81_FR_67953 81 FR 67763 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Consolidation and Bundling

81 FR 67763 - Federal Acquisition Regulation; Consolidation and Bundling

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 190 (September 30, 2016)

Page Range67763-67773
FR Document2016-23199

DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and regulatory changes made by the Small Business Administration, which provide for a Governmentwide policy on consolidation and bundling.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 190 (Friday, September 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67763-67773]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23199]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 52

[FAC 2005-91; FAR Case 2014-015; Item VI; Docket No. 2014-0015, 
Sequence No. 1]
RIN 9000-AM92


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Consolidation and Bundling

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are issuing a final rule to amend the 
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections of the Small 
Business Jobs Act of 2010 and regulatory changes made by the Small 
Business Administration, which provide for a Governmentwide policy on 
consolidation and bundling.

DATES: Effective: October 31, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement 
Analyst, at 703-605-2868, for clarification of content. For information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory 
Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-91, FAR Case 2014-
015.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register at 80 FR 31561 on June 3, 2015, to revise the FAR to provide 
for a Governmentwide policy on consolidation and bundling. The proposed 
rule incorporated regulatory changes made by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) in its final rule which published in the Federal 
Register at 78 FR 61113 on October 2, 2013, concerning contract 
consolidation and bundling.
    SBA's final rule implements the statutory requirements related to 
bundling and consolidation as set forth in sections 1312 and 1313 of 
the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-240), as well as 
section 1671 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2013 (Pub. L. 112-239). Eight respondents submitted comments on the FAR 
proposed rule.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition 
Regulations Council (the Councils) reviewed the comments in the 
development of the final rule. A discussion of the comments and the 
changes made to the rule as a result of those comments are provided as 
follows:

A. Summary of Significant Changes

    This final rule makes the following significant changes from the 
proposed rule:
     FAR 2.101--Amends the definition of ``Small Business 
Teaming Arrangement'' to note the differences applicable to DoD because 
of the DoD Pilot Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program. A similar change 
is made at FAR 52.207-6.
     FAR 7.104(d)--Amends the conditions under which the small 
business specialist must notify the agency Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization or the Office of Small Business 
Programs to be consistent with 13 CFR 125.2(c)(4)(ii).
     FAR 7.105(b)(1)(iv)--The second sentence no longer 
mentions consolidation since SBA's implementing rule does not require 
the identification of incumbent contractors and contracts affected by 
the consolidation.
     FAR 7.107-1(b)--Adds an exception for acquisitions from a 
mandatory source to the requirements at FAR 7.107 for acquisitions 
involving consolidation, bundling, or substantial bundling.
     FAR 7.107-1--The coverage formerly at FAR 7.107-1 on 
necessary and justified bundling for consolidation and bundling has 
been separated and moved to 7.107-2 and 7.107-3, due to differences in 
the statutory and regulatory requirements.
     FAR 7.107-2(e)--Provides procedures for consolidation 
corresponding to those for bundling at FAR 7.107-3(c) (now at 7.107-
3(f)), to address the determination that consolidation is necessary and 
justified when the expected benefits do not meet the quantifiable 
dollar thresholds for a substantial benefit but are critical to the 
agency's mission success.
     FAR 7.107-5(c)--Removes the phrase ``(even if additional 
requirements have been added or some have been deleted)'' and adds a 
subparagraph (4) which requires that the notice to SBA include a list 
of requirements that have been added or deleted for the follow-on 
bundled or consolidated procurement. The changes will facilitate a more 
accurate comparison of savings and benefits from the prior procurement.
     FAR 15.304(c)(3) and (4)--Excludes solicitations that are 
set aside for small business from the requirements relating to small 
business subcontracting-related evaluation factors for solicitations 
involving consolidation.

B. Analysis of Public Comments

1. General
a. Support for the Rule
    Comment: One respondent expressed general support for the rule and 
that the proposed changes are positive which will provide much needed 
transparency and ensure that unnecessary and unjustified bundling do 
not become the contracting standard.
    Response: Noted.
b. Experiences With Consolidation
    Comment: Two respondents commented on their experience with 
consolidation and/or bundling; the adverse impact on small businesses' 
ability to compete in this environment; and expressed, had this rule 
been in effect, their experience very likely could have been different.
    Response: Noted.
c. Need for Table of Thresholds
    Comment: One respondent requested that a table of dollar thresholds 
may be useful to clarify the differences between consolidation and 
bundling.
    Response: With regard to the use of a table to clarify the 
differing dollar thresholds associated with these terms, the preferred 
approach is to provide the guidance for processing a consolidated or 
bundled requirement in the area of the FAR where the respective subject 
matter is addressed. For example, the dollar threshold for triggering 
the Senior Procurement Executive's or Chief Acquisition Officer's 
determination of necessary and justified consolidation is discussed in 
the area of the FAR, 7.107-2, which addresses consolidation. Similarly, 
the dollar thresholds for substantial bundling and the attendant 
requirements for processing these acquisitions are provided at FAR 
7.107-4. The FAR is arranged in this manner to allow contracting 
officers to quickly turn to the area of the FAR where the requisite 
guidance needed for their given situation is provided.

[[Page 67764]]

d. Mixing of Consolidation and Bundling
    Comment: Three respondents commented that the rule appeared to 
incorrectly or unnecessarily use the terms consolidation and bundling 
synonymously, by applying the same requirements to both. The 
respondents identified the following areas in the rule where they 
believed that this occurred:
    [cir] FAR 7.103(u)(2). This paragraph currently urges acquisition 
planners to avoid unnecessary and unjustified bundling that precludes 
participation of small business as prime contractors. The rule proposes 
that planners also avoid unnecessary and unjustified consolidation. One 
respondent believes that a consolidation that precludes participation 
of small business as the prime would automatically be bundling and as 
such, the rule is proposing an unnecessary change.
    [cir] FAR 7.104(d). This paragraph currently requires coordination 
with the small business specialist when an acquisition meets the dollar 
thresholds for substantial bundling, unless the acquisition is set 
aside for small business. The small business specialist is required to 
notify the agency's small business office (e.g., Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization) when the acquisition involves 
unjustified or unnecessary bundling or is not identified as bundling. 
The rule proposes to also require notification when the acquisition 
involves unjustified or unnecessary consolidation or is not identified 
as consolidation. It was pointed out that the coordination exemption 
for set-asides conflicts with the proposed notification requirement in 
cases where consolidation results in a small business set-aside because 
the small business specialist would not be coordinated with in such 
cases so they would not be able to provide the notification.
    [cir] FAR 7.105(b)(1)(iv). The rule proposes to require that for 
consolidated contract requirements, the acquisition plan identify the 
incumbent contractors and contracts affected by the consolidation. The 
FAR currently only requires this for bundled contract requirements. One 
respondent stated the proposed additional burden could result in 
listing thousands of contracts for a strategic sourcing acquisition and 
that there is no statutory requirement for said identification.
    [cir] FAR 7.107-1. This subsection provides guidance on how 
consolidation and bundling could be determined necessary and justified. 
One respondent asked why the same requirements have to be met for both 
consolidation and bundling.
    [cir] FAR 7.107-2(a). One respondent asked why there is a 
requirement for coordination with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged 
Business Utilization (OSDBU) and/or a negative impact analysis on small 
businesses for consolidation if the consolidation results in a small 
business set-aside. The respondent believes that if the acquisition is 
not set aside then it would automatically be bundling and that bundling 
has the same justification process as consolidation.
    [cir] FAR 7.107-5. One respondent pointed out that this subsection 
starts out talking about bundling then in paragraph (c) mixes in 
consolidated requirements, which the respondent believes is mixing two 
completely different situations that are not synonymous.
    [cir] FAR 15.304(c). The rule proposes to require that there be 
evaluation factors related to a small business subcontracting plan for 
consolidated requirements. Currently, the FAR only requires this for 
bundling. Two respondents pointed out that if a consolidated 
requirement is set aside for small business, a small business 
subcontracting plan would not be required.
    [cir] FAR 19.202-1. One respondent asked why the rule is proposing 
to apply the requirement for 30-day notification to incumbent small 
businesses for consolidated requirements. The respondent also stated 
that paragraph (e)(2)(v) is confusing because the requirements of that 
paragraph would not apply if consolidation results in a small business 
set-aside.
    Response: The Councils reviewed the areas of the rule identified by 
the respondents to ensure that the appropriate requirements were being 
applied to consolidation. The final rule has been revised at--
     FAR 7.104(d) to remove ``consolidation'' in several places 
from the conditions under which the small business specialist must 
notify the agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business 
Utilization or the Office of Small Business Programs to be consistent 
with 13 CFR 125.2(c)(4)(ii); and
     FAR 7.105(b)(1)(iv) to no longer mention consolidation in 
the second sentence, since sections 1312 and 1313 of the Small Business 
Jobs Act and SBA's implementing regulations at 13 CFR 125.2 do not 
require the small business identification of incumbent contractors for 
consolidated requirements.
    The final rule has also been revised at FAR 15.304(c) to clarify 
that consolidated requirements which are set aside for small business 
will not be required to use the small business subcontracting-related 
evaluation factors. While SBA's regulations at 13 CFR 125.2(d)(4) 
require small business subcontracting plan-related evaluation factors 
be used for all consolidated acquisitions, implementing this 
requirement in the FAR would be problematic. Because FAR 15.305(a)(5) 
requires that small business offerors get the highest rating for these 
factors, every offeror would receive the same rating for such factors 
in the scenario where a consolidated acquisition is set aside for small 
business, which would make use of such evaluation factors conflict with 
FAR 15.304(b)(2), which requires that evaluation factors support 
meaningful comparison and discrimination between and among competing 
proposals.
    The final rule retains the proposed changes (with some further 
edits) to FAR 7.103(u)(2), 7.104(d), 7.107-1, 7.107-2, 7.107-5, and 
19.202-1 as those changes are consistent with sections 1312 and 1313 of 
the Small Business Jobs Act and SBA's implementing regulations at 13 
CFR 125.2. The Councils note that the rule does not have a requirement 
for a 30-day notification to incumbent small business contractors for 
consolidated requirements, as one respondent stated, nor does the rule 
automatically define a consolidated requirement that is not set aside 
for small business as bundling.
2. Applicability
a. AbilityOne
    Comment: One respondent asked whether the requirements for 
consolidation are necessary for acquisition of services from the 
Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People 
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (also known as the AbilityOne 
Commission), which is considered a mandatory source in accordance with 
FAR 8.002. The respondent requested the rule clarify how the mandatory 
sources relate to the consolidation requirements at FAR 7.107-2.
    Response: For requirements that are on the Procurement List, the 
required source(s) to fulfill that work are already designated by the 
U.S. AbilityOne Commission. There would be no potential impact on small 
business participation or even on AbilityOne nonprofit agency 
participation if multiple Procurement List requirements are 
consolidated, because the sources will remain the same in accordance

[[Page 67765]]

with those listed on the Procurement List. For that reason, it would 
not be necessary to engage in the market research or analysis required 
in FAR 7.107-1 and 7.107-2 if the potential consolidation only involves 
required sources of supply and services such as requirements on the 
Procurement List.
    This same rationale applies to acquisitions from other mandatory 
sources. Therefore, the final rule has been revised at 7.107-1 to 
clarify that the consolidation and bundling requirements at 7.107 do 
not apply to acquisitions for which there are mandatory sources 
pursuant to FAR 8.002, ``Priorities for use of mandatory Government 
sources,'' or FAR 8.003, ``Use of other mandatory sources.'' The 
purpose of section 1313 of the Small Business Jobs Act was to limit the 
use of contract consolidation because of the anticipated negative 
impact of such an acquisition strategy on small business. However, 
requirements for which there is a mandatory source are not available to 
small business and as such, consolidation would result in no impact to 
small business, negative or positive. Further, neither 41 U.S.C. 8504 
(the statutory authority behind the AbilityOne Program) nor 18 U.S.C. 
4124(a) (another mandatory source--Federal Prison Industries) requires 
consolidation analyses for acquisitions done under their programs. 
Since application of the consolidation requirements would only create 
burden for the acquisition process and no benefit to small business, 
the Councils have determined, as a way of harmonizing different 
statutes, to exempt those consolidated contracts that can be met 
through one of the mandatory sources identified in FAR 8.002 or 8.003.
b. Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
    Comment: One respondent recommended changes to multiple parts of 
the FAR in order to apply the bundling and consolidation analysis 
requirements to BPAs, especially Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) BPAs. 
The recommendation was based on the respondent's assumption that the 
Councils did not intend to exclude BPAs from bundling or consolidation 
analysis. The respondent requested that if the recommended changes were 
not made, that the final rule should address the applicability of 
bundling and consolidation requirements to BPAs.
    Response: The statutory definition of ``bundling of contract 
requirements'' at paragraph (o) of 15 U.S.C. 632, Definitions, and of 
``consolidation of contract requirements'' at 15 U.S.C. 657q, 
Consolidation of contract requirements, and SBA's implementing 
regulations at 13 CFR 125.1(c) and (e), only mention ``contract'' in 
terms of bundling and consolidation. BPAs are not contracts and 
therefore neither statute nor the implementing regulations apply the 
consolidation and bundling analysis requirements to them; however, 
orders under BPAs are treated as contracts in SBA's regulations at 13 
CFR 125.1(d). The FAR definitions of ``consolidation'' and ``bundling'' 
apply to task or delivery orders, including those issued under BPAs.
c. 8(a)
    Comment: One respondent requested that the requirement for a 
consolidation determination and findings (D&F) be waived for 
consolidation affecting or relating to sole source awards under the 
8(a) program, due to concerns over potentially longer procurement lead 
times. Moreover, the respondent suggested that the requirement for a 
consolidation D&F contradicts FAR 6.302-5(b)(4) and the intent of 
paragraph 8(a) of the Small Business Act.
    Response: Neither the statute nor SBA's final rule waived or 
exempted consolidations under or relating to the 8(a) Program; 
therefore, the new requirement is, in fact, applicable to all 
consolidations with an estimated total dollar value exceeding $2 
million, even those where the new consolidated award will be made via 
sole source contract under the 8(a) Program.
3. Definitions
a. ``Acquisition Planning Team'' and ``Planner''
    Comment: One respondent requested definitions of ``acquisition 
planning team'' and ``planner,'' in relation to the requirement at FAR 
7.104 that small business is to be a discipline that is represented on 
the acquisition planning team.
    Response: These are not new terms introduced to the FAR by this 
rule. ``Planner'' is currently defined at FAR 7.101 to mean the 
designated person or the office responsible for developing and 
maintaining a written plan, or for the planning function in those 
acquisitions not requiring a written plan.
    ``Acquisition planning'' is defined in FAR 2.101. FAR 7.104 
addresses the composition of the acquisition planning team, i.e., the 
planner shall form a team consisting of all those who will be 
responsible for significant aspects of the acquisition, such as 
contracting, fiscal, legal, and technical personnel. This rule adds 
small business personnel to this list of functional experts that 
comprise the acquisition planning team.
b. ``Bundling'' and ``Consolidation''
    Comment: One respondent finds the definitions of ``bundling'' and 
``consolidation'' useful to clearly set forth the requirements.
    Response: Noted.
    Comment: One respondent was concerned whether the statement in the 
definition of ``bundling or bundled contract'' that ``this definition 
does not apply to contracts that will be awarded and performed entirely 
outside the United States'' was intended to limit the applicability of 
the rule based on where the contract will be awarded and performed. The 
respondent further noted a potential inconsistency between that 
statement and the statement in the SBA regulations at 13 CFR 125.2(c) 
that the Small Business Act requires each Federal agency to foster the 
participation of small business concerns as prime contractors and 
subcontractors in the contracting opportunities of the Government, 
regardless of the place of performance of the contract. According to 
the respondent, the Court of Federal Claims has concluded that SBA's 
implementation of a provision of the Small Business Act via regulation 
must be viewed as controlling where there is an inconsistent FAR rule 
(C&G Excavating. Inc. v. U.S., 32 Fed. Cl. 231 (Fed. Cl. 1994).
    Response: This issue will be considered under FAR case 2016-002, 
Applicability of Small Business Regulations Outside the United States.
4. Acquisition Planning (FAR 7.104 and 7.105)
    Comment: With regard to the clarification at FAR 7.104(a) that 
small business is to be a discipline that is represented in the 
acquisition planning team, one respondent stated that SBA will be 
working with at least a DD Form 2579 on most actions, so depending on 
the dollar amount is that sufficient? The respondent questioned the 
formality of the SBA involvement.
    Response: The small business specialist on the acquisition planning 
team will probably be a representative of the agency small business 
office, not the SBA. The SBA will be working with, at a minimum, a DoD 
Form 2579, Small Business Coordination Record, or equivalent when 
reviewing acquisitions for consolidation or bundling. Currently, SBA's 
regulations at 13 CFR 125.2(c)(1)(v) require that an agency must notify 
the SBA within 30 days prior to the issuance of a solicitation for a 
bundled or consolidated contract and also requires that the DoD Form 
2579 or

