 
performance of subcontractors and joint venture partners when awarding 
DoD contracts for construction and architect-engineer services.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to 
the address shown below on or before July 19, 2021, to be considered in 
the formation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2018-D055, using 
any of the following methods:
    [cir] Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Search for

[[Page 27359]]

``DFARS Case 2018-D055.'' Select ``Comment Now'' and follow the 
instructions provided to submit a comment. Please ``DFARS Case 2018-
D055'' on any attached documents.
    [cir] Email: [email protected]. Include DFARS Case 2018-D055 in 
the subject line of the message.
    [cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Ms. 
Barbara Trujillo, OUSD(A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B938, 3060 Defense Pentagon, 
Washington, DC 20301-3060.
    Comments received generally will be posted without change to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check https://www.regulations.gov, approximately two to three days after submission 
to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments 
submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Barbara Trujillo, telephone 571-
372-6102.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    DoD is proposing to amend the DFARS to implement section 823 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 
(Pub. L. 115-232). Section 823 requires performance evaluations in 
accordance with specified conditions for individual partners of joint 
ventures for construction and architect-engineer (A&E) services 
contracts with an estimated value in accordance with the threshold set 
forth in FAR 42.1502(e), currently $750,000; and for first-tier 
subcontractors performing a portion of a construction or A&E services 
contract exceeding the threshold set forth in FAR 42.1502(e) or 20 
percent of the value of the prime contract, whichever is higher. An 
exception may be granted when submission of annual past performance 
evaluations would not provide the best representation of the 
contractor's performance, including subcontractors and joint venture 
partners.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    The following changes to the DFARS are proposed to implement 
section 823 of the NDAA for FY 2019:
    DFARS 242.1501-70 defines ``first-tier subcontractor'' and 
``subcontractor'' as those terms are applicable to subpart 242.15. 
Requirements for past performance evaluations to be performed for 
first-tier subcontractors and partners of a joint venture are provided 
at DFARS 242.1502 paragraph (e) for construction contracts, and 
paragraph (f) for A&E services contracts. Specifically, past 
performance evaluations are required for first-tier subcontractors 
performing a portion of construction or A&E services contracts or 
orders that are valued at or above the threshold in FAR 42.1502(e) or 
20 percent of the value of the prime contract, whichever is higher. 
Past performance evaluations are required for individual partners of a 
joint venture awarded a construction or A&E services contract or order 
valued at or above the threshold in FAR 42.1502(e).
    When acquiring construction or architect-engineer services, 
contracting officers will consider, as part of the past performance 
evaluation, an offeror's past performance as a first-tier subcontractor 
or individual partner of a joint venture under construction and/or 
architect-engineer services contracts. In reviewing first-tier 
subcontractor and joint venture partner past performance evaluations, 
contracting officers, in coordination with the cognizant requiring 
office, will work to ensure the following: Consistency between prime 
and first-tier subcontractor rating information; successful completion 
of applicable contracts; the same opportunity for each joint venture 
partner to submit comments, rebutting statements, or additional 
information consistent with FAR subpart 42.15; and clear 
identification, in the rating, of the responsibilities of each partner 
for discrete elements of the work where the partners are not jointly 
and severally responsible for the project.
    DFARS 242.1502, paragraphs (e)(iv) and (f)(iv) provide guidance to 
contracting officers for providing an exception when the submission of 
annual past performance ratings would not provide the best 
representation of the performance of a prime contractor, subcontractor, 
or joint venture partners.
    DFARS 242.1504-70(a) adds a prescription for a new DFARS 
solicitation provision 252.242-70XX, Identification of Joint Venture 
Partners for Past Performance--Construction and Architect-Engineer 
Services, to convey the requirement to identify, as part of an offer, 
all partners in the joint venture. This provision is required for 
construction and A&E services solicitations that include the clause at 
DFARS 252.242-70YY. The provision requires all joint venture partners 
to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) in accordance 
with FAR 4.11 and FAR provision 52.204-7, System for Award Management, 
prior to submission of an offer.
    DFARS 242.1504-70(b)(1) and (b)(2), respectively, add new 
prescriptions for the use of two new DFARS contract clauses: 252.242-
70YY, Past Performance of Joint Venture Partners--Construction and 
Architect-Engineer Services; and 252.242-70ZZ, Past Performance of 
Subcontractors--Construction and Architect-Engineer Services. The 
clause at 252.242-70YY informs the contractor that past performance 
evaluations are required for joint ventures awarded a construction or 
A&E services contract exceeding the threshold set forth in FAR 
42.1502(e) (currently $750,000). DFARS clause 252.242-70ZZ instructs 
contractors to prepare past performance evaluations for first-tier 
subcontractors performing a portion of a construction or an A&E 
services contract with an estimated value in accordance with the 
thresholds set forth in FAR 42.1502(e), and 242.1502(e)(i) or 
242.1502(f)(i), or 20 percent of the value of the prime contract, 
whichever is higher. In addition, the clause requires contractors to 
provide the legal business name, the unique entity identifier, and 
Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code of each first-tier 
subcontractor under the contract as a part of its offer or as new 
subcontracts are issued during performance.
    New text is added to DFARS 215.305(a)(2)(C) advising contracting 
officers to consider past performance information on first-tier 
subcontractors and joint venture partners in source selections for 
construction and A&E services contracts.
    The rule provides cross-references to the policy and requirements 
of DFARS 242.1502(e) at other applicable subparts for the DFARS.

