81_FR_36533 81 FR 36425 - General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities

81 FR 36425 - General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 108 (June 6, 2016)

Page Range36425-36431
FR Document2016-13115

The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing a final rule amending the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) regulation, Describing Agency Needs, to implement the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (FSSUA), the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008 (NAHASDA), the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (NDAA), and the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (LPAA). GSA is also amending the GSAR, Federal Supply Schedule Contracting, and Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses, in regard to this statutory implementation to clarify the application of these laws and access privileges of certain Non-Federal Entities purchasing off of Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). Additionally, prescriptions in the GSAR are amended to reflect the correct prescription numbers. This final rule also updates the web address to correct an inoperable link.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 108 (Monday, June 6, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 108 (Monday, June 6, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36425-36431]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13115]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 511, 538, and 552

[GSAR Change 73; GSAR Case 2010-G511; Docket No. 2014-0008; Sequence 
No. 1]
RIN 3090-AJ43


General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR); 
Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities

AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy, Office of Acquisition Policy, 
General Services Administration (GSA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing a final 
rule amending the General Services Administration Acquisition 
Regulation (GSAR) regulation, Describing Agency Needs, to implement the 
Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (FSSUA), the Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2008 
(NAHASDA), the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2007 (NDAA), and the Local Preparedness Acquisition Act for 
Fiscal Year 2008 (LPAA). GSA is also amending the GSAR, Federal Supply 
Schedule Contracting, and Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses, 
in regard to this statutory implementation to clarify the application 
of these laws and access privileges of certain Non-Federal Entities 
purchasing off of Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). Additionally, 
prescriptions in the GSAR are amended to reflect the correct 
prescription numbers. This final rule

[[Page 36426]]

also updates the web address to correct an inoperable link.

DATES: Effective: July 6, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact 
Ms. Dana Munson, General Services Acquisition Policy Division, GSA, by 
phone at 202-357-9652 or by email at [email protected]. For 
information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the 
Regulatory Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite GSAR case 2010-
G511.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    GSA published a proposed rule with a request for public comments in 
the Federal Register at 79 FR 21691 on April 17, 2014. This rule 
combined previous GSAR case 2006-G522; Federal Supply Schedule 
Contracts-Recovery Purchasing by State and Local Governments Through 
Federal Supply Schedules (Interim Rule), which published in the Federal 
Register at 72 FR 4649 on February 1, 2007 and GSAR Case 2008-G517; 
Cooperative Purchasing-Acquisition of Security and Law Enforcement 
Related Goods and Services (Schedule 84) by State and Local Governments 
Through Federal Supply Schedules (Interim Rule), which published in the 
Federal Register at 73 FR 54334 on September 9, 2008.
    This final rule amends the GSAR to implement section 2 of the FSSUA 
(Pub. L. 111-263), which added subsection 40 U.S.C. 502(e), authorizing 
the use of the Schedules by the American National Red Cross and other 
qualified organizations, which includes National Voluntary 
Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD); section 3 of the FSSUA, which 
added subsection 40 U.S.C. 502(f), requiring all users of the 
Schedules, including non-Federal users, to use the contracts in 
accordance with ordering guidance provided by the Administrator of 
General Services; and section 4 of the FSSUA to include additional 
purchasing authority for state or local governments.
    This final rule amends the GSAR to implement section 101 of NAHASDA 
(Pub. L. 110-411), codified at 25 U.S.C. 4111(j), which provides that 
``each Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity shall be 
considered to be an Executive agency in carrying out any program, 
service, or other activity under this Act; and (2) each Indian tribe or 
tribally designated housing entity and each employee of the Indian 
tribe or tribally designated housing entity shall have access to 
sources of supply on the same basis as employees of an Executive 
agency.'' As such, tribes or tribally designated housing entities 
expending funds from block grants pursuant to NAHASDA may access GSA's 
sources of supply, including the Schedules, at their discretion.
    The final rule amends GSAR Parts 511, 538, and 552 to implement 
Section 833 of the NDAA, which amends 40 U.S.C. 502(d)(1) to authorize 
the Administrator of General Services to provide to state or local 
governments the use of GSA's Schedules for the purchase of goods or 
services to be used to facilitate recovery from a major disaster 
declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief 
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) or to facilitate 
recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or 
radiological attack.
    This final rule amends the GSAR to further implement section 833, 
which also amends 40 U.S.C. 502(d)(2) to require the Secretary of 
Homeland Security to determine which goods and services qualify before 
the Administrator provides for the use of GSA's Schedules. House Report 
109-452 of the Committee on Armed Services indicates that section 833 
(referred to in the House Report as section 823), builds on the 
implementation of the Cooperative Purchasing Program authorized in 
Section 211 of the E-Government Act of 2002, which permitted state or 
local governments to access GSA's information technology schedule, 
known as Schedule 70.
    This final rule amends the GSAR to implement the LPAA, which 
amended 40 U.S.C. 502(c), by authorizing the Administrator of General 
Services to provide to state or local governments the use of GSA's 
Schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, and certain 
other related items.
    The prescriptions at GSAR 552.211-85 through 89 are incorrectly 
numbered. This final rule reflects the correct prescriptions for GSAR 
clauses 552.211-85 through 89. This final rule also updates the web 
address in GSAR clause 552.211-89(d) to correct an inoperable link.
    The authority granted under FSSUA is available for use on a 
voluntary (i.e., non-mandatory) basis. In other words, businesses with 
Schedule contracts have the option of deciding whether they will accept 
orders placed by state or local governments, the American National Red 
Cross, or other qualified organizations.
    All users of GSA's Schedules, including non-Federal users, shall 
use the Schedules in accordance with the ordering guidance provided by 
the Administrator of General Services. GSA encourages non-Federal users 
to follow the Schedule Ordering Procedures set forth in FAR subpart 
8.4, but they may use different established competitive ordering 
procedures if such procedures are needed to satisfy their state and 
local acquisition regulations and/or organizational policies.
    The non-Federal ordering activity is responsible for ensuring that 
only authorized representatives of its organization place orders and 
that goods or services ordered are used only for the purposes 
authorized. Existing Schedule contracts may be modified only by mutual 
agreement of the parties. After an existing contract has been modified, 
a Schedule contractor still retains the right to decline orders by non-
Federal entities on a case-by-case basis. This applies to future 
Schedule contractors, as well. Schedule contractors may decline any 
order from entities outside the Executive Branch (see GSAR 552.238-78). 
Similarly, the rule places no obligation on non-Federal buyers to use 
Schedule contracts. They will have full discretion to decide if they 
wish to make a Schedule purchase, subject however, to any limitations 
that may be established under state and local laws or organizational 
policies.
    The Federal Government will not be liable for the performance or 
nonperformance of orders established under the authority of this rule 
between Schedule contractors and eligible non-Federal entities. 
Disputes that cannot be resolved by the parties to the new contract can 
be litigated in any court of competent jurisdiction over the parties.
    The prices of supplies and services available on Schedule contracts 
include an industrial funding fee (IFF). The fee covers the 
administrative costs incurred by GSA to operate the Schedules program. 
The fee may be periodically adjusted as necessary to recover the cost 
of operating the program.
    Two respondents submitted comments in response to the proposed 
rule. These comments, along with comments received from the previously 
published interim rules, are addressed in the Discussion and Analysis 
Section.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    The General Services Administration has reviewed the comments 
received in response to the proposed rule and the previously published 
interim rules in the development of the final rule. Comments are 
grouped into categories in order to provide clarification and to better 
respond to the issues raised. A discussion of all comments received and 
the changes made to the rule as a result

[[Page 36427]]