[[Page 67766]]

equivalent must be sent to the SBA procurement center representative.
    The formality of SBA's involvement is expanded upon by FAR 19.202-
1(e)(1)(iii), which further requires agencies to provide a copy of the 
acquisition package to the SBA procurement center representation if the 
proposed requirement is for a bundled requirement. This acquisition 
package includes ``all information relative to the justification of 
contract bundling, including the acquisition plan or strategy.'' This 
rule also requires this information for consolidation. If the 
acquisition involves substantial bundling, the agency must provide the 
requirements listed at FAR 7.107(e), moved in the final rule to 7.107-
4.
    Comment: One respondent commented that the thresholds proposed in 
FAR 7.104(d) for consultation with the cognizant small business 
specialist should be compared to current FAR or Defense Federal 
Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) thresholds for such review. 
The respondent was concerned that these thresholds would likely result 
in a much larger workload that should be coordinated with SBA.
    Response: The requirements to coordinate with the small business 
specialist when a requirement meets the threshold for substantial 
bundling already exist in the current FAR at 7.104(d)(1). The 
thresholds currently listed in FAR 7.104(d)(2)(i) still exist and are 
the thresholds used to differentiate ``bundling'' from ``substantial 
bundling''. However, FAR 7.104 is being amended to remove the 
substantial bundling thresholds, which will be relocated in a new 
section, FAR 7.107-4 for clarity and consistency purposes. Therefore, 
there is no increase in workload for the small business specialists due 
to the threshold.
    Comment: One respondent stated that most FAR/DFARS language speaks 
to acquisition planning and not strategies.
    Response: Acquisition strategies are heavily considered in both the 
FAR and DFARS. As stated in the acquisition planning definition at FAR 
2.101, acquisition planning includes developing the overall strategy 
for managing the acquisition. FAR 7.107-3(f)(2) in the final rule 
(formerly FAR 7.107(c)(2)) indicates that the acquisition strategy must 
provide for maximum practicable participation by small business 
concerns. FAR 7.107-4(b) in the final rule (formerly FAR 7.107(e)) goes 
further and describes additional elements for the acquisition strategy 
when there is substantial bundling.
5. Additional Requirements--Consolidation, Bundling, or Substantial 
Bundling (FAR 7.107)
a. General Requirements (FAR 7.107-1)
    Comment: One respondent acknowledged numerous benefits to the rule 
and how it will standardize the management of requirements bundling 
across Government agencies. This standardized approach was noted to 
provide more visibility into Government contracting. The respondent 
additionally lauded FAR 7.107-1(b) for its identification of the 
possible benefits that may be attained from bundling or consolidation 
such as cost savings; price-reduction; quality improvements, etc. 
Furthermore, the respondent supported the thresholds in the rule for 
the Government to use to substantiate the benefits of bundling or 
consolidation including the threshold in FAR 7.107-1(e) requiring cost 
savings based on administrative or personnel costs must be at least 10 
percent to prevent potential misleading justifications about 
administrative costs.
    Response: Noted.
    Comment: One respondent commented on the appropriateness of the 
Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) or Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO) 
making the determination of cost savings of consolidated requirements. 
Of particular concern, the respondent felt the determination should be 
the responsibility of the customer/requirements owner.
    Response: Generally, FAR determinations that pertain to the 
acquisition process are made by acquisition professionals (e.g., CAO, 
SPE, contracting officer, etc.). Paragraph (c)(2)(B) of 15 U.S.C. 657q, 
Consolidation of contract requirements, requires the determination of 
cost savings under a consolidated requirement be made by the SPE or 
CAO. The language used in the rule provides flexibility as to who would 
actually write or provide any supporting document as the SPE or CAO are 
only required to make the determination.
    Comment: One respondent commented that Government agencies are 
required to meet 10 percent savings requirement for consolidation, even 
though they are potentially still setting aside for small businesses. 
If they cannot meet that savings objective then they cannot consolidate 
requirements and therefore cannot save the taxpayer money. This 
requirement will also cause the Government to expand its needed 
resources in order to ensure enough personnel to provide proper 
oversight of multiple orders.
    Response: The Councils reviewed the comment and have included in 
FAR 7.107-2(e) the similar authority contained in the final rule for 
FAR 7.107-3(f), which allows specific senior officials under certain 
circumstances to determine that consolidation is necessary and 
justified, even though expected benefits do not meet the quantifiable 
dollar thresholds for a substantial benefit. Section 1313 provides that 
a SPE or CAO may determine that an acquisition strategy involving 
consolidation is necessary and justified if the benefits of the 
acquisition strategy substantially exceed the benefits of each of the 
possible alternative contracting approaches identified that would 
involve a lesser degree of consolidation. In the preamble to the SBA 
final rule, SBA indicated (published in the Federal Register at 78 FR 
61120) that since the Small Business Jobs Act does not define the terms 
``substantially exceed'' or ``benefits'' for contractual consolidation, 
SBA used the definitions for those terms currently set forth in the 
bundling regulations in 13 CFR 125. Therefore, it is reasonable, in 
implementation of these thresholds in the FAR, to provide the same 
procedures set forth at 13 CFR 125.2(d)(2)(iii) with regard to the 
authority to make a determination that consolidation is necessary and 
justified even though the benefits do not meet the thresholds for 
substantial benefits, but in the aggregate are critical to the agency's 
mission success.
b. Consolidation (FAR 7.107-2)
    Comment: One respondent discussed the consolidation of contract 
requirements specified at FAR 7.107-2 and expressed that the $2 million 
dollar threshold which would require a justification is adequate, 
without being overly burdensome. Additionally, the respondent commented 
that the review process and the impact analysis on small businesses 
when contract consolidation is being contemplated are preventive 
measures to ensure consolidation is justified.
    Response: Noted.
c. Bundling (FAR 7.107-3)
    Comment: One respondent recommended additional guidance to be 
provided to clarify the term ``measurably substantial'' when agencies 
are quantifying specific benefits to be achieved from bundling. FAR 
7.107-3(b) requires an agency to quantify the specific benefits 
identified through market research and other techniques to explain how 
their impact would be measurably substantial (see 10.001(a)(2)(iv) and 
(a)(3)(vii)).

[[Page 67767]]

    The respondent is also concerned that after market analysis and 
cost analysis is complete, if the benefits do not meet the thresholds 
for a substantial benefit, the military service acquisition executive, 
Deputy Secretary, or equivalent position may still determine that 
bundling is necessary and justified. The respondent is concerned that 
this section could convert itself to a catch-all for any acquisition 
that does not meet the requirements but the Agency still feels 
compelled to bundle.
    Response: The SBA regulations at 13 CFR 125.2(d)(2)(ii) require the 
benefits to be measurably substantial in order for the bundling to be 
necessary and justified. This requirement is implemented at FAR 7.107-
3(a).
    Benefits of bundling are measurably substantial if individually, in 
combination, or in the aggregate the anticipated financial benefits are 
equivalent to--
    (1) Ten percent of the estimated contract or order value (including 
options) if the value is $94 million or less; or
    (2) Five percent of the estimated contract or order value 
(including options) or $9.4 million, whichever is greater, if the value 
exceeds $94 million.
    The final rule now incorporates at FAR 7.107-3(d) the discussion of 
substantial benefits that was located at FAR 7.107-1(d). The benefits 
are measurably substantial when the agency can quantify the specific 
benefits identified through the use of market research and other 
techniques.
    If the thresholds are not met, FAR 7.107-3(f) requires a high level 
determination, without power of delegation, that the expected benefits 
are critical for the agency's mission success, and that the acquisition 
strategy provides for maximum practicable participation by small 
business concerns. These protections are sufficient to ensure that 
agencies are not able to use this exception as a catch-all for 
acquisitions that do not meet the requirements.
d. Substantial Bundling (FAR 7.107-4)
    Comment: One respondent found the separate definition and 
discussion on substantial bundling at FAR 7.107-4 to be helpful as it 
sets forth and distinguishes the requirements of substantial bundling 
from consolidation and bundling (FAR 7.107-2 and 7.107-3, 
respectively). The respondent further commented that the documentation 
requirements of specific benefits to be derived from substantial 
bundling are a positive protection for small businesses.
    Response: Noted.
6. Notification (FAR 7.107-5)
a. Notification to Small Businesses
    Comment: Two respondents commented on the requirements at FAR 
7.107-5(a) to notify each small business performing a contract that it 
intends to bundle the requirement with one or more other requirements 
at least 30 days prior to the issuance of the solicitation for the 
bundled requirement. Both respondents considered that the 30 day time 
period was insufficient. One respondent stated that the Government must 
know this far in advance of 30 days. The other respondent noted that 30 
days does not provide adequate time for the small business to 
coordinate with the designated SBA Procurement Center representative or 
designated contact. The respondent suggested at least 45 calendar days.
    One respondent asked what the documentation requirements are for 
this in the contract file.
    Response: This final rule implements the SBA regulations (see 13 
CFR 125.2(d)(5)), which specify a time period of least 30 days prior to 
the issuance of the solicitation. Those regulations and FAR 7.107-
5(a)(3) require documentation of the notification in the contract file. 
The contracting officer has discretion on how best to document the 
contract file.
b. Notification to the Public
    Two respondents commented on the requirement at FAR 7.107-5(b) that 
the agency notify the public of the rationale for a bundled 
requirement, via the agency's Web site.
    Comment: One respondent asked whether this reporting duty can be 
delegated to the chief acquisition executive/senior procurement 
executive or head of the contracting activity.
    Response: The statute requires the head of the agency to post this 
information to the agency Web site, but does not prohibit redelegation. 
FAR 1.108(b) states that each authority is delegable unless 
specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the actual posting can be 
delegated to an appropriate level within the agency.
    Comment: Another respondent supported the proposed amendments to 
require publication on the Web site but noted that the requirement was 
only mandatory for any bundled requirements for which the agency has 
solicited offers or issued an award, whereas the agency is only 
encouraged to provide notification to FedBizOpps before the issuance of 
the solicitation. The respondent recommended that this presolicitation 
notification to the public should be mandatory.
    Response: This FAR rule is implementing the SBA regulations at 13 
CFR 125.2(d)(6) and the statute, which mandate publication of bundled 
requirements on agency Web sites on an annual basis. The SBA 
regulations only encourage providing such notification before issuance 
of the solicitation, and do not specify FedBizOpps or any particular 
Web site as the location of such posting.
c. Notification to SBA
    Comment: One respondent commented that the requirement to notify 
SBA of each follow-on bundled or consolidated contract will provide 
more complete data regarding whether consolidation or bundling actually 
was a positive outcome for the agency. According to the respondent, 
including the historical data of the amount of savings and benefits 
that resulted from the consolidation or bundling and then comparing it 
to whether such benefits will continue in a follow-on contract will 
provide an excellent opportunity for analysis.
    Response: Noted.
7. Provision (FAR 52.207-6)
    Comment: One respondent requested information on the provision in 
the proposed rule to be included in each solicitation for any multiple-
award contract above the substantial bundling threshold. The respondent 
had concerns that this rule appeared to indicate that the normal 
requirement is to set up multiple-award contracts only for large 
business and overlooks the process for set-aside contracts. This 
respondent suggested that the provision should provide for a higher 
evaluation of a large business teaming with a small business, or if it 
has a substantial small business subcontracting plan.
    Response: The provision at FAR 52.207-6 is required by section 
1312(a) of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the SBA regulations. 
The statute requires ``a provision soliciting bids from any responsible 
source, including responsible small business concerns and teams or 
joint ventures of small business concerns.''