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

    To implement section 823 of the NDAA for FY 2019, this proposed 
rule adds one new solicitation provision and two new contract clauses.
    The new solicitation provision is 252.242-70XX, Identification of 
Joint Venture Partners for Past Performance--Construction and 
Architect-Engineer Services. This provision is used to convey the 
identification requirements to joint venture partners.
    The two new clauses are 252.242-70YY, Past Performance of Joint 
Venture Partners--Construction and Architect-Engineer Services; and 
252.242-70ZZ, Past Performance of Subcontractors--Construction and 
Architect-Engineer Services. The clauses inform the contractor that 
past performance evaluations are required for partners in a joint 
venture awarded a construction

[[Page 27360]]

or A&E services contract exceeding the threshold set forth in FAR 
42.1502(e) (currently $750,000), and for first-tier subcontractors 
performing a portion of a construction or an A&E services contract with 
an estimated value in accordance with the threshold set forth in FAR 
42.1502(e) or 20 percent of the value of the prime contract, whichever 
is higher.
    DoD is not proposing to apply the requirements of section 823 to 
contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. Section 823 
requirements will not apply to the acquisition of commercial items, 
including commercially available off-the-shelf items.

IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

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

V. Congressional Review Act

    As required by the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808) 
before an interim or final rule takes effect, DoD will submit a copy of 
the interim or final rule with the form, Submission of Federal Rules 
under the Congressional Review Act, to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House 
of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States. A 
major rule under the Congressional Review Act cannot take effect until 
60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This rule is not 
anticipated to be a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This proposed rule may have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. Therefore, an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis has been performed and is summarized as 
follows:
    DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition 
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement section 823 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Section 823 
requires performance evaluations in accordance with specified 
conditions for individual partners of joint ventures awarded 
construction or architect-engineer (A&E) services contracts exceeding 
the threshold set forth in FAR 42.1502(e) (currently $750,000), and for 
first-tier subcontractors performing a portion of a construction or A&E 
services contract with an estimated value in accordance with the 
threshold set forth in FAR 42.1502(e) or 20 percent of the value of the 
prime contract, whichever is higher. An exception may be granted when 
submission of annual past performance evaluations would not provide the 
best representation of the contractor's performance, including 
subcontractors and joint venture partners.
    The objective of this proposed rule is to implement the statutory 
changes to require performance evaluations for first-tier 
subcontractors and individual partners of joint ventures for 
construction and A&E services contracts. An exception may apply when 
submission of annual evaluations would not provide the best 
representation of the contractor's performance, including 
subcontractors and joint venture partners.
    This rule is expected to impact small entities performing as prime 
contractors, first-tier subcontractors, or partners in joint ventures 
awarded construction or A&E services contracts or orders exceeding 
$750,000. According to data obtained from the Federal Procurement Data 
System for fiscal years 2016 through 2018, an average of 490 small 
entities received DoD contracts, task orders, or delivery orders for 
construction and A&E services exceeding $750,000. Those small entities 
would need to provide performance evaluations of their first-tier 
subcontractors.
    Approximately 822 contracts, task orders, and delivery orders over 
$750,000 were awarded each year for construction and A&E services. Each 
of those awards is estimated to have two to four subcontracts, for a 
total of 2,121 subcontracts that would require performance evaluations. 
DoD estimates that approximately 1,208 of those subcontracts were 
awarded to small entities. These small entities would receive a 
performance evaluation as a first-tier subcontractor.
    DoD estimates that approximately 112 joint ventures per year were 
awarded contracts, task orders, or delivery orders for construction and 
A&E services. DoD further estimates that approximately half (56) of 
those joint ventures include at least one small entity as a partner in 
the joint venture. Those small entities would receive a performance 
evaluation as a partner in the joint venture.
    This proposed rule does include new reporting, and other compliance 
requirements for small businesses. Small business prime contractors 
will be required to prepare past performance evaluations for their 
first-tier subcontractors described in DFARS 242.1502(e)(i) and (f)(i). 
Small businesses that are first-tier subcontractors and small business 
partners in joint ventures described in DFARS 242.1502(e)(i) and (f)(i) 
will be given the opportunity to submit comments, rebutting statements, 
or additional information in response to past performance evaluations. 
There are no associated recordkeeping requirements. Accordingly, DoD 
estimates that it takes approximately one hour at an hourly rate of 
$56.76 for a contractor representative to draft, review, comment, 
accomplish senior level concurrence, and return past performance 
evaluations for: (1) First-tier subcontractors, and (2) joint ventures.
    The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other 
Federal rules. There are no known significant alternative approaches to 
the proposed rule that would meet the statutory requirements.
    DoD invites comments from small business concerns and other 
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small 
entities.
    DoD will also consider comments from small entities concerning the 
existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments 
separately and should cite 5 U.S.C 610 (DFARS Case 2018-D055), in 
correspondence.