of those comments is provided as follows:
    Comment: Asked GSA to ``clarify whether the changes in the rule 
apply to the Federal Supply Schedule functions the General Services 
Administration has delegated to the U.S. Department of Veterans 
Affairs?''
    Response: Yes, the changes apply to all Federal Supply Schedules, 
including those managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Vendors 
may voluntarily sell to non-Federal entities under their Schedule, in 
accordance with clause 552.238-78 and acceptance of orders from non-
Federal entities is not mandatory. No changes were made to the GSAR 
text as a result of this comment.
    Comment: Was directed at United States Code definitions and FAR 
references.
    The respondent suggested the following changes to the GSAR text 
that included changing definitions to match definitions and terms in 
various parts of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the 
United States Code:
     Delete the terms ``Preparedness, Recovery, Relief, and 
Response'' found under Subpart 538.7001 Definitions and permit the 
definitions and legal intentions set forth throughout the FAR, in 
accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) to prevail.
     Replace references to Public Law with applicable ``40 
U.S.C. 502'' authority;
     Remove the ``Disaster Recovery Purchasing'' program from 
eLibrary and advise contractors to register in System Award Management 
(SAM) for the ``Disaster Response Registry;'' and
     Mandate all non-federal entities use GSA Advantage! in 
order to track and monitor compliance with IFF and to ensure compliance 
with 40 U.S.C. 502 authority.
    Response: The comments appear to erroneously conflate Federal 
acquisitions with the activities governed by this final rule. The parts 
of the FAR cited in the comments pertain to acquisitions by Federal 
agencies, and fall under a particular statutory authority, specifically 
the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). That is separate 
from the changes in this rule, which pertains to the ability of non-
Federal entities to access GSA sources of supply. These non-Federal 
access programs are outside of the scope of and not directly related to 
defense contracting under DPAS, nor are they related to Federal 
emergency contracting. The GSA non-Federal entity programs are all 
separate authorities, controlled by statute, that do not conflict or 
overlap with other Federal, disaster-related, programs. Under these 
authorities, non-Federal entities have optional access to GSA sources 
of supply, under the authorized scope. Therefore, purchases made by 
non-Federal entities are not subject to the statutes and FAR 
requirements cited in the comments. Thus, insofar as the comments 
appear to misinterpret the scope and effect of the rule, and the 
statutory authorities that underlie it, GSA does not concur with the 
recommendations contained in the comments. No change was made as a 
result of this comment.
    Comment: Asked if the IFF paid by non-Federal entities is tracked 
separately from the IFF paid by Federal entities.
    Response: The IFF paid by non-Federal entities is not tracked 
separately from the IFF paid by Federal entities. Sales are reported 
quarterly by the vendor and are tracked by Special Item Number (SIN) 
and Schedule.
    The IFF is tracked separately for sales under the Disaster 
Purchasing and Cooperative Purchasing Programs. However, it is not 
tracked separately for other special programs. The Red Cross and other 
qualified organization sales are reported under Federal sales. GSA is 
able to track these sales, when made through GSA eTools.
    GSA Industrial Operating Analysts and Administrative Contracting 
Officers work with the GSA vendor community to ensure that all GSA 
vendors, including authorized non-Federal Entities, are aware of the 
reporting requirements under the separate programs and that orders are 
properly tracked and reported on the quarterly 72A forms. No change was 
made as a result of this comment.
    Comment: Raised a number of issues about GSA eTools and how orders 
under this rule are tracked via the eTools.
    Response: GSA eTools web portal provides a one-stop resource where 
federal and non-federal customers learn about GSA products and 
services.
    GSA eTools, GSA Advantage![supreg] and eLibrary, provide a list of 
current contractors, products, and services available to eligible non-
Federal entities. Schedule contractors that have opted to sell under 
these programs have agreed to do so at the contract level and their 
agreement is noted in the eTools with a ``COOPPURCH'' or 
``DISASTRECOV'' icon.
    When requested, buyers only see contractors that have agreed to 
participate in the program. This information displays into GSA 
Advantage![supreg] and its component system eBuy, which facilitates the 
request for submission of quotations for commercial products and 
services.
    Use of eTools is not mandatory for non-Federal entities and 
requiring mandatory use of eTools, as suggested in the comments, would 
be a barrier to use for some state and local government entities. Some 
entities require use of their own systems to process and execute orders 
and some entities do not support use of credit cards. Mandating the use 
of a system, like GSA Advantage![supreg], that requires credit cards, 
would prohibit some legally authorized users from accessing these 
contracts.
    Comment: Suggested that ordering procedures require a FEMA disaster 
declaration number to place an order.
    Response: Such a requirement would not take into account a non-
Federal entity's ability to purchase for preparation of a disaster, 
which necessarily pre-dates the declaration of an emergency. However, 
all entities placing orders under the Disaster Purchasing Program must 
include the mandatory order language on the purchase order to confirm 
that the order is being placed under GSA's Disaster Purchasing Program 
and under the appropriate scope. No change was made as a result of this 
comment.
    Comment: Included a number of statements and questions regarding 
the 1122 Program and Wildland Fire Program.
    Response: These programs are outside the scope of the proposed rule 
because the laws being implemented do not cover these GSA Schedules. 
Therefore, these comments are not addressed. Information on these 
programs can be found here: www.gsa.gov/1122program and www.gsa.gov/fireprogram.
    Comment: Suggested editorial updates to sections and subparts of 
the GSAR to address the deletion of GSAR 538.71.
    Response: The GSAR text of the final rule is amended to reflect the 
deletion of GSAR 538.71, Submission and Distribution of Authorized FSS 
Schedule Pricelists by removing and reserving section 552.238-76, 
Definition (Federal Supply Schedules)--Recovery Purchasing.
    Comment: Expressed concern in regards to the Recovery Purchasing 
program on topics such as advanced purchasing or qualified products.
    Response: These questions are directed towards a component of the 
program that is no longer relevant since the Federal Supply Schedules 
Usage Act dictates that purchasing may be made in support of 
preparation for disasters in addition to disaster recovery.

[[Page 36428]]

    Comment: Opposes the inclusion of the Veteran Administration 
pharmaceutical contracts because the contracts are the only ones that 
are set via statutorily mandated pricing system.
    Response: The statutes implemented by this rule do not exclude the 
ability for certain non-federal entities to have access to VA 
pharmaceutical contracts. Vendors may voluntarily sell to non-Federal 
entities under their Schedule, in accordance with GSAR clause 552.238-
78. Participation in the program and acceptance of orders from non-
Federal entities is not mandatory.
    Comment: The commenter is opposed to GSA allowing local and state 
governments to purchase directly off the schedules for competitive and 
economic reasons.
    Response: The Statutes cited in this rule allow access to the 
Schedules. Schedules access is a direct relationship between the 
ordering entity and the Schedule vendor.

III. Applicability

    This rule provides certain Non-Federal Entities with access to GSA 
Schedules under the following conditions and authorities:
    1. Disaster Purchasing-Authorized under Section 833 of the John 
Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (NDAA) 
(Pub. L. 109-364) and the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 
(FSSUA) (Pub. L. 111-263), provides State and local use of Federal 
Supply Schedules for the purchase of goods or services to be used to 
facilitate recovery from a major disaster declared by the President 
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) or to facilitate recovery from terrorism 
or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack.
    2. Cooperative Purchasing--Authorized previously under the 
eGovernment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-347), expanded here under the 
Local Preparedness Acquisition Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-248), provides 
State and local government use of Federal Supply Schedules for the 
acquisition of law enforcement, security, and certain other related 
items by State and local governments. This expansion is limited to 
Schedule 84, Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, facilities 
management, fire, rescue, marine craft, and Emergency/Disaster 
Response. Schedule 70 for Information Technology products and Services 
was previously authorized under this program.
    3. American National Red Cross--Authorized under the Federal Supply 
Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-263), provides the American 
National Red Cross access to Federal Supply Schedules, when purchasing 
in furtherance of the purposes of the American National Red Cross set 
forth in section 300102 of title 36, United States Code.
    4. Other Qualified Organizations--Authorized under the Federal 
Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-263), provides access 
to Federal Supply Schedules for ``other qualified organizations'' when 
purchasing in furtherance of purposes determined to be appropriate to 
facilitate emergency preparedness and disaster relief and set forth in 
guidance by the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with 
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 
GSA, in consultation with FEMA has determined that, at this time, the 
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), may 
utilize Federal Supply Schedules in furtherance of purposes determined 
to be appropriate to facilitate emergency preparedness and disaster 
relief.
    5. Tribal Government Access to Schedules--authorized under Native 
American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act 
of 2008 (NAHASDA) (Pub. L. 104-330), provides that ``each Indian tribe 
or tribally designated housing entity shall be considered to be an 
Executive agency in carrying out any program, service, or other 
activity under this Act; and (2) each Indian tribe or tribally 
designated housing entity and each employee of the Indian tribe or 
tribally designated housing entity shall have access to sources of 
supply on the same basis as employees of an Executive agency.'' As 
such, tribes or tribally designated housing entities expending funds 
from block grants pursuant to NAHASDA may access GSA's sources of 
supply, including the Schedules, at their discretion. This Final Rule 
does not grant any additional authority for non-Federal entities to use 
Federal Supply Schedules other than those listed above.

IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

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

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The change 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., because implementing the 
authorities enumerated herein will expand or add the ability for 
additional other qualified organizations to procure from GSA's Schedule 
contracts as identified in the relevant laws. For small businesses that 
hold a Schedule contract their sales may increase for orders placed, by 
authorized non-federal entities, in order to support disaster 
preparation and response.
    GSA has prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) 
consistent with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. 
The FRFA is summarized as follows:

    The General Services Administration (GSA) is issuing a final 
rule amending the General Services Administration Acquisition 
Regulation (GSAR) Part 511, Describing Agency Needs, to implement 
the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (FSSUA), the Native 
American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization 
Act of 2008 (NAHASDA), the John Warner National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (NDAA), and the Local 
Preparedness Acquisition Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (LPAA), to provide 
non-Federal entity access to GSA's Federal Supply Schedules 
(Schedules).
    Prior to the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 
(hereinafter, ``Act''), state and local governments and the American 
National Red Cross were authorized to procure from Schedules, but 
only for limited purposes and specific scopes. ''Other qualified 
organizations'' were not previously authorized to procure from 
Schedules contracts.
    Under the Act, the scope of authorized users of FSS contracts is 
expanded to include ``other qualified organizations,'' which is in 
addition to the already authorized state and local governments and 
the American National Red Cross (ANRC). Access to Schedules for each 
of these entities varies. The ANRC may access Schedules in support 
of their Federal charter; state and local governments may use the 
Schedules to prepare, respond, and recover from major disasters; and 
``other qualified organizations'' may use the Schedules for 
emergency preparedness and disaster relief.
    It should be noted that this is an optional program under the 
FSS program. This final rule applies to all FSS contractors that 
agree to sell goods and services to these eligible entities, under 
the appropriate scope of use. A modification will be issued 
outlining if a

[[Page 36429]]

contractor wishes to sell to each of the 3 user groups, under the 
assigned scope. There are no additional compliance requirements for 
contractors than what is already required; therefore, there is no 
additional cost to small business if they decide to participate.
    Further, the final rule amends the GSAR to implement section 101 
of NAHASDA, codified at 25 U.S.C. 4111(j), which provides that 
``each Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity shall be 
considered to be an Executive agency in carrying out any program, 
service, or other activity under this Act; and (2) each Indian tribe 
or tribally designated housing entity and each employee of the 
Indian tribe or tribally designated housing entity shall have access 
to sources of supply on the same basis as employees of an Executive 
agency.'' As such, tribes or tribally designated housing entities 
expending funds from block grants pursuant to NAHASDA may access 
GSA's sources of supply, including the Schedules, at their 
discretion.
    Additionally, the final rule amends the GSAR to implement 
Section 833 of the NDAA, which amends 40 U.S.C. 502(d)(1) to 
authorize the Administrator of General Services to provide to state 
or local governments the use of GSA's Schedules for the purchase of 
goods or services to be used to facilitate recovery from a major 
disaster declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et 
seq.) or to facilitate recovery from terrorism or nuclear, 
biological, chemical, or radiological attack.
    Finally, the final rule amends the GSAR to implement the LPAA, 
which amended 40 U.S.C. 502(c), by authorizing the Administrator of 
General Services to provide to state or local governments the use of 
GSA's Schedules for the acquisition of law enforcement, security, 
and certain other related items.