C. Other Changes

    At FAR 2.101 and in the clause at 52.207-6, the definition of 
``Small Business Teaming Arrangement'' has been amended to add a 
subparagraph in paragraph (2) to explain that for DoD, a Small Business 
Teaming Arrangement may include two business concerns in a mentor-
prot[eacute]g[eacute] relationship in the Department of Defense Pilot 
Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program (see section 831 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for

[[Page 67768]]

Fiscal Year 1991 (Pub. L. 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2302 note) only so long as 
both the mentor and the prot[eacute]g[eacute] are small. There is no 
exception to joint venture size affiliation for offers received from 
Small Business Teaming Arrangements under the Department of Defense 
Pilot Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program. In addition, a 
clarification is added in paragraph (3) of the definition, that this 
exception to affiliation applies in the case of a solicitation of 
offers for a bundled contract with a reserve (as stated at 13 CFR 
121.103(b)(9)).
    The definition of ``Bundling'' at FAR 2.101 has been amended for 
clarity and to remove the proposed reference to the description of 
substantial bundling in part 7. The definition of ``Consolidation'' has 
been amended to remove redundant terms. The phrase ``contract 
requirements'' is removed for clarity wherever it is associated with 
bundling and consolidation in the final rule, since bundling and 
consolidation apply to orders as well as contracts.
    For consistency, the final rule amends the text at FAR 5.205(g) to 
reflect the specific text at FAR 7.107-5(b)(2), instead of 
paraphrasing.
    The final rule contains a minor editorial correction to the cross-
reference at FAR 7.107-3(b).
    At FAR 7.107-3(f), the identification of officials authorized to 
make the determination in the Department of Defense that bundling is 
necessary and justified, even if the anticipated savings do not meet 
the specified thresholds, has been amended to more closely reflect the 
SBA regulation at 13 CFR 125.2(d)(2)(iii).
    At FAR 7.107-4(a)(1), the final rule adds language which conforms 
to other proposed changes for subpart 7.1, which consists of spelling 
out ``task order or delivery order'' whenever talking about 
requirements associated with bundling or consolidation. The use of this 
distinct terminology is due to FAR subpart 7.1 already having a 
definition for ``order'' which does not accurately describe the orders 
to which bundling and consolidation requirements apply. Consequently, 
because there is no conflicting definition of ``order'' in FAR subparts 
8.4 or 16.5, the final rule has been amended to remove the proposed use 
of the distinct terminology in those subparts.
    The final rule contains a number of editorial changes such as the 
addition of cross-references in FAR 7.107-2, 7.107-3, and 7.107-6, 
removal of redundant text in 7.107-5(a), and the deletion of 
``significant'' from 19.201(c)(5)(i) as there is no definition for 
``significant bundling''.

III. Applicability to Commercial Items, Including Commercially 
Available Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Items

    This rule creates provision FAR 52.207-6, Solicitation of Offers 
from Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or 
Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts), in order to implement 
paragraph (a) of section 1312 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. 
This paragraph concerns 15 U.S.C. 644, Awards or Contracts, and 
therefore applies as a matter of law to COTS items. The Federal 
Acquisition Regulatory Council, pursuant to the authority granted in 41 
U.S.C. 1906, List of laws inapplicable to procurements of commercial 
items, and the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, pursuant 
to the authority granted in 41 U.S.C. 1907, List of laws inapplicable 
to procurements of commercially available off-the-shelf items, have 
determined that it would not be in the best interest of the Federal 
Government to exempt solicitations for the acquisition of commercial 
items from the applicability of paragraph (a) of section 1312, entitled 
``Leadership and Oversight,'' of the Small Business Jobs Act, or to 
exempt solicitations for the acquisition of commercial items or for 
COTS from the applicability of paragraph (a) of section 1313, entitled 
``Consolidation of Contract Requirements''. The FAR provision 52.207-6, 
Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business 
Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts), has 
been written so that the application of the provision is carefully 
tailored, consistent with the statute. The provision is a notice to 
offerors that imposes no burdens, but simply encourages small business 
concerns and small business teaming arrangements or joint ventures of 
small business concerns to submit offers on multiple-award contracts 
above the substantial bundling threshold of the Federal agency. 
Therefore, the potential benefits to small business entities outweigh 
any potential drawback of application to acquisitions of commercial 
items.
    The consolidation requirements of section 1313 should apply to all 
contracts and subcontracts above the threshold(s) specified in the 
statute, including contracts and subcontracts for the acquisition of 
commercial items and COTS. The statute requires agencies to ensure 
increased consideration of small businesses in connection with the 
establishment of multiple award contracts and acquisitions that 
consolidate contracts. Not applying these requirements to the maximum 
extent possible would exclude a significant number of acquisitions 
which would not help to protect the interests of small businesses and 
boost their opportunities in the Federal marketplace. Not applying the 
consolidation requirements to the acquisition of commercial items or 
COTS would limit the full implementation of the Small Business Jobs Act 
of 2010. For all of these reasons, it is in the best interest of the 
Federal Government to apply the consolidation requirements to all 
contracts and subcontracts above the threshold(s) specified in the 
statute.

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 a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was subject to 
review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and 
Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 
U.S.C. 804.

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD, GSA, and NASA have 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 final rule amends the FAR to provide uniform guidance on 
consolidation and bundling consistent with SBA's final rule which 
was published in the Federal Register at 78 FR 61113 on October 2, 
2013, which implements Sections 1312 and 1313 of the Small Business 
Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-240) and section 1671 of Pub. L. 112-
239.
    The rule requires the head of the agency to publish on the 
agency Web site a list and rationale for bundled contracts; requires 
solicitation for multiple-award contracts above the substantial 
bundling threshold to include a provision soliciting bids from any 
responsible source; requires agencies to publish bundling policy on 
agency Web site; provides for a definition of ``consolidation;'' 
and, prohibits an agency from carrying out consolidation of 
requirements over $2 million until certain actions are taken.
    The objective of this rule is to alleviate the adverse effects 
of contract bundling and consolidation on small business concerns 
competing for Federal contracts. This rule

[[Page 67769]]

provides a balance between the benefits of bundling and 
consolidation and the obstacles they create for small businesses.
    There were no significant issues raised by the public in 
response to the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis provided in 
the proposed rule.
    This rule may have a positive economic impact on any small 
business entity that wishes to participate in the Federal 
procurement arena. Analysis of the SAM database indicates there are 
currently approximately 307,846 small business registrants that can 
potentially benefit from the implementation of this rule. This rule 
does not impose any new reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance 
requirements.

    Interested parties may obtain a copy of the FRFA from the 
Regulatory Secretariat. The Regulatory Secretariat has submitted a copy 
of the FRFA to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act

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

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, 
and 52

    Government procurement.

    Dated: September 19, 2016.
William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.

    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 
12, 15, 16, 19, and 52 as set forth below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 
19, and 52 continues to read as follows:

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

PART 2--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS

0
2. Amend section 2.101, in paragraph (b)(2) by--
0
a. Removing the definition ``Bundled contract'';
0
b. Revising the definition ``Bundling''; and
0
c. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``Consolidation, or 
consolidated requirement'' and ``Small Business Teaming Arrangement''.
    The revision and additions read as follows:


2.101   Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    Bundling--
    (1) Means a subset of consolidation that combines two or more 
requirements for supplies or services, previously provided or performed 
under separate smaller contracts (see paragraph (2) of this 
definition), into a solicitation for a single contract, a multiple-
award contract, or a task or delivery order that is likely to be 
unsuitable for award to a small business concern (even if it is 
suitable for award to a small business with a Small Business Teaming 
Arrangement) due to--
    (i) The diversity, size, or specialized nature of the elements of 
the performance specified;
    (ii) The aggregate dollar value of the anticipated award;
    (iii) The geographical dispersion of the contract performance 
sites; or
    (iv) Any combination of the factors described in paragraphs (1)(i), 
(ii), and (iii) of this definition.
    (2) ``Separate smaller contract'' as used in this definition, means 
a contract that has been performed by one or more small business 
concerns or that was suitable for award to one or more small business 
concerns.
    (3) This definition does not apply to a contract that will be 
awarded and performed entirely outside of the United States.
* * * * *
    Consolidation or consolidated requirement--
    (1) Means a solicitation for a single contract, a multiple-award 
contract, a task order, or a delivery order to satisfy--
    (i) Two or more requirements of the Federal agency for supplies or 
services that have been provided to or performed for the Federal agency 
under two or more separate contracts, each of which was lower in cost 
than the total cost of the contract for which offers are solicited; or
    (ii) Requirements of the Federal agency for construction projects 
to be performed at two or more discrete sites.
    (2) Separate contract as used in this definition, means a contract 
that has been performed by any business, including small and other than 
small business concerns.
* * * * *
    Small Business Teaming Arrangement--
    (1) Means an arrangement where--
    (i) Two or more small business concerns have formed a joint 
venture; or
    (ii) A small business offeror agrees with one or more other small 
business concerns to have them act as its subcontractors under a 
specified Government contract. A Small Business Teaming Arrangement 
between the offeror and its small business subcontractor(s) exists 
through a written agreement between the parties that--
    (A) Is specifically referred to as a ``Small Business Teaming 
Arrangement''; and
    (B) Sets forth the different responsibilities, roles, and 
percentages (or other allocations) of work as it relates to the 
acquisition;
    (2)(i) For civilian agencies, may include two business concerns in 
a mentor-prot[eacute]g[eacute] relationship when both the mentor and 
the prot[eacute]g[eacute] are small or the prot[eacute]g[eacute] is 
small and the concerns have received an exception to affiliation 
pursuant to 13 CFR 121.103(h)(3)(ii) or (iii).
    (ii) For DoD, may include two business concerns in a mentor-
prot[eacute]g[eacute] relationship in the Department of Defense Pilot 
Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program (see section 831 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (Pub. L. 101-510; 10 
U.S.C. 2302 note)) when both the mentor and the prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
are small. There is no exception to joint venture size affiliation for 
offers received from teaming arrangements under the Department of 
Defense Pilot Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program; and
    (3) See 13 CFR 121.103(b)(9) regarding the exception to affiliation 
for offers received from Small Business Teaming Arrangements in the 
case of a solicitation of offers for a bundled contract with a reserve.
* * * * *

PART 5--PUBLICIZING CONTRACT ACTIONS

0
3. Amend section 5.205 by adding paragraph (g) to read as follows.


5.205  Special situations.

* * * * *
    (g) Notification to the public of rationale for bundled 
requirement. The agency is encouraged to provide notification of the 
rationale for any bundled requirement to the GPE before issuing the 
solicitation of any bundled requirement (see 7.107-5(b)(2)).

PART 7--ACQUISITION PLANNING

0
4. Amend section 7.103 by revising paragraph (u)(2) to read as follows:


7.103  Agency-head responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (u) * * *
    (2) Avoid unnecessary and unjustified consolidation or bundling 
(see 7.107) (15 U.S.C. 631(j) and 15 U.S.C. 657q).
* * * * *

0
5. Amend section 7.104 by removing from paragraph (a) ``contracting,'' 
and

[[Page 67770]]

adding ``contracting, small business,'' in its place; and revising 
paragraph (d) to read as follows:


7.104  General procedures.

* * * * *
    (d) The planner shall coordinate the acquisition plan or strategy 
with the cognizant small business specialist when the strategy 
contemplates an acquisition meeting the thresholds in 7.107-4 for 
substantial bundling unless the contract or task order or delivery 
order is entirely reserved or set-aside for small business under part 
19. The small business specialist shall notify the agency Office of 
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization or the Office of Small 
Business Programs if the strategy involves--
    (1) Bundling that is unnecessary or unjustified; or
    (2) Bundled or consolidated requirements not identified as such by 
the agency (see 7.107).
* * * * *

0
6. Amend section 7.105 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:


7.105  Contents of written acquisition plans.

* * * * *
    (b) Plan of action--(1) Sources. (i) Indicate the prospective 
sources of supplies or services that can meet the need.
    (ii) Consider required sources of supplies or services (see part 8) 
and sources identifiable through databases including the Governmentwide 
database of contracts and other procurement instruments intended for 
use by multiple agencies available at https://www.contractdirectory.gov/contractdirectory/.
    (iii) Include consideration of small business, veteran-owned small 
business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small 
business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business 
concerns (see part 19).
    (iv) Consider the impact of any consolidation or bundling that 
might affect participation of small businesses in the acquisition (see 
7.107) (15 U.S.C. 644(e) and 15 U.S.C. 657q). When the proposed 
acquisition strategy involves bundling, identify the incumbent 
contractors and contracts affected by the bundling.
    (v) Address the extent and results of the market research and 
indicate their impact on the various elements of the plan (see part 
10).
* * * * *

0
7. Revise section 7.107 to read as follows:


7.107  Additional requirements for acquisitions involving 
consolidation, bundling, or substantial bundling.

0
8. Add sections 7.107-1 through 7.107-6 to read as follows:


7.107-1   General.

    (a) If the requirement is considered both consolidated and bundled, 
the agency shall follow the guidance regarding bundling in 7.107-3 and 
7.107-4.
    (b) The requirements of this section 7.107 do not apply--
    (1) If a cost comparison analysis will be performed in accordance 
with OMB Circular A-76 (except 7.107-4 still applies);
    (2) To orders placed under single-agency task-order contracts or 
delivery-order contracts, when the requirement was considered in 
determining that the consolidation or bundling of the underlying 
contract was necessary and justified; or
    (3) To requirements for which there is a mandatory source (see 
8.002 or 8.003), including supplies and services that are on the 
Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People 
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled or the Schedule of Products issued 
by Federal Prison Industries, Inc. This exception does not apply--
    (i) When the requiring agency obtains a waiver in accordance with 
8.604 or an exception in accordance with 8.605 or 8.706; or
    (ii) When optional acquisitions of supplies and services permitted 
under 8.713 are included.


7.107-2  Consolidation.