VII. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The rule contains information collection requirements that require 
the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). This rule contains information 
collection requirements in addition to those at FAR 42.15, under OMB 
Control Number 9000-0142 for prime contractor past performance 
evaluations. This rule adds a new DoD information collection 
requirement that requires the approval of the Office of Management and 
Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). 
Accordingly, DoD has submitted a request for approval of a new 
information collection requirement concerning a DFARS solicitation 
provision at 252.242-70XX, Identification of Joint Venture Partners for 
Past Performance-Construction and

[[Page 27361]]

Architect-Engineer Services; and contract clauses at 252.242-70YY, Past 
Performance of Joint Venture Partners--Construction and Architect-
Engineer Services; and 252.242-70ZZ, Past Performance of 
Subcontractors--Construction and Architect-Engineer Services.
    A. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is 
estimated to average 1.1 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, and completing and reviewing the collection of 
information. The annual reporting burden is estimated as follows:
(1) 252.242-70XX, Identification of Joint Venture Partners for Past 
Performance--Construction and Architect-Engineer Services
    Respondents: 112.
    Responses per respondent: 1.
    Total annual responses: 112.
    Hours per response: 0.5.
    Total response burden hours: 56.
(2) 252.242-70YY, Past Performance of Joint Venture Partners--
Construction and Architect-Engineer Services
    Respondents: 336.
    Responses per respondent: 1.
    Total annual responses: 336.
    Hours per response: 1.
    Total response burden hours: 336.
(3) Past Performance Evaluations of First-Tier Subcontractors Under 
252.242-70ZZ, Past Performance of Subcontractors--Construction and 
Architect-Engineer Services
    Respondents: 2,943.
    Responses per respondent: 1.
    Total annual responses: 2,943.
    Hours per response: 1.
    Total response burden hours: 2,943.
(4) Information on Newly Awarded First-Tier Subcontracts Under 252.242-
70ZZ, Past Performance of Subcontractors--Construction and Architect-
Engineer Services
    Respondents: 82.
    Responses per respondent: 1.
    Total annual responses: 82.
    Hours per response: 0.5.
    Total response Burden Hours: 41.

B. Request for Comments Regarding Paperwork Burden

    Written comments and recommendations on the proposed information 
collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, should be 
sent to Ms. Susan Minson at the Office of Management and Budget, Desk 
Officer for DoD, Room 10236, New Executive Office Building, Washington, 
DC 20503, or email [email protected], with a copy to the 
Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Ms. Barbara Trujillo, 
OUSD (A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B938, 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 
20301-3060. Comments can be received from 30 to 60 days after the date 
of this notice, but comments to OMB will be most useful if received by 
OMB within 30 days after the date of this notice.
    Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
functions of the DFARS, and will have practical utility; whether our 
estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is 
accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use 
of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    To obtain a copy of the supporting statement and associated 
collection instruments, please email [email protected]. Include DFARS 
Case 2018-D055 in the subject line of the message.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 215, 236, 242, and 252

    Government procurement.