    The Regulatory Secretariat Division has submitted a copy of the 
FRFA to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration. A copy of the FRFA may be obtained from the Regulatory 
Secretariat Division.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act

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

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 511, 538 and 552

    Government procurement.

    Dated: May 27, 2016
Jeffrey A. Koses,
Senior Procurement Executive, Office of Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Government-wide Policy.
    Therefore, GSA amends 48 CFR parts 511, 538, and 552 as set forth 
below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 511, 538, and 552 continues 
to read as follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).

PART 511--DESCRIBING AGENCY NEEDS

0
2. Amend section 511.204 by revising paragraphs (b)(2) and (c) to read 
as follows:


511.204  Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) The contracting officer shall include the clause at 552.211-75, 
Preservation, Packaging, and Packing, in solicitations and contracts 
for supplies expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. 
The contracting officer may also include the clause in contracts 
estimated to be at or below the simplified acquisition threshold when 
appropriate. The contracting officer shall use Alternate I in 
solicitations and contracts for all Federal Supply Schedule Contracts.
* * * * *
    (c) Supply contracts. The contracting officer shall include the 
clause at 552.211-77, Packing List, in solicitations and contracts for 
supplies, including purchases over the micropurchase threshold. Use 
Alternate I in solicitations and contracts for all Federal Supply 
Schedule Contracts.

PART 538--FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULE CONTRACTING

0
3. Amend section 538.273 by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2) to 
read as follows:
    (a) * * *
    (2) 552.238-71, Submission and Distribution of Authorized FSS 
Schedule Pricelists.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) 552.238-75, Price Reductions.
* * * * *

Subpart 538.70--Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities

0
4. Revise the heading of subpart 538.70 to read as set forth above.

0
5. Amend section 538.7000 by adding paragraph (d) to read as follows:


538.7000  Scope of subpart.

* * * * *
    (d) Other Federal Supply Schedules as authorized in this subpart.

0
6. Amend section 538.7001 by adding in alphabetical order, the 
definitions ``Preparedness'', ``Recovery'', ``Relief'', and 
``Response'' to read as follows:


538.7001  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Preparedness means actions that may include, but are not limited to 
planning, resourcing, training, exercising, and organizing to build, 
sustain, and improve operational disaster response capabilities. 
Preparedness also includes the process of identifying the personnel, 
training, and equipment needed for a wide range of potential incidents, 
and developing jurisdiction-specific plans for delivering capabilities 
when needed for an incident.
    Recovery means actions including, but not limited to, the 
development, coordination, and execution of service- and site-
restoration plans; the reconstitution of Government operations and 
services; individual, private-sector, nongovernmental, and public-
assistance programs to provide housing and to promote restoration; 
long-term care and treatment of affected persons; additional measures 
for social, political, environmental, and economic restoration; 
evaluation of the incident to identify lessons learned; post-incident 
reporting; and development of initiatives to mitigate the effects of 
future incidents.
    Relief means disaster ``response'' and ``recovery.'' Please see the 
full definitions for these terms in this section.
    Response means immediate actions taken during a disaster, or in its 
immediate aftermath, in order to save lives, protect property and the 
environment, and meet basic human needs. Response also includes the 
execution of emergency plans and actions to support short-term 
recovery.
* * * * *

0
7. Amend section 538.7002 by revising paragraph (d); and adding 
paragraphs (e) through (g) to read as follows:


538.7002  General.

* * * * *
    (d) Public Law 109-364, the John Warner National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 authorizing state and local 
governments, to use Federal Supply Schedule contracts to purchase 
products and services to be used to facilitate recovery from a major 
disaster declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford 
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) 
or to facilitate for recovery from terrorism or nuclear, biological, 
chemical, or radiological attack. Public Law 111-263, the Federal 
Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010 authorizing state and local 
governments to use Federal Supply Schedule contracts to purchase 
products and services to be used to facilitate disaster preparedness or 
response.

[[Page 36430]]

    (e) Public Law 111-263, the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 
2010, authorizes the American National Red Cross to use Federal Supply 
Schedule contracts to purchase goods or services to be used in 
furtherance of its purposes as set forth in its federal charter (36 
U.S.C. 300102).
    (f) Public Law 111-263, the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act of 
2010, authorizes other qualified organizations to use Federal Supply 
Schedule contracts to purchase products and services in furtherance of 
purposes determined to be appropriate to facilitate emergency 
preparedness and disaster relief and set forth in guidance by the 
Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Other 
qualified organizations must meet the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 5152.
    (g) A listing of the participating contractors and SINs for the 
goods and services that are available under these authorized Federal 
Supply Schedules, is available in GSA's e-Library at www.gsa.gov/elibrary.

0
8. Amend section 538.7003 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


538.7003  Policy.

    Preparing solicitations when schedules are open to eligible non-
federal entities. When opening authorized Federal Supply Schedules for 
use by eligible non-federal entities, the contracting officer must make 
minor modifications to certain Federal Acquisition Regulation and GSAM 
provisions and clauses in order to make clear distinctions between the 
rights and responsibilities of the U.S. Government in its management 
and regulatory capacity pursuant to which it awards schedule contracts 
and fulfills associated Federal requirements versus the rights and 
responsibilities of eligible ordering activities placing orders to 
fulfill agency needs. Accordingly, the contracting officer is 
authorized to modify the following FAR provisions/clauses to delete 
``Government'' or similar language referring to the U.S. Government and 
substitute ``ordering activity'' or similar language when preparing 
solicitations and contracts to be awarded under authorized Federal 
Supply Schedules. When such changes are made, the word ``(DEVIATION)'' 
shall be added at the end of the title of the provision or clause. 
These clauses include but are not limited to:
* * * * *

0
9. Revise section 538.7004 to read as follows:


538.7004  Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

    (a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 552.238-77, 
Definition (Federal Supply Schedules)-Non-Federal Entity in 
solicitations and contracts for all Federal Supply Schedules.
    (b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 552.238-78, 
Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities), in solicitations and 
contracts for all Federal Supply Schedules.
    (c) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 552.238-79, 
Use of Federal Supply Schedule Contracts by Non-Federal Entities, in 
solicitations and contracts for all Federal Supply Schedules.
    (d) See 552.101-70 for authorized FAR deviations.

Subpart 538.71--[Removed and Reserved]

0
10. Remove and reserve subpart 538.71.

PART 552--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES


552.211-85  [Amended]

0
11. Amend section 552.211-85 by removing from the introductory text 
``511.204(b)(5)'' and adding ``511.204(b)(4)'' in its place.


552.211-86  [Amended]

0
12. Amend section 552.211-86 by removing from the introductory text 
``511.204(b)(6)'' and adding ``511.204(b)(5)'' in its place.


552.211-87  [Amended]

0
13. Amend section 552.211-87 by removing from the introductory text 
``511.204(b)(7)'' and adding ``511.204(b)(6)'' in its place.


552.211-88  [Amended]

0
14. Amend section 552.211-88 by removing from the introductory text 
``511.204(b)(8)'' and adding ``511.204(b)(7)'' in its place.

0
15. Amend section 552.211-89 by:
0
a. Removing from the introductory text ``511.204(b)(4)'' and adding 
``511.204(b)(8)'' in its place;
0
b. Revising the date of the clause; and
0
c. Removing from paragraph (d) ``http://www.dla.mil/j-3/j-3311/DLAD/
rev5.htm'' and adding ``http://farsite.hill.af.mil/archive/Dlad/Rev5/
PART47.htm'' in its place.
    The revision reads as follows:


552.211-89  Non-manufactured wood packaging material for export.

* * * * *

Non-Manufactured Wood Packaging Material for Export (JUL 2016)

* * * * *

0
16. Amend section 552.238-71 by:
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Removing from paragraph (a) ``Federal Government'' and adding 
``ordering activity'' in its place; and
0
c. Removing Alternate I.
    The revision reads as follows:


552.238-71  Submission and Distribution of Authorized FSS Schedule 
Pricelists.

* * * * *

Submission and Distribution of Authorized FSS Schedule Pricelists (JUL 
2016)

* * * * *

0
17. Amend section 552.238-75 by:
0
a. Revising the date of the clause and paragraph (d)(3); and
0
b. Removing Alternate I.
    The revisions read as follows:


552.238-75  Price Reductions.

* * * * *

Price Reductions (JUL 2016)

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) Made to Eligible Ordering Activities identified in GSAR clause 
552.238-78 when the order is placed under this contract (and the 
Eligible Ordering Activities identified in GSAR clause 552.238-78 is 
the agreed upon customer or category of customer that is the basis of 
award); or
* * * * *


552.238-76  [Removed and Reserved]

0
18. Remove and reserve section 552.238-76.
0
19. Amend section 552.238-77 by:
0
a. Revising the section and clause headings; and
0
b. Removing from the definition ``Ordering activity'' the phrase ``(see 
552.238-78)'' and adding ``(see 552.238-78),'' in its place.
    The revisions read as follows:


552.238-77  Definition (Federal Supply Schedules)--Non-Federal Entity.

* * * * *

Definition (Federal Supply Schedules)--Non-Federal Entity (JUL 2016)

* * * * *
0
20. Amend section 552.238.78 by--
0
a. Revising the date of the clause;
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(7) and (8) as paragraphs (a)(8) and 
(9), respectively;
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (a)(7);
0
d. Revising paragraph (d);
0
e. Adding paragraph (h); and
0
f. Removing Alternate I.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

[[Page 36431]]

552.238-78  Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities).