    (a) Consolidation may provide substantial benefits to the 
Government. However, because of the potential impact on small business 
participation, before conducting an acquisition that is a consolidation 
of requirements with an estimated total dollar value exceeding $2 
million, the senior procurement executive or chief acquisition officer 
shall make a written determination that the consolidation is necessary 
and justified in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 657q, after ensuring that--
    (1) Market research has been conducted;
    (2) Any alternative contracting approaches that would involve a 
lesser degree of consolidation have been identified;
    (3) The determination is coordinated with the agency's Office of 
Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization or the Office of Small 
Business Programs;
    (4) Any negative impact by the acquisition strategy on contracting 
with small business concerns has been identified; and
    (5) Steps are taken to include small business concerns in the 
acquisition strategy.
    (b) The senior procurement executive or chief acquisition officer 
may determine that the consolidation is necessary and justified if the 
benefits of the acquisition would substantially exceed the benefits 
that would be derived from each of the alternative contracting 
approaches identified under paragraph (a)(2) of this subsection, 
including benefits that are quantifiable in dollar amounts as well as 
any other specifically identified benefits.
    (c) Such benefits may include cost savings or price reduction and, 
regardless of whether quantifiable in dollar amounts--
    (1) Quality improvements that will save time or improve or enhance 
performance or efficiency;
    (2) Reduction in acquisition cycle times;
    (3) Better terms and conditions; or
    (4) Any other benefit.
    (d) Benefits. (1) Benefits that are quantifiable in dollar amounts 
are substantial if individually, in combination, or in the aggregate 
the anticipated financial benefits are equivalent to--
    (i) Ten percent of the estimated contract or order value (including 
options) if the value is $94 million or less; or
    (ii) Five percent of the estimated contract or order value 
(including options) or $9.4 million, whichever is greater, if the value 
exceeds $94 million.
    (2) Benefits that are not quantifiable in dollar amounts shall be 
specifically identified and otherwise quantified to the extent 
feasible.
    (3) Reduction of administrative or personnel costs alone is not 
sufficient justification for consolidation unless the cost savings are 
expected to be at least 10 percent of the estimated contract or order 
value (including options) of the consolidated requirements, as 
determined by the senior procurement executive or chief acquisition 
officer (15 U.S.C. 657q(c)(2)(B)).
    (e)(1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (d) of this 
subsection, the approving authority identified in paragraph (e)(2) of 
this subsection may determine that consolidation is necessary and 
justified when--
    (i) The expected benefits do not meet the thresholds for a 
substantial benefit at paragraph (d)(1) of this subsection but are 
critical to the agency's mission success; and
    (ii) The procurement strategy provides for maximum practicable 
participation by small business.
    (2) The approving authority is--

[[Page 67771]]

    (i) For the Department of Defense, the senior procurement 
executive; or
    (ii) For the civilian agencies, the Deputy Secretary or equivalent.
    (f) If a determination is made that consolidation is necessary and 
justified, the contracting officer shall include it in the acquisition 
strategy documentation and provide it to the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) upon request.


7.107-3   Bundling.

    (a) Bundling may provide substantial benefits to the Government. 
However, because of the potential impact on small business 
participation, before conducting an acquisition strategy that involves 
bundling, the agency shall make a written determination that the 
bundling is necessary and justified in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 
644(e). A bundled requirement is considered necessary and justified if 
the agency would obtain measurably substantial benefits as compared to 
meeting its agency's requirements through separate smaller contracts or 
orders.
    (b) The agency shall quantify the specific benefits identified 
through the use of market research and other techniques to explain how 
their impact would be measurably substantial (see 10.001(a)(2)(iv) and 
(a)(3)(vii)).
    (c) Such benefits may include, but are not limited to--
    (1) Cost savings;
    (2) Price reduction;
    (3) Quality improvements that will save time or improve or enhance 
performance or efficiency;
    (4) Reduction in acquisition cycle times, or
    (5) Better terms and conditions.
    (d) Benefits are measurably substantial if individually, in 
combination, or in the aggregate the anticipated financial benefits are 
equivalent to--
    (1) Ten percent of the estimated contract or order value (including 
options) if the value is $94 million or less; or
    (2) Five percent of the estimated contract or order value 
(including options) or $9.4 million, whichever is greater, if the value 
exceeds $94 million.
    (e) Reduction of administrative or personnel costs alone is not 
sufficient justification for bundling unless the cost savings are 
expected to be at least ten percent of the estimated contract or order 
value (including options) of the bundled requirements.
    (f)(1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) through (e) of this 
subsection, the approving authority identified in paragraph (f)(2) of 
this subsection may determine that bundling is necessary and justified 
when--
    (i) The expected benefits do not meet the thresholds for a 
substantial benefit but are critical to the agency's mission success; 
and
    (ii) The acquisition strategy provides for maximum practicable 
participation by small business concerns.
    (2) The approving authority, without power of delegation, is--
    (i) For the Department of Defense, the senior procurement 
executive; or
    (ii) For the civilian agencies is the Deputy Secretary or 
equivalent.
    (g) In assessing whether cost savings and/or price reduction would 
be achieved through bundling, the agency and SBA shall--
    (1) Compare the price that has been charged by small businesses for 
the work that they have performed; or
    (2) Where previous prices are not available, compare the price, 
based on market research, that could have been or could be charged by 
small businesses for the work previously performed by other than a 
small business.
    (h) If a determination is made that bundling is necessary and 
justified, the contracting officer shall include it in the acquisition 
strategy documentation and provide it to SBA upon request.


7.107-4  Substantial bundling.

    (a)(1) Substantial bundling is any bundling that results in a 
contract task or delivery order with an estimated value of--
    (i) $8 million or more for the Department of Defense;
    (ii) $6 million or more for the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, the General Services Administration, and the Department 
of Energy; or
    (iii) $2.5 million or more for all other agencies.
    (2) These thresholds apply to the cumulative estimated dollar value 
(including options) of--
    (i) Multiple-award contracts;
    (ii) Task orders or delivery orders issued against a GSA Schedule 
contract; or
    (iii) Task orders or delivery orders issued against a task-order or 
delivery-order contract awarded by another agency.
    (b) In addition to addressing the requirements for bundling (see 
7.107-3), when the proposed acquisition strategy involves substantial 
bundling, the agency shall document in its strategy--
    (1) The specific benefits anticipated to be derived from 
substantial bundling;
    (2) An assessment of the specific impediments to participation by 
small business concerns as contractors that result from substantial 
bundling;
    (3) Actions designed to maximize small business participation as 
contractors, including provisions that encourage small business 
teaming;
    (4) Actions designed to maximize small business participation as 
subcontractors (including suppliers) at any tier under the contract, or 
order, that may be awarded to meet the requirements;
    (5) The determination that the anticipated benefits of the proposed 
bundled contract or order justify its use; and
    (6) Alternative strategies that would reduce or minimize the scope 
of the bundling, and the rationale for not choosing those alternatives.


7.107-5  Notifications.

    (a) Notifications to current small business contractors of agency's 
intent to bundle. (1) The contracting officer shall notify each small 
business performing a contract that it intends to bundle the 
requirement at least 30 days prior to the issuance of the solicitation 
for the bundled requirement.
    (2) The notification shall provide the name, phone number and 
address of the applicable SBA procurement center representative (PCR), 
or if an SBA PCR is not assigned to the procuring activity, the SBA 
Office of Government Contracting Area Office serving the area in which 
the buying activity is located.
    (3) This notification shall be documented in the contract file.
    (b) Notification to public of rationale for bundled requirement. 
(1) The agency shall publish on its Web site a list and rationale for 
any bundled requirement for which the agency solicited offers or issued 
an award. The notification shall be made within 30 days of the agency's 
data certification regarding the validity and verification of data 
entered in the Federal Procurement Data System to the Office of Federal 
Procurement Policy (see 4.604).
    (2) In addition, the agency is encouraged to provide notification 
of the rationale for any bundled requirement to the GPE, before 
issuance of the solicitation (see 5.201).
    (c) Notification to SBA of follow-on bundled or consolidated 
requirements. For each follow-on bundled or consolidated requirement, 
the contracting officer shall obtain the following from the requiring 
activity and notify the SBA PCR no later than 30 days prior to issuance 
of the solicitation:
    (1) The amount of savings and benefits achieved under the prior 
consolidation or bundling.
    (2) Whether such savings and benefits will continue to be realized 
if the contract remains consolidated or bundled.

[[Page 67772]]

    (3) Whether such savings and benefits would be greater if the 
procurement requirements were divided into separate solicitations 
suitable for award to small business concerns.
    (4) List of requirements that have been added or deleted for the 
follow-on.
    (d) Public notification of bundling policy. In accordance with 15 
U.S.C. 644(q)(2)(A)(ii), agencies shall publish the Governmentwide 
policy regarding contract bundling, including regarding the 
solicitation of teaming and joint ventures, on their agency Web site.


7.107-6  Solicitation provision.

    The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 52.207-6, 
Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and Small Business 
Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts), in 
solicitations for multiple-award contracts above the substantial 
bundling threshold of the agency (see 7.107-4(a)).

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

0
9. Amend section 8.404 by revising paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:


8.404  Use of Federal Supply Schedules.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Shall comply with all FAR requirements for a consolidated or 
bundled contract when the order meets the definition at 2.101(b) of 
``consolidation'' or ``bundling''; and
* * * * *

PART 10--MARKET RESEARCH

0
10. Amend section 10.001 by--
0
a. Revising the introductory text of paragraph (a);
0
b. Revising paragraphs (a)(2)(iv) and (a)(2)(vi)(B);
0
c. Removing from the end of paragraph (a)(3)(v) ``efficiency; and'' and 
adding ``efficiency;'' in its place;
0
d. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(3)(vi) and (vii) as paragraphs 
(a)(3)(vii) and (viii), respectively;
0
e. Adding a new paragraph (a)(3)(vi);
0
f. Revising the newly designated paragraph (a)(3)(vii); and
0
g. Revising paragraph (c).
    The revisions and addition reads as follows:


10.001  Policy.

    (a) Agencies shall--
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) Before soliciting offers for acquisitions that could lead to 
consolidation or bundling (15 U.S.C. 644(e)(2)(A) and 15 U.S.C. 657q);
* * * * *
    (vi) * * *
    (B) Disaster relief to include debris removal, distribution of 
supplies, reconstruction, and other disaster or emergency relief 
activities (see 26.205); and
    (3) * * *
    (vi) Determine whether consolidation is necessary and justified 
(see 7.107-2) (15 U.S.C. 657q);
    (vii) Determine whether bundling is necessary and justified (see 
7.107-3) (15 U.S.C. 644(e)(2)(A)); and
* * * * *
    (c) If an agency contemplates consolidation or bundling, the 
agency--
    (1) When performing market research, should consult with the agency 
small business specialist and the local Small Business Administration 
procurement center representative (PCR). If a PCR is not assigned, see 
19.402(a); and
    (2) Shall notify any affected incumbent small business concerns of 
the Government's intention to bundle the requirement and how small 
business concerns may contact the appropriate Small Business 
Administration procurement center representative (see 7.107-5(a)).
* * * * *

PART 12--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS

0
11. Amend section 12.301 by redesignating paragraphs (d)(4) through (8) 
as paragraphs (d)(5) through (9), respectively; and adding a new 
paragraph (d)(4) to read as follows:


12.301   Solicitation provisions and contract clauses for the 
acquisition of commercial items.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (4) Insert the provision at 52.207-6, Solicitation of Offers from 
Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangements or 
Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts), as prescribed at 7.107-6.
* * * * *

PART 15--CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION

0
12. Amend section 15.304 by revising paragraphs (c)(3)(ii) and (c)(4) 
to read as follows:


15.304   Evaluation factors and significant subfactors.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) For solicitations that are not set aside for small business 
concerns, involving consolidation or bundling, that offer a significant 
opportunity for subcontracting, the contracting officer shall include a 
factor to evaluate past performance indicating the extent to which the 
offeror attained applicable goals for small business participation 
under contracts that required subcontracting plans (15 U.S.C. 
637(d)(4)(G)(ii)).
* * * * *
    (4) For solicitations, that are not set aside for small business 
concerns, involving consolidation or bundling, that offer a significant 
opportunity for subcontracting, the contracting officer shall include 
proposed small business subcontracting participation in the 
subcontracting plan as an evaluation factor (15 U.S.C. 
637(d)(4)(G)(i)).
* * * * *

PART 16--TYPES OF CONTRACTS

0
13. Amend section 16.505 by revising paragraph (a)(8)(iii) to read as 
follows:


16.505  Ordering.

    (a) * * *
    (8) * * *
    (iii) Shall comply with all FAR requirements for a consolidated or 
bundled contract when the order meets the definition at 2.101(b) of 
``consolidation'' or ``bundling''.
* * * * *

0
14. Amend section 16.506 by adding paragraph (i) to read as follows:


16.506   Solicitation provisions and contract clauses.

* * * * *
    (i) See 7.107-6 for use of 52.207-6, Solicitation of Offers from 
Small Business Concerns and Small Business Teaming Arrangement or Joint 
Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) in solicitations for multiple-award 
contracts above the substantial bundling threshold of the agency.

PART 19--SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

0
15. Amend section 19.201 by revising paragraphs (c)(5)(i), (c)(11)(ii), 
and (c)(11)(iii) to read as follows:


19.201   General policy.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (i) Identify proposed solicitations that involve bundling and work 
with the agency acquisition officials and SBA to revise the acquisition 
strategies for such

[[Page 67773]]

proposed solicitations to increase the probability of participation by 
small businesses as prime contractors through Small Business Teaming 
Arrangements;
* * * * *
    (11) * * *
    (ii) Adequacy of consolidated or bundled contract documentation and 
justifications; and
    (iii) Actions taken to mitigate the effects of necessary and 
justified consolidation or bundling on small businesses.
* * * * *

0
16. Amend section 19.202-1 by revising paragraph (e)(1)(iii), the 
introductory text of paragraph (e)(2), and paragraphs (e)(2)(v), 
(e)(3), and (e)(4) to read as follows:


19.202-1   Encouraging small business participation in acquisitions.

* * * * *
    (e)(1) * * *
    (iii) The proposed acquisition is for a consolidated or bundled 
requirement. (See 7.107-5(a) for mandatory 30-day notice requirement to 
incumbent small business concerns.) The contracting officer shall 
provide all information relative to the justification for the 
consolidation or bundling, including the acquisition plan or strategy, 
and if the acquisition involves substantial bundling, the information 
identified in 7.107-4. The contracting officer shall also provide the 
same information to the agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged 
Business Utilization.
    (2) Provide a statement explaining why the--
* * * * *
    (v) Consolidation or bundling is necessary and justified.
    (3) Process the 30-day notification concurrently with other 
processing steps required prior to the issuance of the solicitation.
    (4) If the contracting officer rejects the SBA procurement center 
representative's recommendation made in accordance with 19.402(c)(2), 
document the basis for the rejection and notify the SBA procurement 
center representative in accordance with 19.505.