Jennifer D. Johnson,
Regulatory Control Officer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 215, 236, 242, and 252 are proposed to be 
amended as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 215, 236, 242, and 252 
continues to read as follows:

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

PART 215--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION

0
2. Amend section 215.305 by adding paragraph (a)(2)(C) to read as 
follows:


215.305  Proposal evaluation.

    (a)(2) * * *
    (C) In accordance with section 823 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232), when 
acquiring construction or architect-engineer services, contracting 
officers shall consider an offeror's past performance as a first-tier 
subcontractor or individual partner of a joint venture under 
construction and/or architect-engineer services contracts as part of 
the evaluation of past performance.

PART 236--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS

0
3. Add section 236.201 to subpart 236.2 to read as follows:


236.201   Evaluation of contractor performance.

    See 242.1502(e) for additional requirements on past performance 
evaluations for first-tier subcontractors and joint venture partners 
for construction contracts (section 823 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232)).
0
4. Amend section 236.570 by adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:


236.570   Additional provisions and clauses.

* * * * *
    (f) See 242.1504-70 for the additional provision and clauses 
required for construction contracts with an estimated value at or above 
the thresholds set forth in FAR 42.1502(e) and 242.1502(e)(i).
0
5. Revise section 236.604 to read as follows:


236.604   Performance evaluation.

    (1) Prepare a separate performance evaluation after actual 
construction of the project. Ordinarily, the evaluating official should 
be the person most familiar with the architect-engineer contractor's 
performance.
    (2) See 242.1502(f) for additional requirements on past performance 
evaluations for first-tier subcontractors and joint venture partners 
for architect-engineer services contracts (section 823 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232)).
0
6. Revise section 236.609-70 to read as follows:


236.609-70   Additional provisions and clauses.

    (a) Use the provision at 252.236-7011, Overseas Architect-Engineer 
Services--Restriction to United States Firms, in solicitations for 
architect-engineer contracts that are--
    (1) Funded with military construction appropriations;
    (2) Estimated to exceed $500,000; and
    (3) To be performed in Japan, in any North Atlantic Treaty 
Organization member country, or in countries bordering the Arabian 
Gulf.
    (b) See 242.1504-70 for the additional provision and clauses 
required for architect-engineer services contracts with an estimated 
value at or above the thresholds set forth in FAR 42.1502(e) and 
242.1502(f)(i).

[[Page 27362]]

PART 242--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT SERVICES

0
7. Add sections 242.1501 and 242.1501-70 to subpart 242.15 to read as 
follows:


242.1501   General.


242.1501-70   Definitions.

    As used in this subpart--
    First-tier subcontractor means a subcontractor awarded a contract 
directly by the prime contractor for the purpose of acquiring supplies 
or services (including construction) for performance of a prime 
contract. It does not include the contractor's supplier agreements with 
vendors, such as long-term arrangements for materials or supplies that 
benefit multiple contracts, the costs of which are normally applied to 
a contractor's general and administrative expenses or indirect costs.
    Subcontractor, as defined in FAR 44.101, means any supplier, 
distributor, vendor, or firm that furnishes supplies or services to or 
for a prime contractor or another subcontractor.
0
8. Amend section 242.1502 by adding paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as 
follows:


242.1502   Policy.

    (e)(i) General. In addition to the requirements in FAR 42.1502(e), 
past performance evaluations are required for a construction contract 
or order, for--
    (A) First-tier subcontractors performing a portion of a 
construction contract or order valued at or above the threshold in FAR 
42.1502(e) or 20 percent of the value of the prime contract, whichever 
is higher, if the overall execution of the work is impacted by the 
performance of the subcontractor or subcontractors; and
    (B) Individual partners of a joint venture awarded a construction 
contract or order valued at or above the threshold in FAR 42.1502(e) 
(section 823 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2019 (Pub. L. 115-232)).
    (ii) First-tier subcontractor past performance evaluations. 
Contracting officers, in coordination with the cognizant requiring 
office, shall--
    (A) Ensure the information included in the prime contractor's 
ratings of its first-tier subcontractors is not inconsistent with the 
information included in the rating for the prime contractor, and the 
first-tier subcontractor evaluations are conducted consistent with the 
requirements of FAR subpart 42.15;
    (B) Ensure negative evaluations of a subcontractor in no way 
obviate the prime contractor's responsibility for successful completion 
of the contract and management of its subcontractors; and
    (C) Use their best judgment on whether the overall execution of the 
work is impacted by the performance of the subcontractor or 
subcontractors.
    (iii) Joint venture contractor past performance evaluations. 
Contracting officers, in coordination with the cognizant requiring 
office, shall--
    (A) Ensure the rating for joint ventures, at a minimum, includes an 
identification that allows the evaluation to be retrieved for each 
partner of the joint venture;
    (B) Provide each joint venture partner the same opportunity to 
submit comments, rebutting statements, or additional information, 
consistent with FAR subpart 42.15; and
    (C) Ensure the rating clearly identifies the responsibilities of 
joint venture partners for discrete elements of the work where the 
partners are not jointly and severally responsible for the project.
    (iv) Exception. The contracting officer may grant an exception from 
the annual evaluation requirements under FAR 42.1502(a) for submission 
of annual evaluations for construction contracts when the past 
performance ratings would not provide the best representation of the 
performance of a contractor, subcontractor, or joint venture partners, 
including--
    (A) Where no severable element of the work has been completed; or
    (B) When the contracting officer determines that--
    (1) An insubstantial portion of the contract work has been 
completed in the preceding year and the lack of performance is at no 
fault to the contractor; or
    (2) There is an issue in dispute which, until resolved, would 
likely cause the annual rating to inaccurately reflect the past 
performance of the contractor.
    (C) The contracting officer's decision shall be approved at least 
one level above the contracting officer.
    (f)(i) General. In addition to the requirements in FAR 42.1502(f), 
past performance evaluations are required, for an architect-engineer 
services contract or order, for--
    (A) First-tier subcontractors performing a portion of an architect-
engineer services contract or order valued at or above the threshold in 
FAR 42.1502(e) or 20 percent of the value of the prime contract, 
whichever is higher, if the overall execution of the work is impacted 
by the performance of the subcontractor or subcontractors; and
    (B) Individual partners of a joint venture awarded an architect-
engineer services contract or order valued at or above the threshold in 
FAR 42.1502(e) (section 823 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232)).
    (ii) First-tier subcontractor past performance evaluations. 
Contracting officers, in coordination with the cognizant requiring 
office, shall--
    (A) Ensure the information included in the prime contractor's 
ratings of its first-tier subcontractors is not inconsistent with the 
information included in the rating for the prime contractor, and the 
first-tier subcontractor evaluations are conducted consistent with the 
requirements of FAR subpart 42.15;
    (B) Ensure negative evaluations of a subcontractor in no way 
obviate the prime contractor's responsibility for successful completion 
of the contract and management of its subcontractors; and
    (C) Use their best judgment on whether the overall execution of the 
work is impacted by the performance of the subcontractor or 
subcontractors.
    (iii) Joint venture contractor past performance evaluations. 
Contracting officers, in coordination with the cognizant requiring 
office, shall--
    (A) Ensure the rating for joint ventures, at a minimum, includes an 
identification that allows the evaluation to be retrieved for each 
partner of the joint venture;
    (B) Provide each joint venture partner the same opportunity to 
submit comments, rebutting statements, or additional information, 
consistent with FAR subpart 42.15; and
    (C) Ensure the rating clearly identifies the responsibilities of 
joint venture partners for discrete elements of the work where the 
partners are not jointly and severally responsible for the project.
    (iv) Exception. The contracting officer may grant an exception from 
the annual evaluation requirements under FAR 42.1502(a) for submission 
of annual evaluations for architect-engineer services contracts when 
the past performance ratings would not provide the best representation 
of the performance of a prime contractor, subcontractor, or joint 
venture partners, including--
    (A) Where no severable element of the work has been completed; or
    (B) When the contracting officer determines that--
    (1) An insubstantial portion of the contract work has been 
completed in the preceding year and the lack of performance is at no 
fault to the contractor; or

[[Page 27363]]

    (2) There is an issue in dispute which, until resolved, would 
likely cause the annual rating to inaccurately reflect the past 
performance of the contractor.
    (C) The contracting officer's decision shall be approved at least 
one level above the contracting officer.
* * * * *
0
9. Add section 242.1504-70 to subpart 242.15 to read as follows:


242.1504-70   Solicitation provision and contract clauses.