* * * * *

Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities) (JUL 2016)

    (a) * * *
    (7) Tribes or tribally designated housing entities pursuant to 25 
U.S.C. 4111(j);
* * * * *
    (d) The following activities may place orders against Schedule 70 
contracts:
    (1) State and local government may place orders against Schedule 70 
contracts, and Consolidated Schedule contracts containing information 
technology Special Item Numbers, and Schedule 84 contracts, on an 
optional basis; PROVIDED, the Contractor accepts order(s) from such 
activities;
    (2) The American National Red Cross may place orders against 
Federal Supply Schedules for products and services in furtherance of 
the purposes set forth in its Federal charter (36 U.S.C. 300102); 
PROVIDED, the Contractor accepts order(s) from the American National 
Red Cross; and
    (3) Other qualified organizations, as defined in section 309 of the 
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
U.S.C. 5152), may place orders against Federal Supply Schedules for 
products and services determined to be appropriate to facilitate 
emergency preparedness and disaster relief and set forth in guidance by 
the Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; PROVIDED, the 
Contractor accepts order(s) from such activities.
    (4) State and local governments may place orders against Federal 
Supply Schedules for goods or services determined by the Secretary of 
Homeland Security to facilitate recovery from a major disaster declared 
by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) to facilitate 
disaster preparedness or response, or to facilitate recovery from 
terrorism or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack; 
PROVIDED, the Contractor accepts order(s) from such activities.
* * * * *
    (h) All users of GSA's Federal Supply Schedules, including non-
Federal users, shall use the schedules in accordance with the ordering 
guidance provided by the Administrator of General Services. GSA 
encourages non-Federal users to follow the Schedule Ordering Procedures 
set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.4, but they may 
use different established competitive ordering procedures if such 
procedures are needed to satisfy their state and local acquisition 
regulations and/or organizational policies.

0
21. Amend section 552.238-79 by revising the section and clause 
headings to read as follows:


552.238-79  Use of Federal Supply Schedule Contracts by Non-Federal 
Entities

* * * * *

Use of Federal Supply Schedule Contracts by Non-Federal Entities (JUL 
2016)

* * * * *


552.238-80  [Removed and Reserved]

0
22. Remove and reserve section 552.238-80.

[FR Doc. 2016-13115 Filed 6-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-61-P



                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                 36425

                                               within the meaning of the Regulatory                    ■ b. Redesignating paragraph (b) as                     552.215–73 Notice Regarding Information
                                               Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.,                 paragraph (a)(9) and revising newly                     Collection Requirements.
                                               because the revisions are administrative                redesignated paragraph (a)(9); and                        As prescribed in 515.209–70(b), insert
                                               in nature and only update and                           ■ c. Adding new paragraph (b).                          the following clause:
                                               reorganize existing GSAR coverage.                        The revisions and addition read as                    Notice (JUN 2016)
                                               V. Paperwork Reduction Act                              follows:                                                  (a) The information collection
                                                                                                                                                               requirements contained in this solicitation/
                                                 The Paperwork Reduction Act                           515.209–70 Examination of records by                    contract are either required by regulation or
                                               applies; however, these changes to the                  GSA clause.                                             approved by the Office of Management and
                                               GSAR do not impose additional                           *     *     *     *      *                              Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction
                                               information collection requirements to                    (a) Examination of records by GSA                     Act and assigned OMB Control No. 3090–
                                               the paperwork burden previously                         clause for other than multiple award                    0163.
                                               approved under OMB Control Number                                                                                 (b) GSA’s hours of operation are 8:00 a.m.
                                                                                                       schedule (MAS) contracts. Insert the
                                               3090–0163.                                                                                                      to 4:30 p.m. EST. Requests for pre-award
                                                                                                       clause at 552.215–70, Examination of                    debriefings postmarked or otherwise
                                               List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 501,                   Records by GSA, in all solicitations and                submitted after 4:30 p.m. EST will be
                                               515, and 552                                            contracts above the simplified                          considered submitted the following business
                                                                                                       acquisition threshold, including                        day. Requests for post-award debriefings
                                                   Government procurement.                             acquisitions of leasehold interests in                  delivered after 4:30 p.m. EST will be
                                                 Dated: May 26, 2016.                                  real property, that meet any of the                     considered received and filed the following
                                               Jeffrey A. Koses,                                       conditions listed below:                                business day.
                                               Office of Acquisition Policy, Senior                    *     *     *     *      *                              (End of clause)
                                               Procurement Executive, General Services                   (9) The contracting officer may                       [FR Doc. 2016–13114 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am]
                                               Administration.                                         modify the clause at 552.215–70 to                      BILLING CODE 6820–61–P
                                                 Therefore, GSA is amending 48 CFR                     define the specific area of audit (e.g., the
                                               parts 501, 515 and 552 as set forth                     use or disposition of Government-
                                               below:                                                  furnished property). Office of General                  GENERAL SERVICES
                                                                                                       Counsel or the Office of Regional                       ADMINISTRATION
                                               PART 501—GENERAL SERVICES                               Counsel and the Assistant Inspector
                                               ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION                              General for Auditing or Regional                        48 CFR Parts 511, 538, and 552
                                               REGULATION SYSTEM                                       Inspector General for Auditing, as                      [GSAR Change 73; GSAR Case 2010–G511;
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR                  appropriate, must concur in any                         Docket No. 2014–0008; Sequence No. 1]
                                               part 501 continues to read as follows:                  modifications to the clause.                            RIN 3090–AJ43
                                                                                                         (b) Insert the clause at 552.215–73,
                                                   Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).
                                                                                                       Notice, in all solicitations for negotiated             General Services Administration
                                               501.106    [Amended]                                    procurements above the simplified                       Acquisition Regulation (GSAR);
                                                                                                       acquisition threshold in accordance                     Purchasing by Non-Federal Entities
                                               ■  2. Amend section 501.106 by adding                   with FAR part 15.
                                               to the table, in numerical sequence,                                                                            AGENCY:  Office of Government-wide
                                                                                                       *     *     *     *      *                              Policy, Office of Acquisition Policy,
                                               GSAR Reference ‘‘552.215–73’’ and its
                                               corresponding OMB control number                        515.5 and 515.70       [Removed]                        General Services Administration (GSA).
                                               ‘‘3090–0163’’.                                                                                                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                       ■   7. Remove subparts 515.3 and 515.70.
                                               PART 515—CONTRACTING BY                                                                                         SUMMARY:    The General Services
                                               NEGOTIATION                                             PART 552—SOLICITATIONS AND                              Administration (GSA) is issuing a final
                                                                                                       PROVISIONS                                              rule amending the General Services
                                               ■ 3. The authority citation for 48 CFR                                                                          Administration Acquisition Regulation
                                               part 515 is revised to read as follows:                 ■ 8. The authority citation for 48 CFR                  (GSAR) regulation, Describing Agency
                                                                                                       part 552 continues to read as follows:                  Needs, to implement the Federal Supply
                                                   Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).
                                                                                                           Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).                        Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (FSSUA),
                                               ■ 4. Revise section 515.204 to read as                                                                          the Native American Housing
                                               follows:                                                ■  9. Amend section 552.215–70 by                       Assistance and Self-Determination
                                                                                                       revising the introductory text and the                  Reauthorization Act of 2008
                                               515.204    Contract format.                             date of the clause, and removing                        (NAHASDA), the John Warner National
                                                  (a) The uniform contract format is not               ‘‘exceeding $100,000’’ and adding                       Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
                                               required for leases of real property (See               ‘‘exceeding the simplified acquisition                  Year 2007 (NDAA), and the Local
                                               GSAM 570.116).                                          threshold’’ in its place.                               Preparedness Acquisition Act for Fiscal
                                                  (b) The Senior Procurement Executive                    The revisions read as follows:                       Year 2008 (LPAA). GSA is also
                                               is the agency head’s designee for the                                                                           amending the GSAR, Federal Supply
                                               purposes of granting exemptions to the                  552.215–70        Examination of Records by
                                                                                                       GSA.                                                    Schedule Contracting, and Solicitation
                                               use of the Uniform Contract Format (see                                                                         Provisions and Contract Clauses, in
                                               FAR 15.204(e)).                                           As prescribed in 515.209–70(a), insert                regard to this statutory implementation
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                                                                                                       the following clause:                                   to clarify the application of these laws
                                               515.204–1 and 515.205        [Removed]
                                                                                                       Examination of Records by GSA ([JUN                     and access privileges of certain Non-
                                               ■ 5. Remove sections 515.204–1 and                      2016])                                                  Federal Entities purchasing off of
                                               515.205.                                                                                                        Federal Supply Schedules (FSS).
                                               ■ 6. Amend section 515.209–70 by—                       *       *     *        *      *                         Additionally, prescriptions in the GSAR
                                               ■ a. Revising the introductory text of                  ■ 10. Add section 552.217–73 to read as                 are amended to reflect the correct
                                               paragraph (a);                                          follows:                                                prescription numbers. This final rule