PART 52--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
17. Add section 52.207-6 to read as follows:


52.207-6   Solicitation of Offers from Small Business Concerns and 
Small Business Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award 
Contracts).

    As prescribed in 7.107-6, insert the following provision:

Solicitation of Offers From Small Business Concerns and Small Business 
Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts) (Oct 
2016)

    (a) Definition. ``Small Business Teaming Arrangement,'' as used 
in this provision--
    (1) Means an arrangement where--
    (i) Two or more small business concerns have formed a joint 
venture; or
    (ii) A small business offeror agrees with one or more other 
small business concerns to have them act as its subcontractors under 
a specified Government contract. A Small Business Teaming 
Arrangement between the offeror and its small business 
subcontractor(s) exists through a written agreement between the 
parties that--
    (A) Is specifically referred to as a ``Small Business Teaming 
Arrangement''; and
    (B) Sets forth the different responsibilities, roles, and 
percentages (or other allocations) of work as it relates to the 
acquisition;
    (2)(i) For civilian agencies, may include two business concerns 
in a mentor-prot[eacute]g[eacute] relationship when both the mentor 
and the prot[eacute]g[eacute] are small or the prot[eacute]g[eacute] 
is small and the concerns have received an exception to affiliation 
pursuant to 13 CFR 121.103(h)(3)(ii) or (iii).
    (ii) For DoD, may include two business concerns in a mentor-
prot[eacute]g[eacute] relationship in the Department of Defense 
Pilot Mentor-Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program (see section 831 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (Pub. L. 
101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2302 note)) when both the mentor and the 
prot[eacute]g[eacute] are small. There is no exception to joint 
venture size affiliation for offers received from teaming 
arrangements under the Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Program; and
    (3) See 13 CFR 121.103(b)(9) regarding the exception to 
affiliation for offers received from Small Business Teaming 
Arrangements in the case of a solicitation of offers for a bundled 
contract with a reserve.
    (b) The Government is soliciting and will consider offers from 
any responsible source, including responsible small business 
concerns and offers from Small Business Teaming Arrangements or 
joint ventures of small business concerns.
(End of provision)
[FR Doc. 2016-23199 Filed 9-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P



                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       67763

                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–23198 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am]             National Defense Authorization Act for                include a list of requirements that have
                                                  BILLING CODE 6820–EP–C                                  Fiscal Year 2013 (Pub. L. 112–239).                   been added or deleted for the follow-on
                                                                                                          Eight respondents submitted comments                  bundled or consolidated procurement.
                                                                                                          on the FAR proposed rule.                             The changes will facilitate a more
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE                                                                                         accurate comparison of savings and
                                                                                                          II. Discussion and Analysis
                                                                                                                                                                benefits from the prior procurement.
                                                  GENERAL SERVICES                                           The Civilian Agency Acquisition
                                                  ADMINISTRATION                                          Council and the Defense Acquisition                     • FAR 15.304(c)(3) and (4)—Excludes
                                                                                                          Regulations Council (the Councils)                    solicitations that are set aside for small
                                                  NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND                                reviewed the comments in the                          business from the requirements relating
                                                  SPACE ADMINISTRATION                                    development of the final rule. A                      to small business subcontracting-related
                                                                                                          discussion of the comments and the                    evaluation factors for solicitations
                                                  48 CFR Parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16,                changes made to the rule as a result of               involving consolidation.
                                                  19, and 52                                              those comments are provided as                        B. Analysis of Public Comments
                                                  [FAC 2005–91; FAR Case 2014–015; Item                   follows:
                                                  VI; Docket No. 2014–0015, Sequence No.
                                                                                                                                                                1. General
                                                                                                          A. Summary of Significant Changes
                                                  1]                                                                                                            a. Support for the Rule
                                                                                                            This final rule makes the following
                                                  RIN 9000–AM92                                           significant changes from the proposed                   Comment: One respondent expressed
                                                                                                          rule:                                                 general support for the rule and that the
                                                  Federal Acquisition Regulation;                           • FAR 2.101—Amends the definition
                                                  Consolidation and Bundling                                                                                    proposed changes are positive which
                                                                                                          of ‘‘Small Business Teaming                           will provide much needed transparency
                                                  AGENCY:  Department of Defense (DoD),                   Arrangement’’ to note the differences                 and ensure that unnecessary and
                                                  General Services Administration (GSA),                  applicable to DoD because of the DoD                  unjustified bundling do not become the
                                                  and National Aeronautics and Space                      Pilot Mentor-Protégé Program. A similar             contracting standard.
                                                  Administration (NASA).                                  change is made at FAR 52.207–6.
                                                                                                            • FAR 7.104(d)—Amends the                             Response: Noted.
                                                  ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                          conditions under which the small                      b. Experiences With Consolidation
                                                  SUMMARY:    DoD, GSA, and NASA are                      business specialist must notify the
                                                  issuing a final rule to amend the Federal               agency Office of Small and                               Comment: Two respondents
                                                  Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to                         Disadvantaged Business Utilization or                 commented on their experience with
                                                  implement sections of the Small                         the Office of Small Business Programs to              consolidation and/or bundling; the
                                                  Business Jobs Act of 2010 and                           be consistent with 13 CFR                             adverse impact on small businesses’
                                                  regulatory changes made by the Small                    125.2(c)(4)(ii).                                      ability to compete in this environment;
                                                  Business Administration, which provide                    • FAR 7.105(b)(1)(iv)—The second                    and expressed, had this rule been in
                                                  for a Governmentwide policy on                          sentence no longer mentions                           effect, their experience very likely could
                                                  consolidation and bundling.                             consolidation since SBA’s                             have been different.
                                                                                                          implementing rule does not require the
                                                  DATES: Effective: October 31, 2016.                                                                              Response: Noted.
                                                                                                          identification of incumbent contractors
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                    and contracts affected by the                         c. Need for Table of Thresholds
                                                  Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement                            consolidation.
                                                  Analyst, at 703–605–2868, for                             • FAR 7.107–1(b)—Adds an                               Comment: One respondent requested
                                                  clarification of content. For information               exception for acquisitions from a                     that a table of dollar thresholds may be
                                                  pertaining to status or publication                     mandatory source to the requirements at               useful to clarify the differences between
                                                  schedules, contact the Regulatory                       FAR 7.107 for acquisitions involving                  consolidation and bundling.
                                                  Secretariat at 202–501–4755. Please cite                consolidation, bundling, or substantial
                                                  FAC 2005–91, FAR Case 2014–015.                                                                                  Response: With regard to the use of a
                                                                                                          bundling.                                             table to clarify the differing dollar
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                • FAR 7.107–1—The coverage
                                                                                                                                                                thresholds associated with these terms,
                                                                                                          formerly at FAR 7.107–1 on necessary
                                                  I. Background                                                                                                 the preferred approach is to provide the
                                                                                                          and justified bundling for consolidation
                                                     DoD, GSA, and NASA published a                                                                             guidance for processing a consolidated
                                                                                                          and bundling has been separated and
                                                  proposed rule in the Federal Register at                                                                      or bundled requirement in the area of
                                                                                                          moved to 7.107–2 and 7.107–3, due to
                                                  80 FR 31561 on June 3, 2015, to revise                  differences in the statutory and                      the FAR where the respective subject
                                                  the FAR to provide for a                                regulatory requirements.                              matter is addressed. For example, the
                                                  Governmentwide policy on                                  • FAR 7.107–2(e)—Provides                           dollar threshold for triggering the Senior
                                                  consolidation and bundling. The                         procedures for consolidation                          Procurement Executive’s or Chief
                                                  proposed rule incorporated regulatory                   corresponding to those for bundling at                Acquisition Officer’s determination of
                                                  changes made by the Small Business                      FAR 7.107–3(c) (now at 7.107–3(f)), to                necessary and justified consolidation is
                                                  Administration (SBA) in its final rule                  address the determination that                        discussed in the area of the FAR, 7.107–
                                                  which published in the Federal Register                 consolidation is necessary and justified              2, which addresses consolidation.
                                                  at 78 FR 61113 on October 2, 2013,                      when the expected benefits do not meet                Similarly, the dollar thresholds for
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                                                  concerning contract consolidation and                   the quantifiable dollar thresholds for a              substantial bundling and the attendant
                                                  bundling.                                               substantial benefit but are critical to the           requirements for processing these
                                                     SBA’s final rule implements the                      agency’s mission success.                             acquisitions are provided at FAR 7.107–
                                                  statutory requirements related to                         • FAR 7.107–5(c)—Removes the                        4. The FAR is arranged in this manner
                                                  bundling and consolidation as set forth                 phrase ‘‘(even if additional requirements             to allow contracting officers to quickly
                                                  in sections 1312 and 1313 of the Small                  have been added or some have been                     turn to the area of the FAR where the
                                                  Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–                 deleted)’’ and adds a subparagraph (4)                requisite guidance needed for their
                                                  240), as well as section 1671 of the                    which requires that the notice to SBA                 given situation is provided.


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                                                  67764            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  d. Mixing of Consolidation and                          requirements have to be met for both                    The final rule has also been revised at
                                                  Bundling                                                consolidation and bundling.                           FAR 15.304(c) to clarify that
                                                                                                             Æ FAR 7.107–2(a). One respondent                   consolidated requirements which are set
                                                     Comment: Three respondents                           asked why there is a requirement for                  aside for small business will not be
                                                  commented that the rule appeared to                     coordination with the Office of Small                 required to use the small business
                                                  incorrectly or unnecessarily use the                    and Disadvantaged Business Utilization                subcontracting-related evaluation
                                                  terms consolidation and bundling                        (OSDBU) and/or a negative impact                      factors. While SBA’s regulations at 13
                                                  synonymously, by applying the same                      analysis on small businesses for                      CFR 125.2(d)(4) require small business
                                                  requirements to both. The respondents                   consolidation if the consolidation                    subcontracting plan-related evaluation
                                                  identified the following areas in the rule              results in a small business set-aside. The            factors be used for all consolidated
                                                  where they believed that this occurred:                 respondent believes that if the                       acquisitions, implementing this
                                                     Æ FAR 7.103(u)(2). This paragraph                    acquisition is not set aside then it would            requirement in the FAR would be
                                                  currently urges acquisition planners to                 automatically be bundling and that                    problematic. Because FAR 15.305(a)(5)
                                                  avoid unnecessary and unjustified                       bundling has the same justification                   requires that small business offerors get
                                                  bundling that precludes participation of                process as consolidation.                             the highest rating for these factors, every
                                                  small business as prime contractors. The                   Æ FAR 7.107–5. One respondent                      offeror would receive the same rating for
                                                  rule proposes that planners also avoid                  pointed out that this subsection starts               such factors in the scenario where a
                                                  unnecessary and unjustified                             out talking about bundling then in                    consolidated acquisition is set aside for
                                                  consolidation. One respondent believes                  paragraph (c) mixes in consolidated                   small business, which would make use
                                                  that a consolidation that precludes                     requirements, which the respondent                    of such evaluation factors conflict with
                                                  participation of small business as the                  believes is mixing two completely                     FAR 15.304(b)(2), which requires that
                                                  prime would automatically be bundling                   different situations that are not                     evaluation factors support meaningful
                                                  and as such, the rule is proposing an                   synonymous.                                           comparison and discrimination between
                                                  unnecessary change.                                        Æ FAR 15.304(c). The rule proposes to              and among competing proposals.
                                                     Æ FAR 7.104(d). This paragraph                       require that there be evaluation factors                The final rule retains the proposed
                                                  currently requires coordination with the                related to a small business                           changes (with some further edits) to
                                                  small business specialist when an                       subcontracting plan for consolidated                  FAR 7.103(u)(2), 7.104(d), 7.107–1,
                                                  acquisition meets the dollar thresholds                 requirements. Currently, the FAR only                 7.107–2, 7.107–5, and 19.202–1 as those
                                                  for substantial bundling, unless the                    requires this for bundling. Two                       changes are consistent with sections
                                                  acquisition is set aside for small                      respondents pointed out that if a                     1312 and 1313 of the Small Business
                                                  business. The small business specialist                 consolidated requirement is set aside for             Jobs Act and SBA’s implementing
                                                  is required to notify the agency’s small                small business, a small business                      regulations at 13 CFR 125.2. The
                                                  business office (e.g., Office of Small and              subcontracting plan would not be                      Councils note that the rule does not
                                                  Disadvantaged Business Utilization)                     required.                                             have a requirement for a 30-day
                                                  when the acquisition involves                              Æ FAR 19.202–1. One respondent
                                                                                                                                                                notification to incumbent small
                                                  unjustified or unnecessary bundling or                  asked why the rule is proposing to
                                                                                                                                                                business contractors for consolidated
                                                  is not identified as bundling. The rule                 apply the requirement for 30-day
                                                                                                                                                                requirements, as one respondent stated,
                                                  proposes to also require notification                   notification to incumbent small
                                                                                                                                                                nor does the rule automatically define a
                                                  when the acquisition involves                           businesses for consolidated
                                                                                                                                                                consolidated requirement that is not set
                                                  unjustified or unnecessary                              requirements. The respondent also
                                                                                                                                                                aside for small business as bundling.
                                                  consolidation or is not identified as                   stated that paragraph (e)(2)(v) is
                                                  consolidation. It was pointed out that                  confusing because the requirements of                 2. Applicability
                                                  the coordination exemption for set-                     that paragraph would not apply if                     a. AbilityOne
                                                  asides conflicts with the proposed                      consolidation results in a small business
                                                                                                          set-aside.                                               Comment: One respondent asked
                                                  notification requirement in cases where                                                                       whether the requirements for
                                                                                                             Response: The Councils reviewed the
                                                  consolidation results in a small business                                                                     consolidation are necessary for
                                                                                                          areas of the rule identified by the
                                                  set-aside because the small business                                                                          acquisition of services from the
                                                                                                          respondents to ensure that the
                                                  specialist would not be coordinated                                                                           Procurement List maintained by the
                                                                                                          appropriate requirements were being
                                                  with in such cases so they would not be                                                                       Committee for Purchase From People
                                                                                                          applied to consolidation. The final rule
                                                  able to provide the notification.                                                                             Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
                                                                                                          has been revised at—
                                                     Æ FAR 7.105(b)(1)(iv). The rule                         • FAR 7.104(d) to remove                           (also known as the AbilityOne
                                                  proposes to require that for consolidated               ‘‘consolidation’’ in several places from              Commission), which is considered a
                                                  contract requirements, the acquisition                  the conditions under which the small                  mandatory source in accordance with
                                                  plan identify the incumbent contractors                 business specialist must notify the                   FAR 8.002. The respondent requested
                                                  and contracts affected by the                           agency Office of Small and                            the rule clarify how the mandatory
                                                  consolidation. The FAR currently only                   Disadvantaged Business Utilization or                 sources relate to the consolidation
                                                  requires this for bundled contract                      the Office of Small Business Programs to              requirements at FAR 7.107–2.
                                                  requirements. One respondent stated the                 be consistent with 13 CFR                                Response: For requirements that are
                                                  proposed additional burden could result                 125.2(c)(4)(ii); and                                  on the Procurement List, the required
                                                  in listing thousands of contracts for a                    • FAR 7.105(b)(1)(iv) to no longer                 source(s) to fulfill that work are already
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                                                  strategic sourcing acquisition and that                 mention consolidation in the second                   designated by the U.S. AbilityOne
                                                  there is no statutory requirement for                   sentence, since sections 1312 and 1313                Commission. There would be no
                                                  said identification.                                    of the Small Business Jobs Act and                    potential impact on small business
                                                     Æ FAR 7.107–1. This subsection                       SBA’s implementing regulations at 13                  participation or even on AbilityOne
                                                  provides guidance on how                                CFR 125.2 do not require the small                    nonprofit agency participation if
                                                  consolidation and bundling could be                     business identification of incumbent                  multiple Procurement List requirements
                                                  determined necessary and justified. One                 contractors for consolidated                          are consolidated, because the sources
                                                  respondent asked why the same                           requirements.                                         will remain the same in accordance