    (a) Use the provision at 252.242-70XX, Identification of Joint 
Venture Partners for Past Performance--Construction and Architect-
Engineer Services, in solicitations that contain the clause at 252.242-
70YY.
    (b) Use the following clauses in solicitations, contracts, and 
orders for construction and architect-engineer services if the 
estimated value is at or above the thresholds in FAR 42.1502(e), and 
242.1502(e)(i) for construction or 242.1502(f)(i) for architect-
engineer services, respectively:
    (1) 252.242-70YY, Past Performance of Joint Venture Partners--
Construction and Architect-Engineer Services.
    (2) 252.242-70ZZ, Past Performance of Subcontractors--Construction 
and Architect-Engineer Services.

PART 252--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
10. Add section 252.242-70XX to read as follows:


252.242-70XX   Identification of Joint Venture Partners for Past 
Performance--Construction and Architect-Engineer Services.

    As prescribed in 242.1504-70(a), use the following provision:

Identification of Joint Venture Partners for Past Performance--
Construction and Architect-Engineer Services (DATE)

    (a) All joint venture partners shall be registered in the System 
for Award Management (see Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.204-7, 
System for Award Management) prior to submission of an offer.
    (b) The lead joint venture partner shall be identified as a part 
of an offer.
    (c) All joint venture partners shall provide their individual 
legal names, unique entity identifiers, and their Commercial and 
Government Entity (CAGE) codes as a part of an offer.


(End of provision)

0
11. Add section 252.242-70YY to read as follows:


252.242-70YY   Past Performance of Joint Venture Partners--Construction 
and Architect-Engineer Services.

    As prescribed in 242.1504-70(b) and (b)(1), use the following 
clause:

Past Performance of Joint Venture Partners--Construction and Architect-
Engineer Services (DATE)

    (a) Past performance evaluations conducted on the contract in 
accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 42.15 
and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 242.1502 will 
apply to the joint venture Contractor itself, as well as each 
individual partner of the joint venture identified in the 
Contractor's offer, to ensure that past performance information in 
the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System on joint 
venture projects is considered in future awards to individual joint 
venture partners.
    (b) Each partner, through the joint venture, is given the same 
opportunity to submit comments, rebutting statements, or additional 
information, consistent with FAR subpart 42.15.


(End of clause)

0
12. Add section 252.242-70ZZ to read as follows:


252.242-70ZZ   Past Performance of Subcontractors--Construction and 
Architect-Engineer Services.

    As prescribed in 242.1504-70(b) and (b)(2), use the following 
clause:

Past Performance of Subcontractors--Construction and Architect-Engineer 
Services (DATE)

    (a) Definitions. As used in this clause--
    First-tier subcontractor means a subcontractor awarded a 
contract directly by the prime contractor for the purpose of 
acquiring supplies or services (including construction) for 
performance of a prime contract. It does not include the 
contractor's supplier agreements with vendors, such as long-term 
arrangements for materials or supplies that benefit multiple 
contracts and/or the costs of which are normally applied to a 
contractor's general and administrative expenses or indirect costs.
    Subcontractor means any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm 
that furnishes supplies or services to or for a prime contractor or 
another subcontractor (see Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 
44.101).
    (b) Past performance evaluations. The Contractor shall prepare 
past performance evaluations for first-tier subcontractors 
performing a portion of a construction or an architect-engineer 
services contract with an estimated value at or above the threshold 
set forth in FAR 42.1502(e), or 20 percent of the value of the prime 
contract, whichever is higher. First-tier subcontractors shall have 
an opportunity to respond to the past performance evaluation to 
submit comments, rebutting statements, or additional information, 
consistent with FAR 42.1503.
    (c) Contractor's responsibility. Negative evaluations of a 
subcontractor in no way obviate the Contractor's responsibility for 
successful completion of the contract and management of its 
subcontractors.
    (d) Identification of first-tier subcontractors. The Contractor 
shall provide the Contracting Officer with the legal business name, 
the unique entity identifier, and Commercial and Government Entity 
(CAGE) code of each first-tier subcontractor under the contract that 
meets the criteria in paragraph (b) of this clause within 60 days 
after award and within 30 days as new subcontracts that meet the 
criteria at Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 
242.1502(e) and (f) are issued during performance.


(End of clause)

[FR Doc. 2021-10582 Filed 5-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P