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                                               36426                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                               also updates the web address to correct                 designated housing entities expending                  Administrator of General Services. GSA
                                               an inoperable link.                                     funds from block grants pursuant to                    encourages non-Federal users to follow
                                               DATES: Effective: July 6, 2016.                         NAHASDA may access GSA’s sources of                    the Schedule Ordering Procedures set
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For                    supply, including the Schedules, at                    forth in FAR subpart 8.4, but they may
                                               clarification of content, contact Ms.                   their discretion.                                      use different established competitive
                                               Dana Munson, General Services                              The final rule amends GSAR Parts                    ordering procedures if such procedures
                                               Acquisition Policy Division, GSA, by                    511, 538, and 552 to implement Section                 are needed to satisfy their state and
                                               phone at 202–357–9652 or by email at                    833 of the NDAA, which amends 40                       local acquisition regulations and/or
                                                                                                       U.S.C. 502(d)(1) to authorize the                      organizational policies.
                                               dana.munson@gsa.gov. For information
                                                                                                       Administrator of General Services to                      The non-Federal ordering activity is
                                               pertaining to status or publication
                                                                                                       provide to state or local governments                  responsible for ensuring that only
                                               schedules, contact the Regulatory
                                                                                                       the use of GSA’s Schedules for the                     authorized representatives of its
                                               Secretariat at 202–501–4755. Please cite
                                                                                                       purchase of goods or services to be used               organization place orders and that goods
                                               GSAR case 2010–G511.
                                                                                                       to facilitate recovery from a major                    or services ordered are used only for the
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              disaster declared by the President under               purposes authorized. Existing Schedule
                                               I. Background                                           the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief                 contracts may be modified only by
                                                                                                       and Emergency Assistance Act (42                       mutual agreement of the parties. After
                                                  GSA published a proposed rule with
                                                                                                       U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) or to facilitate                 an existing contract has been modified,
                                               a request for public comments in the                    recovery from terrorism or nuclear,
                                               Federal Register at 79 FR 21691 on                                                                             a Schedule contractor still retains the
                                                                                                       biological, chemical, or radiological                  right to decline orders by non-Federal
                                               April 17, 2014. This rule combined                      attack.
                                               previous GSAR case 2006–G522;                                                                                  entities on a case-by-case basis. This
                                                                                                          This final rule amends the GSAR to                  applies to future Schedule contractors,
                                               Federal Supply Schedule Contracts–                      further implement section 833, which
                                               Recovery Purchasing by State and Local                                                                         as well. Schedule contractors may
                                                                                                       also amends 40 U.S.C. 502(d)(2) to                     decline any order from entities outside
                                               Governments Through Federal Supply                      require the Secretary of Homeland
                                               Schedules (Interim Rule), which                                                                                the Executive Branch (see GSAR
                                                                                                       Security to determine which goods and                  552.238–78). Similarly, the rule places
                                               published in the Federal Register at 72                 services qualify before the
                                               FR 4649 on February 1, 2007 and GSAR                                                                           no obligation on non-Federal buyers to
                                                                                                       Administrator provides for the use of
                                               Case 2008–G517; Cooperative                                                                                    use Schedule contracts. They will have
                                                                                                       GSA’s Schedules. House Report 109–
                                               Purchasing-Acquisition of Security and                                                                         full discretion to decide if they wish to
                                                                                                       452 of the Committee on Armed
                                               Law Enforcement Related Goods and                                                                              make a Schedule purchase, subject
                                                                                                       Services indicates that section 833
                                               Services (Schedule 84) by State and                                                                            however, to any limitations that may be
                                                                                                       (referred to in the House Report as
                                               Local Governments Through Federal                                                                              established under state and local laws or
                                                                                                       section 823), builds on the
                                               Supply Schedules (Interim Rule), which                                                                         organizational policies.
                                                                                                       implementation of the Cooperative
                                               published in the Federal Register at 73                 Purchasing Program authorized in                          The Federal Government will not be
                                               FR 54334 on September 9, 2008.                          Section 211 of the E-Government Act of                 liable for the performance or
                                                  This final rule amends the GSAR to                   2002, which permitted state or local                   nonperformance of orders established
                                               implement section 2 of the FSSUA (Pub.                  governments to access GSA’s                            under the authority of this rule between
                                               L. 111–263), which added subsection 40                  information technology schedule,                       Schedule contractors and eligible non-
                                               U.S.C. 502(e), authorizing the use of the               known as Schedule 70.                                  Federal entities. Disputes that cannot be
                                               Schedules by the American National                         This final rule amends the GSAR to                  resolved by the parties to the new
                                               Red Cross and other qualified                           implement the LPAA, which amended                      contract can be litigated in any court of
                                               organizations, which includes National                  40 U.S.C. 502(c), by authorizing the                   competent jurisdiction over the parties.
                                               Voluntary Organizations Active in                       Administrator of General Services to                      The prices of supplies and services
                                               Disaster (NVOAD); section 3 of the                      provide to state or local governments                  available on Schedule contracts include
                                               FSSUA, which added subsection 40                        the use of GSA’s Schedules for the                     an industrial funding fee (IFF). The fee
                                               U.S.C. 502(f), requiring all users of the               acquisition of law enforcement,                        covers the administrative costs incurred
                                               Schedules, including non-Federal users,                 security, and certain other related items.             by GSA to operate the Schedules
                                               to use the contracts in accordance with                    The prescriptions at GSAR 552.211–                  program. The fee may be periodically
                                               ordering guidance provided by the                       85 through 89 are incorrectly numbered.                adjusted as necessary to recover the cost
                                               Administrator of General Services; and                  This final rule reflects the correct                   of operating the program.
                                               section 4 of the FSSUA to include                       prescriptions for GSAR clauses                            Two respondents submitted
                                               additional purchasing authority for state               552.211–85 through 89. This final rule                 comments in response to the proposed
                                               or local governments.                                   also updates the web address in GSAR                   rule. These comments, along with
                                                  This final rule amends the GSAR to                   clause 552.211–89(d) to correct an                     comments received from the previously
                                               implement section 101 of NAHASDA                        inoperable link.                                       published interim rules, are addressed
                                               (Pub. L. 110–411), codified at 25 U.S.C.                   The authority granted under FSSUA                   in the Discussion and Analysis Section.
                                               4111(j), which provides that ‘‘each                     is available for use on a voluntary (i.e.,
                                                                                                                                                              II. Discussion and Analysis
                                               Indian tribe or tribally designated                     non-mandatory) basis. In other words,
                                               housing entity shall be considered to be                businesses with Schedule contracts                       The General Services Administration
                                               an Executive agency in carrying out any                 have the option of deciding whether                    has reviewed the comments received in
                                               program, service, or other activity under               they will accept orders placed by state                response to the proposed rule and the
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                                               this Act; and (2) each Indian tribe or                  or local governments, the American                     previously published interim rules in
                                               tribally designated housing entity and                  National Red Cross, or other qualified                 the development of the final rule.
                                               each employee of the Indian tribe or                    organizations.                                         Comments are grouped into categories
                                               tribally designated housing entity shall                   All users of GSA’s Schedules,                       in order to provide clarification and to
                                               have access to sources of supply on the                 including non-Federal users, shall use                 better respond to the issues raised. A
                                               same basis as employees of an Executive                 the Schedules in accordance with the                   discussion of all comments received and
                                               agency.’’ As such, tribes or tribally                   ordering guidance provided by the                      the changes made to the rule as a result