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        67765

                                                  with those listed on the Procurement                    requirements, and SBA’s implementing                  list of functional experts that comprise
                                                  List. For that reason, it would not be                  regulations at 13 CFR 125.1(c) and (e),               the acquisition planning team.
                                                  necessary to engage in the market                       only mention ‘‘contract’’ in terms of
                                                                                                                                                                b. ‘‘Bundling’’ and ‘‘Consolidation’’
                                                  research or analysis required in FAR                    bundling and consolidation. BPAs are
                                                  7.107–1 and 7.107–2 if the potential                    not contracts and therefore neither                      Comment: One respondent finds the
                                                  consolidation only involves required                    statute nor the implementing                          definitions of ‘‘bundling’’ and
                                                  sources of supply and services such as                  regulations apply the consolidation and               ‘‘consolidation’’ useful to clearly set
                                                  requirements on the Procurement List.                   bundling analysis requirements to them;               forth the requirements.
                                                     This same rationale applies to                       however, orders under BPAs are treated                   Response: Noted.
                                                  acquisitions from other mandatory                       as contracts in SBA’s regulations at 13                  Comment: One respondent was
                                                  sources. Therefore, the final rule has                  CFR 125.1(d). The FAR definitions of                  concerned whether the statement in the
                                                  been revised at 7.107–1 to clarify that                 ‘‘consolidation’’ and ‘‘bundling’’ apply              definition of ‘‘bundling or bundled
                                                  the consolidation and bundling                          to task or delivery orders, including                 contract’’ that ‘‘this definition does not
                                                  requirements at 7.107 do not apply to                   those issued under BPAs.                              apply to contracts that will be awarded
                                                  acquisitions for which there are                                                                              and performed entirely outside the
                                                  mandatory sources pursuant to FAR                       c. 8(a)                                               United States’’ was intended to limit the
                                                  8.002, ‘‘Priorities for use of mandatory                  Comment: One respondent requested                   applicability of the rule based on where
                                                  Government sources,’’ or FAR 8.003,                     that the requirement for a consolidation              the contract will be awarded and
                                                  ‘‘Use of other mandatory sources.’’ The                 determination and findings (D&F) be                   performed. The respondent further
                                                  purpose of section 1313 of the Small                    waived for consolidation affecting or                 noted a potential inconsistency between
                                                  Business Jobs Act was to limit the use                  relating to sole source awards under the              that statement and the statement in the
                                                  of contract consolidation because of the                8(a) program, due to concerns over                    SBA regulations at 13 CFR 125.2(c) that
                                                  anticipated negative impact of such an                  potentially longer procurement lead                   the Small Business Act requires each
                                                  acquisition strategy on small business.                 times. Moreover, the respondent                       Federal agency to foster the
                                                  However, requirements for which there                   suggested that the requirement for a                  participation of small business concerns
                                                  is a mandatory source are not available                 consolidation D&F contradicts FAR                     as prime contractors and subcontractors
                                                  to small business and as such,                          6.302–5(b)(4) and the intent of                       in the contracting opportunities of the
                                                  consolidation would result in no impact                 paragraph 8(a) of the Small Business                  Government, regardless of the place of
                                                  to small business, negative or positive.                Act.                                                  performance of the contract. According
                                                  Further, neither 41 U.S.C. 8504 (the                      Response: Neither the statute nor                   to the respondent, the Court of Federal
                                                  statutory authority behind the                          SBA’s final rule waived or exempted                   Claims has concluded that SBA’s
                                                  AbilityOne Program) nor 18 U.S.C.                       consolidations under or relating to the               implementation of a provision of the
                                                  4124(a) (another mandatory source—                      8(a) Program; therefore, the new                      Small Business Act via regulation must
                                                  Federal Prison Industries) requires                     requirement is, in fact, applicable to all            be viewed as controlling where there is
                                                  consolidation analyses for acquisitions                 consolidations with an estimated total                an inconsistent FAR rule (C&G
                                                  done under their programs. Since                        dollar value exceeding $2 million, even               Excavating. Inc. v. U.S., 32 Fed. Cl. 231
                                                  application of the consolidation                        those where the new consolidated                      (Fed. Cl. 1994).
                                                  requirements would only create burden                   award will be made via sole source                       Response: This issue will be
                                                  for the acquisition process and no                      contract under the 8(a) Program.                      considered under FAR case 2016–002,
                                                  benefit to small business, the Councils                                                                       Applicability of Small Business
                                                  have determined, as a way of                            3. Definitions                                        Regulations Outside the United States.
                                                  harmonizing different statutes, to                      a. ‘‘Acquisition Planning Team’’ and                  4. Acquisition Planning (FAR 7.104 and
                                                  exempt those consolidated contracts                     ‘‘Planner’’                                           7.105)
                                                  that can be met through one of the
                                                  mandatory sources identified in FAR                        Comment: One respondent requested                     Comment: With regard to the
                                                  8.002 or 8.003.                                         definitions of ‘‘acquisition planning                 clarification at FAR 7.104(a) that small
                                                                                                          team’’ and ‘‘planner,’’ in relation to the            business is to be a discipline that is
                                                  b. Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)                   requirement at FAR 7.104 that small                   represented in the acquisition planning
                                                     Comment: One respondent                              business is to be a discipline that is                team, one respondent stated that SBA
                                                  recommended changes to multiple parts                   represented on the acquisition planning               will be working with at least a DD Form
                                                  of the FAR in order to apply the                        team.                                                 2579 on most actions, so depending on
                                                  bundling and consolidation analysis                        Response: These are not new terms                  the dollar amount is that sufficient? The
                                                  requirements to BPAs, especially                        introduced to the FAR by this rule.                   respondent questioned the formality of
                                                  Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) BPAs.                     ‘‘Planner’’ is currently defined at FAR               the SBA involvement.
                                                  The recommendation was based on the                     7.101 to mean the designated person or                   Response: The small business
                                                  respondent’s assumption that the                        the office responsible for developing                 specialist on the acquisition planning
                                                  Councils did not intend to exclude                      and maintaining a written plan, or for                team will probably be a representative
                                                  BPAs from bundling or consolidation                     the planning function in those                        of the agency small business office, not
                                                  analysis. The respondent requested that                 acquisitions not requiring a written                  the SBA. The SBA will be working with,
                                                  if the recommended changes were not                     plan.                                                 at a minimum, a DoD Form 2579, Small
                                                  made, that the final rule should address                   ‘‘Acquisition planning’’ is defined in             Business Coordination Record, or
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                                                  the applicability of bundling and                       FAR 2.101. FAR 7.104 addresses the                    equivalent when reviewing acquisitions
                                                  consolidation requirements to BPAs.                     composition of the acquisition planning               for consolidation or bundling.
                                                     Response: The statutory definition of                team, i.e., the planner shall form a team             Currently, SBA’s regulations at 13 CFR
                                                  ‘‘bundling of contract requirements’’ at                consisting of all those who will be                   125.2(c)(1)(v) require that an agency
                                                  paragraph (o) of 15 U.S.C. 632,                         responsible for significant aspects of the            must notify the SBA within 30 days
                                                  Definitions, and of ‘‘consolidation of                  acquisition, such as contracting, fiscal,             prior to the issuance of a solicitation for
                                                  contract requirements’’ at 15 U.S.C.                    legal, and technical personnel. This rule             a bundled or consolidated contract and
                                                  657q, Consolidation of contract                         adds small business personnel to this                 also requires that the DoD Form 2579 or


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                                                  67766            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  equivalent must be sent to the SBA                      5. Additional Requirements—                              Response: The Councils reviewed the
                                                  procurement center representative.                      Consolidation, Bundling, or Substantial               comment and have included in FAR
                                                     The formality of SBA’s involvement is                Bundling (FAR 7.107)                                  7.107–2(e) the similar authority
                                                  expanded upon by FAR 19.202–                            a. General Requirements (FAR 7.107–1)                 contained in the final rule for FAR
                                                  1(e)(1)(iii), which further requires                                                                          7.107–3(f), which allows specific senior
                                                  agencies to provide a copy of the                          Comment: One respondent                            officials under certain circumstances to
                                                  acquisition package to the SBA                          acknowledged numerous benefits to the                 determine that consolidation is
                                                  procurement center representation if the                rule and how it will standardize the                  necessary and justified, even though
                                                  proposed requirement is for a bundled                   management of requirements bundling                   expected benefits do not meet the
                                                  requirement. This acquisition package                   across Government agencies. This                      quantifiable dollar thresholds for a
                                                  includes ‘‘all information relative to the              standardized approach was noted to                    substantial benefit. Section 1313
                                                  justification of contract bundling,                     provide more visibility into Government               provides that a SPE or CAO may
                                                  including the acquisition plan or                       contracting. The respondent                           determine that an acquisition strategy
                                                  strategy.’’ This rule also requires this                additionally lauded FAR 7.107–1(b) for                involving consolidation is necessary
                                                  information for consolidation. If the                   its identification of the possible benefits           and justified if the benefits of the
                                                  acquisition involves substantial                        that may be attained from bundling or                 acquisition strategy substantially exceed
                                                  bundling, the agency must provide the                   consolidation such as cost savings;                   the benefits of each of the possible
                                                  requirements listed at FAR 7.107(e),                    price-reduction; quality improvements,                alternative contracting approaches
                                                  moved in the final rule to 7.107–4.                     etc. Furthermore, the respondent                      identified that would involve a lesser
                                                     Comment: One respondent                              supported the thresholds in the rule for              degree of consolidation. In the preamble
                                                  commented that the thresholds                           the Government to use to substantiate                 to the SBA final rule, SBA indicated
                                                  proposed in FAR 7.104(d) for                            the benefits of bundling or                           (published in the Federal Register at 78
                                                  consultation with the cognizant small                   consolidation including the threshold in              FR 61120) that since the Small Business
                                                  business specialist should be compared                  FAR 7.107–1(e) requiring cost savings                 Jobs Act does not define the terms
                                                  to current FAR or Defense Federal                       based on administrative or personnel                  ‘‘substantially exceed’’ or ‘‘benefits’’ for
                                                  Acquisition Regulation Supplement                       costs must be at least 10 percent to                  contractual consolidation, SBA used the
                                                  (DFARS) thresholds for such review.                     prevent potential misleading                          definitions for those terms currently set
                                                  The respondent was concerned that                       justifications about administrative costs.            forth in the bundling regulations in 13
                                                  these thresholds would likely result in                    Response: Noted.                                   CFR 125. Therefore, it is reasonable, in
                                                  a much larger workload that should be                      Comment: One respondent                            implementation of these thresholds in
                                                  coordinated with SBA.                                   commented on the appropriateness of                   the FAR, to provide the same
                                                     Response: The requirements to                        the Senior Procurement Executive (SPE)                procedures set forth at 13 CFR
                                                  coordinate with the small business                      or Chief Acquisition Officer (CAO)                    125.2(d)(2)(iii) with regard to the
                                                  specialist when a requirement meets the                 making the determination of cost                      authority to make a determination that
                                                  threshold for substantial bundling                      savings of consolidated requirements.                 consolidation is necessary and justified
                                                  already exist in the current FAR at                     Of particular concern, the respondent                 even though the benefits do not meet
                                                  7.104(d)(1). The thresholds currently                   felt the determination should be the                  the thresholds for substantial benefits,
                                                  listed in FAR 7.104(d)(2)(i) still exist                responsibility of the customer/                       but in the aggregate are critical to the
                                                  and are the thresholds used to                          requirements owner.                                   agency’s mission success.
                                                  differentiate ‘‘bundling’’ from                            Response: Generally, FAR                           b. Consolidation (FAR 7.107–2)
                                                  ‘‘substantial bundling’’. However, FAR                  determinations that pertain to the                       Comment: One respondent discussed
                                                  7.104 is being amended to remove the                    acquisition process are made by                       the consolidation of contract
                                                  substantial bundling thresholds, which                  acquisition professionals (e.g., CAO,                 requirements specified at FAR 7.107–2
                                                  will be relocated in a new section, FAR                 SPE, contracting officer, etc.). Paragraph            and expressed that the $2 million dollar
                                                  7.107–4 for clarity and consistency                     (c)(2)(B) of 15 U.S.C. 657q,                          threshold which would require a
                                                  purposes. Therefore, there is no increase               Consolidation of contract requirements,               justification is adequate, without being
                                                  in workload for the small business                      requires the determination of cost                    overly burdensome. Additionally, the
                                                  specialists due to the threshold.                       savings under a consolidated                          respondent commented that the review
                                                     Comment: One respondent stated that                  requirement be made by the SPE or                     process and the impact analysis on
                                                  most FAR/DFARS language speaks to                       CAO. The language used in the rule                    small businesses when contract
                                                  acquisition planning and not strategies.                provides flexibility as to who would                  consolidation is being contemplated are
                                                     Response: Acquisition strategies are                 actually write or provide any supporting              preventive measures to ensure
                                                  heavily considered in both the FAR and                  document as the SPE or CAO are only                   consolidation is justified.
                                                  DFARS. As stated in the acquisition                     required to make the determination.                      Response: Noted.
                                                  planning definition at FAR 2.101,                          Comment: One respondent
                                                  acquisition planning includes                           commented that Government agencies                    c. Bundling (FAR 7.107–3)
                                                  developing the overall strategy for                     are required to meet 10 percent savings                  Comment: One respondent
                                                  managing the acquisition. FAR 7.107–                    requirement for consolidation, even                   recommended additional guidance to be
                                                  3(f)(2) in the final rule (formerly FAR                 though they are potentially still setting             provided to clarify the term
                                                  7.107(c)(2)) indicates that the                         aside for small businesses. If they                   ‘‘measurably substantial’’ when agencies
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                                                  acquisition strategy must provide for                   cannot meet that savings objective then               are quantifying specific benefits to be
                                                  maximum practicable participation by                    they cannot consolidate requirements                  achieved from bundling. FAR 7.107–
                                                  small business concerns. FAR 7.107–                     and therefore cannot save the taxpayer                3(b) requires an agency to quantify the
                                                  4(b) in the final rule (formerly FAR                    money. This requirement will also cause               specific benefits identified through
                                                  7.107(e)) goes further and describes                    the Government to expand its needed                   market research and other techniques to
                                                  additional elements for the acquisition                 resources in order to ensure enough                   explain how their impact would be
                                                  strategy when there is substantial                      personnel to provide proper oversight of              measurably substantial (see
                                                  bundling.                                               multiple orders.                                      10.001(a)(2)(iv) and (a)(3)(vii)).