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        36427

                                               of those comments is provided as                        controlled by statute, that do not                     Advantage!® and its component system
                                               follows:                                                conflict or overlap with other Federal,                eBuy, which facilitates the request for
                                                  Comment: Asked GSA to ‘‘clarify                      disaster-related, programs. Under these                submission of quotations for
                                               whether the changes in the rule apply                   authorities, non-Federal entities have                 commercial products and services.
                                               to the Federal Supply Schedule                          optional access to GSA sources of                         Use of eTools is not mandatory for
                                               functions the General Services                          supply, under the authorized scope.                    non-Federal entities and requiring
                                               Administration has delegated to the U.S.                Therefore, purchases made by non-                      mandatory use of eTools, as suggested
                                               Department of Veterans Affairs?’’                       Federal entities are not subject to the                in the comments, would be a barrier to
                                                  Response: Yes, the changes apply to                  statutes and FAR requirements cited in                 use for some state and local government
                                               all Federal Supply Schedules, including                 the comments. Thus, insofar as the                     entities. Some entities require use of
                                               those managed by the Department of                      comments appear to misinterpret the                    their own systems to process and
                                               Veterans Affairs. Vendors may                           scope and effect of the rule, and the                  execute orders and some entities do not
                                               voluntarily sell to non-Federal entities                statutory authorities that underlie it,                support use of credit cards. Mandating
                                               under their Schedule, in accordance                     GSA does not concur with the                           the use of a system, like GSA
                                               with clause 552.238–78 and acceptance                   recommendations contained in the                       Advantage!®, that requires credit cards,
                                               of orders from non-Federal entities is                  comments. No change was made as a                      would prohibit some legally authorized
                                               not mandatory. No changes were made                     result of this comment.                                users from accessing these contracts.
                                               to the GSAR text as a result of this                       Comment: Asked if the IFF paid by                      Comment: Suggested that ordering
                                               comment.                                                non-Federal entities is tracked                        procedures require a FEMA disaster
                                                  Comment: Was directed at United                      separately from the IFF paid by Federal                declaration number to place an order.
                                               States Code definitions and FAR                         entities.                                                 Response: Such a requirement would
                                               references.                                                Response: The IFF paid by non-                      not take into account a non-Federal
                                                  The respondent suggested the                         Federal entities is not tracked separately             entity’s ability to purchase for
                                               following changes to the GSAR text that                 from the IFF paid by Federal entities.                 preparation of a disaster, which
                                               included changing definitions to match                  Sales are reported quarterly by the                    necessarily pre-dates the declaration of
                                               definitions and terms in various parts of               vendor and are tracked by Special Item                 an emergency. However, all entities
                                               the Federal Acquisition Regulation                      Number (SIN) and Schedule.                             placing orders under the Disaster
                                               (FAR) and the United States Code:                          The IFF is tracked separately for sales
                                                  • Delete the terms ‘‘Preparedness,                                                                          Purchasing Program must include the
                                                                                                       under the Disaster Purchasing and
                                               Recovery, Relief, and Response’’ found                                                                         mandatory order language on the
                                                                                                       Cooperative Purchasing Programs.
                                               under Subpart 538.7001 Definitions and                                                                         purchase order to confirm that the order
                                                                                                       However, it is not tracked separately for
                                               permit the definitions and legal                                                                               is being placed under GSA’s Disaster
                                                                                                       other special programs. The Red Cross
                                               intentions set forth throughout the FAR,                                                                       Purchasing Program and under the
                                                                                                       and other qualified organization sales
                                               in accordance with the Robert T.                                                                               appropriate scope. No change was made
                                                                                                       are reported under Federal sales. GSA is
                                               Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency                                                                         as a result of this comment.
                                                                                                       able to track these sales, when made
                                               Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.)                                                                          Comment: Included a number of
                                                                                                       through GSA eTools.
                                               to prevail.                                                GSA Industrial Operating Analysts                   statements and questions regarding the
                                                  • Replace references to Public Law                   and Administrative Contracting Officers                1122 Program and Wildland Fire
                                               with applicable ‘‘40 U.S.C. 502’’                       work with the GSA vendor community                     Program.
                                               authority;                                              to ensure that all GSA vendors,                           Response: These programs are outside
                                                  • Remove the ‘‘Disaster Recovery                     including authorized non-Federal                       the scope of the proposed rule because
                                               Purchasing’’ program from eLibrary and                  Entities, are aware of the reporting                   the laws being implemented do not
                                               advise contractors to register in System                requirements under the separate                        cover these GSA Schedules. Therefore,
                                               Award Management (SAM) for the                          programs and that orders are properly                  these comments are not addressed.
                                               ‘‘Disaster Response Registry;’’ and                     tracked and reported on the quarterly                  Information on these programs can be
                                                  • Mandate all non-federal entities use               72A forms. No change was made as a                     found here: www.gsa.gov/1122program
                                               GSA Advantage! in order to track and                    result of this comment.                                and www.gsa.gov/fireprogram.
                                               monitor compliance with IFF and to                         Comment: Raised a number of issues                     Comment: Suggested editorial updates
                                               ensure compliance with 40 U.S.C. 502                    about GSA eTools and how orders                        to sections and subparts of the GSAR to
                                               authority.                                              under this rule are tracked via the                    address the deletion of GSAR 538.71.
                                                  Response: The comments appear to                     eTools.                                                   Response: The GSAR text of the final
                                               erroneously conflate Federal                               Response: GSA eTools web portal                     rule is amended to reflect the deletion
                                               acquisitions with the activities governed               provides a one-stop resource where                     of GSAR 538.71, Submission and
                                               by this final rule. The parts of the FAR                federal and non-federal customers learn                Distribution of Authorized FSS
                                               cited in the comments pertain to                        about GSA products and services.                       Schedule Pricelists by removing and
                                               acquisitions by Federal agencies, and                      GSA eTools, GSA Advantage!® and                     reserving section 552.238–76, Definition
                                               fall under a particular statutory                       eLibrary, provide a list of current                    (Federal Supply Schedules)—Recovery
                                               authority, specifically the Defense                     contractors, products, and services                    Purchasing.
                                               Priorities and Allocations System                       available to eligible non-Federal                         Comment: Expressed concern in
                                               (DPAS). That is separate from the                       entities. Schedule contractors that have               regards to the Recovery Purchasing
                                               changes in this rule, which pertains to                 opted to sell under these programs have                program on topics such as advanced
                                               the ability of non-Federal entities to                  agreed to do so at the contract level and              purchasing or qualified products.
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                                               access GSA sources of supply. These                     their agreement is noted in the eTools                    Response: These questions are
                                               non-Federal access programs are outside                 with a ‘‘COOPPURCH’’ or                                directed towards a component of the
                                               of the scope of and not directly related                ‘‘DISASTRECOV’’ icon.                                  program that is no longer relevant since
                                               to defense contracting under DPAS, nor                     When requested, buyers only see                     the Federal Supply Schedules Usage Act
                                               are they related to Federal emergency                   contractors that have agreed to                        dictates that purchasing may be made in
                                               contracting. The GSA non-Federal entity                 participate in the program. This                       support of preparation for disasters in
                                               programs are all separate authorities,                  information displays into GSA                          addition to disaster recovery.


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                                               36428                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 Comment: Opposes the inclusion of                     111–263), provides the American                        regulatory action and, therefore, was not
                                               the Veteran Administration                              National Red Cross access to Federal                   subject to review under Section 6(b) of
                                               pharmaceutical contracts because the                    Supply Schedules, when purchasing in                   E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and
                                               contracts are the only ones that are set                furtherance of the purposes of the                     Review, dated September 30, 1993. This
                                               via statutorily mandated pricing system.                American National Red Cross set forth                  rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C.
                                                 Response: The statutes implemented                    in section 300102 of title 36, United                  804.
                                               by this rule do not exclude the ability                 States Code.
                                               for certain non-federal entities to have                   4. Other Qualified Organizations—                   V. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                               access to VA pharmaceutical contracts.                  Authorized under the Federal Supply                      The change may have a significant
                                               Vendors may voluntarily sell to non-                    Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Pub. L.                   economic impact on a substantial
                                               Federal entities under their Schedule, in               111–263), provides access to Federal                   number of small entities within the
                                               accordance with GSAR clause 552.238–                    Supply Schedules for ‘‘other qualified                 meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility
                                               78. Participation in the program and                    organizations’’ when purchasing in                     Act 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because
                                               acceptance of orders from non-Federal                   furtherance of purposes determined to                  implementing the authorities
                                               entities is not mandatory.                              be appropriate to facilitate emergency                 enumerated herein will expand or add
                                                 Comment: The commenter is opposed                     preparedness and disaster relief and set               the ability for additional other qualified
                                               to GSA allowing local and state                         forth in guidance by the Administrator                 organizations to procure from GSA’s
                                               governments to purchase directly off the                of General Services, in consultation                   Schedule contracts as identified in the
                                               schedules for competitive and economic                  with the Administrator of the Federal                  relevant laws. For small businesses that
                                               reasons.                                                Emergency Management Agency                            hold a Schedule contract their sales may
                                                 Response: The Statutes cited in this                  (FEMA). GSA, in consultation with                      increase for orders placed, by
                                               rule allow access to the Schedules.                     FEMA has determined that, at this time,                authorized non-federal entities, in order
                                               Schedules access is a direct relationship               the National Voluntary Organizations                   to support disaster preparation and
                                               between the ordering entity and the                     Active in Disaster (NVOAD), may utilize                response.
                                               Schedule vendor.                                        Federal Supply Schedules in                              GSA has prepared a Final Regulatory
                                               III. Applicability                                      furtherance of purposes determined to                  Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) consistent
                                                                                                       be appropriate to facilitate emergency                 with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
                                                  This rule provides certain Non-                      preparedness and disaster relief.                      U.S.C. 601, et seq. The FRFA is
                                               Federal Entities with access to GSA                        5. Tribal Government Access to                      summarized as follows:
                                               Schedules under the following                           Schedules—authorized under Native                         The General Services Administration
                                               conditions and authorities:                             American Housing Assistance and Self-                  (GSA) is issuing a final rule amending the
                                                  1. Disaster Purchasing-Authorized                    Determination Reauthorization Act of                   General Services Administration Acquisition
                                               under Section 833 of the John Warner                    2008 (NAHASDA) (Pub. L. 104–330),                      Regulation (GSAR) Part 511, Describing
                                               National Defense Authorization Act for                  provides that ‘‘each Indian tribe or                   Agency Needs, to implement the Federal
                                               Fiscal Year 2007 (NDAA) (Pub. L. 109–                   tribally designated housing entity shall               Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010
                                               364) and the Federal Supply Schedules                   be considered to be an Executive agency                (FSSUA), the Native American Housing
                                               Usage Act of 2010 (FSSUA) (Pub. L.                      in carrying out any program, service, or               Assistance and Self-Determination
                                               111–263), provides State and local use                                                                         Reauthorization Act of 2008 (NAHASDA),
                                                                                                       other activity under this Act; and (2)
                                                                                                                                                              the John Warner National Defense
                                               of Federal Supply Schedules for the                     each Indian tribe or tribally designated               Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007
                                               purchase of goods or services to be used                housing entity and each employee of the                (NDAA), and the Local Preparedness
                                               to facilitate recovery from a major                     Indian tribe or tribally designated                    Acquisition Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (LPAA),
                                               disaster declared by the President under                housing entity shall have access to                    to provide non-Federal entity access to GSA’s
                                               the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief                  sources of supply on the same basis as                 Federal Supply Schedules (Schedules).
                                               and Emergency Assistance Act (42                        employees of an Executive agency.’’ As                    Prior to the Federal Supply Schedules
                                               U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) or to facilitate                  such, tribes or tribally designated                    Usage Act of 2010 (hereinafter, ‘‘Act’’), state
                                               recovery from terrorism or nuclear,                     housing entities expending funds from                  and local governments and the American
                                                                                                                                                              National Red Cross were authorized to
                                               biological, chemical, or radiological                   block grants pursuant to NAHASDA                       procure from Schedules, but only for limited
                                               attack.                                                 may access GSA’s sources of supply,                    purposes and specific scopes. ’’Other
                                                  2. Cooperative Purchasing—                           including the Schedules, at their                      qualified organizations’’ were not previously
                                               Authorized previously under the                         discretion. This Final Rule does not                   authorized to procure from Schedules
                                               eGovernment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107–                   grant any additional authority for non-                contracts.
                                               347), expanded here under the Local                     Federal entities to use Federal Supply                    Under the Act, the scope of authorized
                                               Preparedness Acquisition Act of 2008                    Schedules other than those listed above.               users of FSS contracts is expanded to include
                                               (Pub. L. 110–248), provides State and                                                                          ‘‘other qualified organizations,’’ which is in
                                               local government use of Federal Supply                  IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                   addition to the already authorized state and
                                                                                                          Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and                  local governments and the American
                                               Schedules for the acquisition of law
                                                                                                                                                              National Red Cross (ANRC). Access to
                                               enforcement, security, and certain other                13563 direct agencies to assess all costs              Schedules for each of these entities varies.
                                               related items by State and local                        and benefits of available regulatory                   The ANRC may access Schedules in support
                                               governments. This expansion is limited                  alternatives and, if regulation is                     of their Federal charter; state and local
                                               to Schedule 84, Total Solutions for Law                 necessary, to select regulatory                        governments may use the Schedules to
                                               Enforcement, Security, facilities                       approaches that maximize net benefits                  prepare, respond, and recover from major
                                               management, fire, rescue, marine craft,                 (including potential economic,                         disasters; and ‘‘other qualified organizations’’
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                                               and Emergency/Disaster Response.                        environmental, public health and safety                may use the Schedules for emergency
                                                                                                       effects, distributive impacts, and                     preparedness and disaster relief.
                                               Schedule 70 for Information Technology
                                                                                                                                                                 It should be noted that this is an optional
                                               products and Services was previously                    equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the                     program under the FSS program. This final
                                               authorized under this program.                          importance of quantifying both costs                   rule applies to all FSS contractors that agree
                                                  3. American National Red Cross—                      and benefits, of reducing costs, of                    to sell goods and services to these eligible
                                               Authorized under the Federal Supply                     harmonizing rules, and of promoting                    entities, under the appropriate scope of use.
                                               Schedules Usage Act of 2010 (Pub. L.                    flexibility. This is not a significant                 A modification will be issued outlining if a



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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          36429

                                               contractor wishes to sell to each of the 3 user             Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c).                          Preparedness means actions that may
                                               groups, under the assigned scope. There are                                                                    include, but are not limited to planning,
                                               no additional compliance requirements for               PART 511—DESCRIBING AGENCY                             resourcing, training, exercising, and
                                               contractors than what is already required;              NEEDS                                                  organizing to build, sustain, and
                                               therefore, there is no additional cost to small
                                                                                                                                                              improve operational disaster response
                                               business if they decide to participate.                 ■ 2. Amend section 511.204 by revising
                                                  Further, the final rule amends the GSAR to                                                                  capabilities. Preparedness also includes
                                                                                                       paragraphs (b)(2) and (c) to read as
                                               implement section 101 of NAHASDA,                                                                              the process of identifying the personnel,
                                                                                                       follows:
                                               codified at 25 U.S.C. 4111(j), which provides                                                                  training, and equipment needed for a
                                               that ‘‘each Indian tribe or tribally designated         511.204 Solicitation provisions and                    wide range of potential incidents, and
                                               housing entity shall be considered to be an             contract clauses.                                      developing jurisdiction–specific plans
                                               Executive agency in carrying out any                    *      *     *     *    *                              for delivering capabilities when needed
                                               program, service, or other activity under this             (b) * * *                                           for an incident.
                                               Act; and (2) each Indian tribe or tribally                 (2) The contracting officer shall                      Recovery means actions including,
                                               designated housing entity and each employee                                                                    but not limited to, the development,
                                               of the Indian tribe or tribally designated
                                                                                                       include the clause at 552.211–75,
                                                                                                       Preservation, Packaging, and Packing, in               coordination, and execution of service-
                                               housing entity shall have access to sources of
                                               supply on the same basis as employees of an             solicitations and contracts for supplies               and site-restoration plans; the
                                               Executive agency.’’ As such, tribes or tribally         expected to exceed the simplified                      reconstitution of Government operations
                                               designated housing entities expending funds             acquisition threshold. The contracting                 and services; individual, private-sector,
                                               from block grants pursuant to NAHASDA                   officer may also include the clause in                 nongovernmental, and public-assistance
                                               may access GSA’s sources of supply,                     contracts estimated to be at or below the              programs to provide housing and to
                                               including the Schedules, at their discretion.           simplified acquisition threshold when                  promote restoration; long-term care and
                                                  Additionally, the final rule amends the              appropriate. The contracting officer                   treatment of affected persons; additional
                                               GSAR to implement Section 833 of the                                                                           measures for social, political,
                                               NDAA, which amends 40 U.S.C. 502(d)(1) to
                                                                                                       shall use Alternate I in solicitations and
                                                                                                       contracts for all Federal Supply                       environmental, and economic
                                               authorize the Administrator of General                                                                         restoration; evaluation of the incident to
                                               Services to provide to state or local                   Schedule Contracts.
                                               governments the use of GSA’s Schedules for
                                                                                                                                                              identify lessons learned; post-incident
                                                                                                       *      *     *     *    *
                                               the purchase of goods or services to be used                                                                   reporting; and development of
                                                                                                          (c) Supply contracts. The contracting
                                               to facilitate recovery from a major disaster                                                                   initiatives to mitigate the effects of
                                                                                                       officer shall include the clause at
                                               declared by the President under the Robert T.                                                                  future incidents.
                                                                                                       552.211–77, Packing List, in                              Relief means disaster ‘‘response’’ and
                                               Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
                                                                                                       solicitations and contracts for supplies,              ‘‘recovery.’’ Please see the full
                                               Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) or to
                                               facilitate recovery from terrorism or nuclear,          including purchases over the                           definitions for these terms in this
                                               biological, chemical, or radiological attack.           micropurchase threshold. Use Alternate                 section.
                                                  Finally, the final rule amends the GSAR to           I in solicitations and contracts for all                  Response means immediate actions
                                               implement the LPAA, which amended 40                    Federal Supply Schedule Contracts.                     taken during a disaster, or in its
                                               U.S.C. 502(c), by authorizing the                                                                              immediate aftermath, in order to save
                                               Administrator of General Services to provide            PART 538—FEDERAL SUPPLY
                                                                                                                                                              lives, protect property and the
                                               to state or local governments the use of GSA’s          SCHEDULE CONTRACTING
                                               Schedules for the acquisition of law                                                                           environment, and meet basic human
                                               enforcement, security, and certain other                ■ 3. Amend section 538.273 by revising                 needs. Response also includes the
                                               related items.                                          paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2) to read as                execution of emergency plans and
                                                                                                       follows:                                               actions to support short-term recovery.
                                                 The Regulatory Secretariat Division
                                               has submitted a copy of the FRFA to the                   (a) * * *                                            *     *      *    *     *
                                               Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small                   (2) 552.238–71, Submission and                       ■ 7. Amend section 538.7002 by
                                               Business Administration. A copy of the                  Distribution of Authorized FSS                         revising paragraph (d); and adding
                                               FRFA may be obtained from the                           Schedule Pricelists.                                   paragraphs (e) through (g) to read as
                                               Regulatory Secretariat Division.                        *     *    *     *    *                                follows:
                                                                                                         (b) * * *
                                               VI. Paperwork Reduction Act                               (2) 552.238–75, Price Reductions.                    538.7002    General.
                                                 The final rule does not contain any                   *     *    *     *    *                                *      *    *     *     *
                                                                                                                                                                 (d) Public Law 109–364, the John
                                               information collection requirements that
                                                                                                       Subpart 538.70—Purchasing by Non-                      Warner National Defense Authorization
                                               require approval of the Office of
                                                                                                       Federal Entities                                       Act for Fiscal Year 2007 authorizing
                                               Management and Budget under the
                                                                                                                                                              state and local governments, to use
                                               Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
                                                                                                       ■ 4. Revise the heading of subpart                     Federal Supply Schedule contracts to
                                               chapter 35).
                                                                                                       538.70 to read as set forth above.                     purchase products and services to be
                                               List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 511,                   ■ 5. Amend section 538.7000 by adding                  used to facilitate recovery from a major
                                               538 and 552                                             paragraph (d) to read as follows:                      disaster declared by the President under
                                                  Government procurement.                                                                                     the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
                                                                                                       538.7000     Scope of subpart.                         and Emergency Assistance Act (42
                                                 Dated: May 27, 2016                                   *      *    *    *     *                               U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) or to facilitate for
                                               Jeffrey A. Koses,                                          (d) Other Federal Supply Schedules                  recovery from terrorism or nuclear,
                                               Senior Procurement Executive, Office of                 as authorized in this subpart.                         biological, chemical, or radiological
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                                               Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-               ■ 6. Amend section 538.7001 by adding                  attack. Public Law 111–263, the Federal
                                               wide Policy.                                                                                                   Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010
                                                                                                       in alphabetical order, the definitions
                                                 Therefore, GSA amends 48 CFR parts                    ‘‘Preparedness’’, ‘‘Recovery’’, ‘‘Relief’’,            authorizing state and local governments
                                               511, 538, and 552 as set forth below:                   and ‘‘Response’’ to read as follows:                   to use Federal Supply Schedule
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR                                                                         contracts to purchase products and
                                               parts 511, 538, and 552 continues to                    538.7001     Definitions.                              services to be used to facilitate disaster
                                               read as follows:                                        *       *     *       *      *                         preparedness or response.