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       67767

                                                     The respondent is also concerned that                6. Notification (FAR 7.107–5)                           Response: This FAR rule is
                                                  after market analysis and cost analysis                 a. Notification to Small Businesses                   implementing the SBA regulations at 13
                                                  is complete, if the benefits do not meet                                                                      CFR 125.2(d)(6) and the statute, which
                                                  the thresholds for a substantial benefit,                  Comment: Two respondents                           mandate publication of bundled
                                                  the military service acquisition                        commented on the requirements at FAR                  requirements on agency Web sites on an
                                                  executive, Deputy Secretary, or                         7.107–5(a) to notify each small business              annual basis. The SBA regulations only
                                                  equivalent position may still determine                 performing a contract that it intends to              encourage providing such notification
                                                  that bundling is necessary and justified.               bundle the requirement with one or                    before issuance of the solicitation, and
                                                  The respondent is concerned that this                   more other requirements at least 30 days              do not specify FedBizOpps or any
                                                  section could convert itself to a catch-                prior to the issuance of the solicitation             particular Web site as the location of
                                                  all for any acquisition that does not                   for the bundled requirement. Both                     such posting.
                                                  meet the requirements but the Agency                    respondents considered that the 30 day
                                                                                                          time period was insufficient. One                     c. Notification to SBA
                                                  still feels compelled to bundle.
                                                     Response: The SBA regulations at 13                  respondent stated that the Government                    Comment: One respondent
                                                  CFR 125.2(d)(2)(ii) require the benefits                must know this far in advance of 30                   commented that the requirement to
                                                  to be measurably substantial in order for               days. The other respondent noted that                 notify SBA of each follow-on bundled or
                                                  the bundling to be necessary and                        30 days does not provide adequate time                consolidated contract will provide more
                                                  justified. This requirement is                          for the small business to coordinate                  complete data regarding whether
                                                  implemented at FAR 7.107–3(a).                          with the designated SBA Procurement                   consolidation or bundling actually was
                                                     Benefits of bundling are measurably                  Center representative or designated                   a positive outcome for the agency.
                                                  substantial if individually, in                         contact. The respondent suggested at                  According to the respondent, including
                                                  combination, or in the aggregate the                    least 45 calendar days.                               the historical data of the amount of
                                                  anticipated financial benefits are                         One respondent asked what the                      savings and benefits that resulted from
                                                  equivalent to—                                          documentation requirements are for this               the consolidation or bundling and then
                                                                                                          in the contract file.                                 comparing it to whether such benefits
                                                     (1) Ten percent of the estimated
                                                                                                             Response: This final rule implements               will continue in a follow-on contract
                                                  contract or order value (including
                                                                                                          the SBA regulations (see 13 CFR                       will provide an excellent opportunity
                                                  options) if the value is $94 million or
                                                                                                          125.2(d)(5)), which specify a time                    for analysis.
                                                  less; or
                                                                                                          period of least 30 days prior to the                     Response: Noted.
                                                     (2) Five percent of the estimated                    issuance of the solicitation. Those
                                                  contract or order value (including                      regulations and FAR 7.107–5(a)(3)                     7. Provision (FAR 52.207–6)
                                                  options) or $9.4 million, whichever is                  require documentation of the                             Comment: One respondent requested
                                                  greater, if the value exceeds $94 million.              notification in the contract file. The                information on the provision in the
                                                     The final rule now incorporates at                   contracting officer has discretion on                 proposed rule to be included in each
                                                  FAR 7.107–3(d) the discussion of                        how best to document the contract file.               solicitation for any multiple-award
                                                  substantial benefits that was located at                                                                      contract above the substantial bundling
                                                  FAR 7.107–1(d). The benefits are                        b. Notification to the Public                         threshold. The respondent had concerns
                                                  measurably substantial when the agency                     Two respondents commented on the                   that this rule appeared to indicate that
                                                  can quantify the specific benefits                      requirement at FAR 7.107–5(b) that the                the normal requirement is to set up
                                                  identified through the use of market                    agency notify the public of the rationale             multiple-award contracts only for large
                                                  research and other techniques.                          for a bundled requirement, via the                    business and overlooks the process for
                                                     If the thresholds are not met, FAR                   agency’s Web site.                                    set-aside contracts. This respondent
                                                  7.107–3(f) requires a high level                           Comment: One respondent asked                      suggested that the provision should
                                                  determination, without power of                         whether this reporting duty can be                    provide for a higher evaluation of a large
                                                  delegation, that the expected benefits                  delegated to the chief acquisition                    business teaming with a small business,
                                                  are critical for the agency’s mission                   executive/senior procurement executive                or if it has a substantial small business
                                                  success, and that the acquisition                       or head of the contracting activity.                  subcontracting plan.
                                                  strategy provides for maximum                              Response: The statute requires the                    Response: The provision at FAR
                                                  practicable participation by small                      head of the agency to post this                       52.207–6 is required by section 1312(a)
                                                  business concerns. These protections                    information to the agency Web site, but               of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010
                                                  are sufficient to ensure that agencies are              does not prohibit redelegation. FAR                   and the SBA regulations. The statute
                                                  not able to use this exception as a catch-              1.108(b) states that each authority is                requires ‘‘a provision soliciting bids
                                                  all for acquisitions that do not meet the               delegable unless specifically stated                  from any responsible source, including
                                                  requirements.                                           otherwise. Therefore, the actual posting              responsible small business concerns and
                                                                                                          can be delegated to an appropriate level              teams or joint ventures of small business
                                                  d. Substantial Bundling (FAR 7.107–4)
                                                                                                          within the agency.                                    concerns.’’
                                                     Comment: One respondent found the                       Comment: Another respondent
                                                  separate definition and discussion on                   supported the proposed amendments to                  C. Other Changes
                                                  substantial bundling at FAR 7.107–4 to                  require publication on the Web site but                 At FAR 2.101 and in the clause at
                                                  be helpful as it sets forth and                         noted that the requirement was only                   52.207–6, the definition of ‘‘Small
                                                  distinguishes the requirements of                       mandatory for any bundled                             Business Teaming Arrangement’’ has
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                                                  substantial bundling from consolidation                 requirements for which the agency has                 been amended to add a subparagraph in
                                                  and bundling (FAR 7.107–2 and 7.107–                    solicited offers or issued an award,                  paragraph (2) to explain that for DoD, a
                                                  3, respectively). The respondent further                whereas the agency is only encouraged                 Small Business Teaming Arrangement
                                                  commented that the documentation                        to provide notification to FedBizOpps                 may include two business concerns in a
                                                  requirements of specific benefits to be                 before the issuance of the solicitation.              mentor-protégé relationship in the
                                                  derived from substantial bundling are a                 The respondent recommended that this                  Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-
                                                  positive protection for small businesses.               presolicitation notification to the public            Protégé Program (see section 831 of the
                                                     Response: Noted.                                     should be mandatory.                                  National Defense Authorization Act for


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                                                  67768            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  Fiscal Year 1991 (Pub. L. 101–510; 10                   III. Applicability to Commercial Items,               these requirements to the maximum
                                                  U.S.C. 2302 note) only so long as both                  Including Commercially Available Off-                 extent possible would exclude a
                                                  the mentor and the protégé are small.                 the-Shelf (COTS) Items                                significant number of acquisitions
                                                  There is no exception to joint venture                     This rule creates provision FAR                    which would not help to protect the
                                                  size affiliation for offers received from               52.207–6, Solicitation of Offers from                 interests of small businesses and boost
                                                  Small Business Teaming Arrangements                     Small Business Concerns and Small                     their opportunities in the Federal
                                                  under the Department of Defense Pilot                   Business Teaming Arrangements or                      marketplace. Not applying the
                                                  Mentor-Protégé Program. In addition, a                Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award                        consolidation requirements to the
                                                  clarification is added in paragraph (3) of              Contracts), in order to implement                     acquisition of commercial items or
                                                  the definition, that this exception to                  paragraph (a) of section 1312 of the                  COTS would limit the full
                                                  affiliation applies in the case of a                    Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. This                 implementation of the Small Business
                                                  solicitation of offers for a bundled                    paragraph concerns 15 U.S.C. 644,                     Jobs Act of 2010. For all of these
                                                  contract with a reserve (as stated at 13                Awards or Contracts, and therefore                    reasons, it is in the best interest of the
                                                  CFR 121.103(b)(9)).                                     applies as a matter of law to COTS                    Federal Government to apply the
                                                     The definition of ‘‘Bundling’’ at FAR                items. The Federal Acquisition                        consolidation requirements to all
                                                  2.101 has been amended for clarity and                  Regulatory Council, pursuant to the                   contracts and subcontracts above the
                                                  to remove the proposed reference to the                 authority granted in 41 U.S.C. 1906, List             threshold(s) specified in the statute.
                                                  description of substantial bundling in                  of laws inapplicable to procurements of               IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                  part 7. The definition of                               commercial items, and the
                                                  ‘‘Consolidation’’ has been amended to                                                                            Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and
                                                                                                          Administrator for Federal Procurement
                                                  remove redundant terms. The phrase                                                                            13563 direct agencies to assess all costs
                                                                                                          Policy, pursuant to the authority granted
                                                  ‘‘contract requirements’’ is removed for                                                                      and benefits of available regulatory
                                                                                                          in 41 U.S.C. 1907, List of laws
                                                  clarity wherever it is associated with                                                                        alternatives and, if regulation is
                                                                                                          inapplicable to procurements of
                                                  bundling and consolidation in the final                                                                       necessary, to select regulatory
                                                                                                          commercially available off-the-shelf
                                                  rule, since bundling and consolidation                                                                        approaches that maximize net benefits
                                                                                                          items, have determined that it would
                                                  apply to orders as well as contracts.                                                                         (including potential economic,
                                                                                                          not be in the best interest of the Federal
                                                     For consistency, the final rule amends                                                                     environmental, public health and safety
                                                                                                          Government to exempt solicitations for
                                                  the text at FAR 5.205(g) to reflect the                                                                       effects, distributive impacts, and
                                                                                                          the acquisition of commercial items
                                                  specific text at FAR 7.107–5(b)(2),                                                                           equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
                                                                                                          from the applicability of paragraph (a) of
                                                  instead of paraphrasing.                                                                                      importance of quantifying both costs
                                                                                                          section 1312, entitled ‘‘Leadership and
                                                     The final rule contains a minor                                                                            and benefits, of reducing costs, of
                                                                                                          Oversight,’’ of the Small Business Jobs
                                                  editorial correction to the cross-                                                                            harmonizing rules, and of promoting
                                                                                                          Act, or to exempt solicitations for the
                                                  reference at FAR 7.107–3(b).                                                                                  flexibility. This is a significant
                                                                                                          acquisition of commercial items or for
                                                     At FAR 7.107–3(f), the identification                                                                      regulatory action and, therefore, was
                                                                                                          COTS from the applicability of
                                                  of officials authorized to make the                                                                           subject to review under Section 6(b) of
                                                                                                          paragraph (a) of section 1313, entitled
                                                  determination in the Department of                                                                            E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and
                                                                                                          ‘‘Consolidation of Contract
                                                  Defense that bundling is necessary and                                                                        Review, dated September 30, 1993. This
                                                                                                          Requirements’’. The FAR provision
                                                  justified, even if the anticipated savings                                                                    rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C.
                                                                                                          52.207–6, Solicitation of Offers from
                                                  do not meet the specified thresholds,                                                                         804.
                                                                                                          Small Business Concerns and Small
                                                  has been amended to more closely                        Business Teaming Arrangements or                      V. Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                  reflect the SBA regulation at 13 CFR                    Joint Ventures (Multiple-Award                          DoD, GSA, and NASA have prepared
                                                  125.2(d)(2)(iii).                                       Contracts), has been written so that the              a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
                                                     At FAR 7.107–4(a)(1), the final rule                 application of the provision is carefully             (FRFA) consistent with the Regulatory
                                                  adds language which conforms to other                   tailored, consistent with the statute. The            Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. The
                                                  proposed changes for subpart 7.1, which                 provision is a notice to offerors that                FRFA is summarized as follows:
                                                  consists of spelling out ‘‘task order or                imposes no burdens, but simply
                                                  delivery order’’ whenever talking about                 encourages small business concerns and                   The final rule amends the FAR to provide
                                                                                                                                                                uniform guidance on consolidation and
                                                  requirements associated with bundling                   small business teaming arrangements or                bundling consistent with SBA’s final rule
                                                  or consolidation. The use of this distinct              joint ventures of small business                      which was published in the Federal Register
                                                  terminology is due to FAR subpart 7.1                   concerns to submit offers on multiple-                at 78 FR 61113 on October 2, 2013, which
                                                  already having a definition for ‘‘order’’               award contracts above the substantial                 implements Sections 1312 and 1313 of the
                                                  which does not accurately describe the                  bundling threshold of the Federal                     Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L.
                                                  orders to which bundling and                            agency. Therefore, the potential benefits             111–240) and section 1671 of Pub. L. 112–
                                                  consolidation requirements apply.                       to small business entities outweigh any               239.
                                                  Consequently, because there is no                                                                                The rule requires the head of the agency to
                                                                                                          potential drawback of application to
                                                                                                                                                                publish on the agency Web site a list and
                                                  conflicting definition of ‘‘order’’ in FAR              acquisitions of commercial items.                     rationale for bundled contracts; requires
                                                  subparts 8.4 or 16.5, the final rule has                   The consolidation requirements of                  solicitation for multiple-award contracts
                                                  been amended to remove the proposed                     section 1313 should apply to all                      above the substantial bundling threshold to
                                                  use of the distinct terminology in those                contracts and subcontracts above the                  include a provision soliciting bids from any
                                                  subparts.                                               threshold(s) specified in the statute,                responsible source; requires agencies to
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                                                     The final rule contains a number of                  including contracts and subcontracts for              publish bundling policy on agency Web site;
                                                  editorial changes such as the addition of               the acquisition of commercial items and               provides for a definition of ‘‘consolidation;’’
                                                  cross-references in FAR 7.107–2, 7.107–                 COTS. The statute requires agencies to                and, prohibits an agency from carrying out
                                                                                                                                                                consolidation of requirements over $2
                                                  3, and 7.107–6, removal of redundant                    ensure increased consideration of small               million until certain actions are taken.
                                                  text in 7.107–5(a), and the deletion of                 businesses in connection with the                        The objective of this rule is to alleviate the
                                                  ‘‘significant’’ from 19.201(c)(5)(i) as                 establishment of multiple award                       adverse effects of contract bundling and
                                                  there is no definition for ‘‘significant                contracts and acquisitions that                       consolidation on small business concerns
                                                  bundling’’.                                             consolidate contracts. Not applying                   competing for Federal contracts. This rule