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                                               36430                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 (e) Public Law 111–263, the Federal                   538.7004 Solicitation provisions and                   Non-Manufactured Wood Packaging
                                               Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010,                     contract clauses.                                      Material for Export (JUL 2016)
                                               authorizes the American National Red                      (a) The contracting officer shall insert             *      *     *    *      *
                                               Cross to use Federal Supply Schedule                    the clause at 552.238–77, Definition                   ■  16. Amend section 552.238–71 by:
                                               contracts to purchase goods or services                 (Federal Supply Schedules)–Non-                        ■  a. Revising the date of the clause;
                                               to be used in furtherance of its purposes               Federal Entity in solicitations and                    ■  b. Removing from paragraph (a)
                                               as set forth in its federal charter (36                 contracts for all Federal Supply                       ‘‘Federal Government’’ and adding
                                               U.S.C. 300102).                                         Schedules.                                             ‘‘ordering activity’’ in its place; and
                                                 (f) Public Law 111–263, the Federal                     (b) The contracting officer shall insert             ■ c. Removing Alternate I.
                                               Supply Schedules Usage Act of 2010,                     the clause at 552.238–78, Scope of                        The revision reads as follows:
                                               authorizes other qualified organizations                Contract (Eligible Ordering Activities),
                                               to use Federal Supply Schedule                          in solicitations and contracts for all                 552.238–71 Submission and Distribution
                                               contracts to purchase products and                      Federal Supply Schedules.                              of Authorized FSS Schedule Pricelists.
                                               services in furtherance of purposes                       (c) The contracting officer shall insert             *       *    *       *     *
                                               determined to be appropriate to                         the clause at 552.238–79, Use of Federal
                                                                                                                                                              Submission and Distribution of Authorized
                                               facilitate emergency preparedness and                   Supply Schedule Contracts by Non-                      FSS Schedule Pricelists (JUL 2016)
                                               disaster relief and set forth in guidance               Federal Entities, in solicitations and
                                                                                                       contracts for all Federal Supply                       *     *     *    *     *
                                               by the Administrator of General
                                               Services, in consultation with the                      Schedules.                                             ■ 17. Amend section 552.238–75 by:
                                               Administrator of the Federal Emergency                    (d) See 552.101–70 for authorized                    ■ a. Revising the date of the clause and
                                               Management Agency. Other qualified                      FAR deviations.                                        paragraph (d)(3); and
                                                                                                                                                              ■ b. Removing Alternate I.
                                               organizations must meet the
                                                                                                       Subpart 538.71—[Removed and                              The revisions read as follows:
                                               requirements of 42 U.S.C. 5152.
                                                 (g) A listing of the participating                    Reserved]
                                                                                                                                                              552.238–75       Price Reductions.
                                               contractors and SINs for the goods and                  ■ 10. Remove and reserve subpart                       *       *    *       *     *
                                               services that are available under these                 538.71.
                                               authorized Federal Supply Schedules, is                                                                        Price Reductions (JUL 2016)
                                               available in GSA’s e-Library at                         PART 552—SOLICITATION                                  *     *     *     *     *
                                               www.gsa.gov/elibrary.                                   PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT                                  (d) * * *
                                               ■ 8. Amend section 538.7003 by                          CLAUSES                                                  (3) Made to Eligible Ordering
                                               revising the introductory text to read as                                                                      Activities identified in GSAR clause
                                                                                                       552.211–85        [Amended]                            552.238–78 when the order is placed
                                               follows:
                                                                                                       ■  11. Amend section 552.211–85 by                     under this contract (and the Eligible
                                               538.7003    Policy.                                     removing from the introductory text                    Ordering Activities identified in GSAR
                                                 Preparing solicitations when                          ‘‘511.204(b)(5)’’ and adding                           clause 552.238–78 is the agreed upon
                                               schedules are open to eligible non-                     ‘‘511.204(b)(4)’’ in its place.                        customer or category of customer that is
                                               federal entities. When opening                                                                                 the basis of award); or
                                               authorized Federal Supply Schedules                     552.211–86        [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                              *     *     *     *     *
                                               for use by eligible non-federal entities,               ■  12. Amend section 552.211–86 by
                                               the contracting officer must make minor                 removing from the introductory text                    552.238–76       [Removed and Reserved]
                                               modifications to certain Federal                        ‘‘511.204(b)(6)’’ and adding                           ■ 18. Remove and reserve section
                                               Acquisition Regulation and GSAM                         ‘‘511.204(b)(5)’’ in its place.                        552.238–76.
                                               provisions and clauses in order to make                                                                        ■ 19. Amend section 552.238–77 by:
                                               clear distinctions between the rights and               552.211–87        [Amended]
                                                                                                                                                              ■ a. Revising the section and clause
                                               responsibilities of the U.S. Government                 ■  13. Amend section 552.211–87 by                     headings; and
                                               in its management and regulatory                        removing from the introductory text                    ■ b. Removing from the definition
                                               capacity pursuant to which it awards                    ‘‘511.204(b)(7)’’ and adding                           ‘‘Ordering activity’’ the phrase ‘‘(see
                                               schedule contracts and fulfills                         ‘‘511.204(b)(6)’’ in its place.                        552.238–78)’’ and adding ‘‘(see 552.238–
                                               associated Federal requirements versus                                                                         78),’’ in its place.
                                                                                                       552.211–88        [Amended]
                                               the rights and responsibilities of eligible                                                                       The revisions read as follows:
                                               ordering activities placing orders to                   ■  14. Amend section 552.211–88 by
                                               fulfill agency needs. Accordingly, the                  removing from the introductory text                    552.238–77 Definition (Federal Supply
                                               contracting officer is authorized to                    ‘‘511.204(b)(8)’’ and adding                           Schedules)—Non-Federal Entity.
                                               modify the following FAR provisions/                    ‘‘511.204(b)(7)’’ in its place.                        *       *    *       *     *
                                               clauses to delete ‘‘Government’’ or                     ■ 15. Amend section 552.211–89 by:                     Definition (Federal Supply Schedules)—
                                               similar language referring to the U.S.                  ■ a. Removing from the introductory                    Non-Federal Entity (JUL 2016)
                                               Government and substitute ‘‘ordering                    text ‘‘511.204(b)(4)’’ and adding
                                                                                                                                                              *     *     *    *     *
                                               activity’’ or similar language when                     ‘‘511.204(b)(8)’’ in its place;
                                                                                                       ■ b. Revising the date of the clause; and
                                                                                                                                                              ■ 20. Amend section 552.238.78 by—
                                               preparing solicitations and contracts to                                                                       ■ a. Revising the date of the clause;
                                               be awarded under authorized Federal                     ■ c. Removing from paragraph (d)
                                                                                                       ‘‘http://www.dla.mil/j-3/j-3311/DLAD/                  ■ b. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(7) and
                                               Supply Schedules. When such changes                                                                            (8) as paragraphs (a)(8) and (9),
                                                                                                       rev5.htm’’ and adding ‘‘http://
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                                               are made, the word ‘‘(DEVIATION)’’                                                                             respectively;
                                               shall be added at the end of the title of               farsite.hill.af.mil/archive/Dlad/Rev5/
                                                                                                                                                              ■ c. Adding a new paragraph (a)(7);
                                               the provision or clause. These clauses                  PART47.htm’’ in its place.
                                                                                                          The revision reads as follows:                      ■ d. Revising paragraph (d);
                                               include but are not limited to:                                                                                ■ e. Adding paragraph (h); and
                                               *      *     *    *      *                              552.211–89 Non-manufactured wood                       ■ f. Removing Alternate I.
                                               ■ 9. Revise section 538.7004 to read as                 packaging material for export.                           The revisions and additions read as
                                               follows:                                                *      *      *       *      *                         follows:


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                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 108 / Monday, June 6, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                                36431

                                               552.238–78 Scope of Contract (Eligible                  Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency                   (h) All users of GSA’s Federal Supply
                                               Ordering Activities).                                   Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5152), may                   Schedules, including non-Federal users,
                                               *      *     *       *      *                           place orders against Federal Supply                    shall use the schedules in accordance
                                               Scope of Contract (Eligible Ordering                    Schedules for products and services                    with the ordering guidance provided by
                                               Activities) (JUL 2016)                                  determined to be appropriate to                        the Administrator of General Services.
                                                                                                       facilitate emergency preparedness and                  GSA encourages non-Federal users to
                                                  (a) * * *
                                                                                                       disaster relief and set forth in guidance              follow the Schedule Ordering
                                                  (7) Tribes or tribally designated
                                                                                                       by the Administrator of General                        Procedures set forth in the Federal
                                               housing entities pursuant to 25 U.S.C.
                                                                                                       Services, in consultation with the                     Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.4, but
                                               4111(j);
                                                                                                       Administrator of the Federal Emergency                 they may use different established
                                               *      *     *     *     *                                                                                     competitive ordering procedures if such
                                                  (d) The following activities may place               Management Agency; PROVIDED, the
                                                                                                       Contractor accepts order(s) from such                  procedures are needed to satisfy their
                                               orders against Schedule 70 contracts:                                                                          state and local acquisition regulations
                                                  (1) State and local government may                   activities.
                                                                                                                                                              and/or organizational policies.
                                               place orders against Schedule 70                          (4) State and local governments may                  ■ 21. Amend section 552.238–79 by
                                               contracts, and Consolidated Schedule                    place orders against Federal Supply                    revising the section and clause headings
                                               contracts containing information                        Schedules for goods or services                        to read as follows:
                                               technology Special Item Numbers, and                    determined by the Secretary of
                                               Schedule 84 contracts, on an optional                   Homeland Security to facilitate recovery               552.238–79 Use of Federal Supply
                                               basis; PROVIDED, the Contractor                         from a major disaster declared by the                  Schedule Contracts by Non-Federal Entities
                                               accepts order(s) from such activities;                  President under the Robert T. Stafford                 *       *    *       *    *
                                                  (2) The American National Red Cross                  Disaster Relief and Emergency                          Use of Federal Supply Schedule Contracts by
                                               may place orders against Federal Supply                 Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.)               Non-Federal Entities (JUL 2016)
                                               Schedules for products and services in                  to facilitate disaster preparedness or
                                               furtherance of the purposes set forth in                                                                       *       *    *       *    *
                                                                                                       response, or to facilitate recovery from
                                               its Federal charter (36 U.S.C. 300102);                                                                        552.238–80       [Removed and Reserved]
                                                                                                       terrorism or nuclear, biological,
                                               PROVIDED, the Contractor accepts
                                               order(s) from the American National                     chemical, or radiological attack;                      ■ 22. Remove and reserve section
                                               Red Cross; and                                          PROVIDED, the Contractor accepts                       552.238–80.
                                                  (3) Other qualified organizations, as                order(s) from such activities.                         [FR Doc. 2016–13115 Filed 6–3–16; 8:45 am]
                                               defined in section 309 of the Robert T.                 *      *     *     *     *                             BILLING CODE 6820–61–P
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Document Created: 2016-06-04 00:16:39
Document Modified: 2016-06-04 00:16:39
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective: July 6, 2016.
ContactFor clarification of content, contact Ms. Dana Munson, General Services Acquisition Policy Division, GSA, by phone at 202-357-9652 or by email at [email protected] For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite GSAR case 2010- G511.
FR Citation81 FR 36425 
RIN Number3090-AJ43
CFR Citation48 CFR 511
48 CFR 538
48 CFR 552

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