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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                         67769

                                                  provides a balance between the benefits of                 Bundling—                                          Teaming Arrangement between the
                                                  bundling and consolidation and the obstacles               (1) Means a subset of consolidation                offeror and its small business
                                                  they create for small businesses.                       that combines two or more requirements                subcontractor(s) exists through a written
                                                    There were no significant issues raised by            for supplies or services, previously                  agreement between the parties that—
                                                  the public in response to the Initial                                                                            (A) Is specifically referred to as a
                                                  Regulatory Flexibility Analysis provided in
                                                                                                          provided or performed under separate
                                                  the proposed rule.                                      smaller contracts (see paragraph (2) of               ‘‘Small Business Teaming
                                                    This rule may have a positive economic                this definition), into a solicitation for a           Arrangement’’; and
                                                  impact on any small business entity that                single contract, a multiple-award                        (B) Sets forth the different
                                                  wishes to participate in the Federal                    contract, or a task or delivery order that            responsibilities, roles, and percentages
                                                  procurement arena. Analysis of the SAM                  is likely to be unsuitable for award to a             (or other allocations) of work as it
                                                  database indicates there are currently                  small business concern (even if it is                 relates to the acquisition;
                                                  approximately 307,846 small business                    suitable for award to a small business                   (2)(i) For civilian agencies, may
                                                  registrants that can potentially benefit from           with a Small Business Teaming                         include two business concerns in a
                                                  the implementation of this rule. This rule                                                                    mentor-protégé relationship when both
                                                  does not impose any new reporting,
                                                                                                          Arrangement) due to—
                                                                                                             (i) The diversity, size, or specialized            the mentor and the protégé are small or
                                                  recordkeeping or other compliance                                                                             the protégé is small and the concerns
                                                  requirements.                                           nature of the elements of the
                                                                                                          performance specified;                                have received an exception to affiliation
                                                    Interested parties may obtain a copy                     (ii) The aggregate dollar value of the             pursuant to 13 CFR 121.103(h)(3)(ii) or
                                                  of the FRFA from the Regulatory                         anticipated award;                                    (iii).
                                                  Secretariat. The Regulatory Secretariat                    (iii) The geographical dispersion of                  (ii) For DoD, may include two
                                                  has submitted a copy of the FRFA to the                 the contract performance sites; or                    business concerns in a mentor-protégé
                                                  Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small                    (iv) Any combination of the factors                relationship in the Department of
                                                  Business Administration.                                described in paragraphs (1)(i), (ii), and             Defense Pilot Mentor-Protégé Program
                                                                                                          (iii) of this definition.                             (see section 831 of the National Defense
                                                  VI. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                                                                             (2) ‘‘Separate smaller contract’’ as               Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991
                                                    The rule does not contain any                                                                               (Pub. L. 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 2302 note))
                                                                                                          used in this definition, means a contract
                                                  information collection requirements that                                                                      when both the mentor and the protégé
                                                                                                          that has been performed by one or more
                                                  require the approval of the Office of                                                                         are small. There is no exception to joint
                                                                                                          small business concerns or that was
                                                  Management and Budget under the                                                                               venture size affiliation for offers
                                                                                                          suitable for award to one or more small
                                                  Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.                                                                            received from teaming arrangements
                                                                                                          business concerns.
                                                  chapter 35).                                                                                                  under the Department of Defense Pilot
                                                                                                             (3) This definition does not apply to
                                                  List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 5, 7,               a contract that will be awarded and                   Mentor-Protégé Program; and
                                                                                                                                                                   (3) See 13 CFR 121.103(b)(9) regarding
                                                  8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 52                           performed entirely outside of the United
                                                                                                                                                                the exception to affiliation for offers
                                                     Government procurement.                              States.
                                                                                                                                                                received from Small Business Teaming
                                                                                                          *       *     *    *      *                           Arrangements in the case of a
                                                    Dated: September 19, 2016.
                                                                                                             Consolidation or consolidated                      solicitation of offers for a bundled
                                                  William F. Clark,
                                                                                                          requirement—                                          contract with a reserve.
                                                  Director, Office of Government-wide                        (1) Means a solicitation for a single
                                                  Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition                                                                     *       *    *      *    *
                                                                                                          contract, a multiple-award contract, a
                                                  Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
                                                                                                          task order, or a delivery order to                    PART 5—PUBLICIZING CONTRACT
                                                    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA                         satisfy—
                                                  amend 48 CFR parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12,                                                                        ACTIONS
                                                                                                             (i) Two or more requirements of the
                                                  15, 16, 19, and 52 as set forth below:                  Federal agency for supplies or services               ■ 3. Amend section 5.205 by adding
                                                  ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR                  that have been provided to or performed               paragraph (g) to read as follows.
                                                  parts 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19, and               for the Federal agency under two or
                                                  52 continues to read as follows:                        more separate contracts, each of which                5.205    Special situations.
                                                    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C.                was lower in cost than the total cost of              *      *     *    *      *
                                                  chapter 137; and 51 U.S.C. 20113.                       the contract for which offers are                        (g) Notification to the public of
                                                                                                          solicited; or                                         rationale for bundled requirement. The
                                                  PART 2—DEFINITIONS OF WORDS                                (ii) Requirements of the Federal                   agency is encouraged to provide
                                                  AND TERMS                                               agency for construction projects to be                notification of the rationale for any
                                                                                                          performed at two or more discrete sites.              bundled requirement to the GPE before
                                                  ■ 2. Amend section 2.101, in paragraph                     (2) Separate contract as used in this              issuing the solicitation of any bundled
                                                  (b)(2) by—                                              definition, means a contract that has                 requirement (see 7.107–5(b)(2)).
                                                  ■ a. Removing the definition ‘‘Bundled
                                                                                                          been performed by any business,
                                                  contract’’;                                                                                                   PART 7—ACQUISITION PLANNING
                                                                                                          including small and other than small
                                                  ■ b. Revising the definition ‘‘Bundling’’;
                                                                                                          business concerns.                                    ■ 4. Amend section 7.103 by revising
                                                  and
                                                  ■ c. Adding, in alphabetical order, the                 *       *     *    *      *                           paragraph (u)(2) to read as follows:
                                                  definitions ‘‘Consolidation, or                            Small Business Teaming
                                                                                                          Arrangement—                                          7.103    Agency-head responsibilities.
                                                  consolidated requirement’’ and ‘‘Small
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                                                                                                             (1) Means an arrangement where—                    *     *    *     *     *
                                                  Business Teaming Arrangement’’.                                                                                 (u) * * *
                                                    The revision and additions read as                       (i) Two or more small business
                                                                                                          concerns have formed a joint venture; or                (2) Avoid unnecessary and unjustified
                                                  follows:                                                                                                      consolidation or bundling (see 7.107)
                                                                                                             (ii) A small business offeror agrees
                                                  2.101   Definitions.                                    with one or more other small business                 (15 U.S.C. 631(j) and 15 U.S.C. 657q).
                                                  *       *    *       *      *                           concerns to have them act as its                      *     *    *     *     *
                                                      (b) * * *                                           subcontractors under a specified                      ■ 5. Amend section 7.104 by removing
                                                      (2) * * *                                           Government contract. A Small Business                 from paragraph (a) ‘‘contracting,’’ and


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                                                  67770            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                  adding ‘‘contracting, small business,’’ in              7.107 Additional requirements for                        (5) Steps are taken to include small
                                                  its place; and revising paragraph (d) to                acquisitions involving consolidation,                 business concerns in the acquisition
                                                  read as follows:                                        bundling, or substantial bundling.                    strategy.
                                                                                                          ■ 8. Add sections 7.107–1 through                        (b) The senior procurement executive
                                                  7.104   General procedures.                             7.107–6 to read as follows:                           or chief acquisition officer may
                                                  *     *     *     *     *                                                                                     determine that the consolidation is
                                                    (d) The planner shall coordinate the                  7.107–1    General.                                   necessary and justified if the benefits of
                                                  acquisition plan or strategy with the                      (a) If the requirement is considered               the acquisition would substantially
                                                  cognizant small business specialist                     both consolidated and bundled, the                    exceed the benefits that would be
                                                  when the strategy contemplates an                       agency shall follow the guidance                      derived from each of the alternative
                                                  acquisition meeting the thresholds in                   regarding bundling in 7.107–3 and                     contracting approaches identified under
                                                  7.107–4 for substantial bundling unless                 7.107–4.                                              paragraph (a)(2) of this subsection,
                                                  the contract or task order or delivery                     (b) The requirements of this section               including benefits that are quantifiable
                                                  order is entirely reserved or set-aside for             7.107 do not apply—                                   in dollar amounts as well as any other
                                                  small business under part 19. The small                    (1) If a cost comparison analysis will
                                                                                                                                                                specifically identified benefits.
                                                  business specialist shall notify the                    be performed in accordance with OMB                      (c) Such benefits may include cost
                                                  agency Office of Small and                              Circular A–76 (except 7.107–4 still                   savings or price reduction and,
                                                  Disadvantaged Business Utilization or                   applies);                                             regardless of whether quantifiable in
                                                  the Office of Small Business Programs if                   (2) To orders placed under single-
                                                                                                                                                                dollar amounts—
                                                  the strategy involves—                                  agency task-order contracts or delivery-
                                                                                                                                                                   (1) Quality improvements that will
                                                    (1) Bundling that is unnecessary or                   order contracts, when the requirement
                                                                                                                                                                save time or improve or enhance
                                                  unjustified; or                                         was considered in determining that the
                                                                                                                                                                performance or efficiency;
                                                    (2) Bundled or consolidated                           consolidation or bundling of the                         (2) Reduction in acquisition cycle
                                                  requirements not identified as such by                  underlying contract was necessary and                 times;
                                                                                                          justified; or                                            (3) Better terms and conditions; or
                                                  the agency (see 7.107).
                                                                                                             (3) To requirements for which there is                (4) Any other benefit.
                                                  *     *     *     *     *                               a mandatory source (see 8.002 or 8.003),                 (d) Benefits. (1) Benefits that are
                                                  ■ 6. Amend section 7.105 by revising                    including supplies and services that are              quantifiable in dollar amounts are
                                                  paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:                    on the Procurement List maintained by                 substantial if individually, in
                                                                                                          the Committee for Purchase From                       combination, or in the aggregate the
                                                  7.105 Contents of written acquisition
                                                                                                          People Who Are Blind or Severely                      anticipated financial benefits are
                                                  plans.
                                                                                                          Disabled or the Schedule of Products                  equivalent to—
                                                  *       *     *    *    *                               issued by Federal Prison Industries, Inc.
                                                    (b) Plan of action—(1) Sources. (i)                                                                            (i) Ten percent of the estimated
                                                                                                          This exception does not apply—                        contract or order value (including
                                                  Indicate the prospective sources of                        (i) When the requiring agency obtains
                                                  supplies or services that can meet the                                                                        options) if the value is $94 million or
                                                                                                          a waiver in accordance with 8.604 or an
                                                  need.                                                                                                         less; or
                                                                                                          exception in accordance with 8.605 or                    (ii) Five percent of the estimated
                                                     (ii) Consider required sources of                    8.706; or
                                                  supplies or services (see part 8) and                                                                         contract or order value (including
                                                                                                             (ii) When optional acquisitions of
                                                  sources identifiable through databases                                                                        options) or $9.4 million, whichever is
                                                                                                          supplies and services permitted under
                                                  including the Governmentwide database                   8.713 are included.                                   greater, if the value exceeds $94 million.
                                                  of contracts and other procurement                                                                               (2) Benefits that are not quantifiable
                                                  instruments intended for use by                         7.107–2    Consolidation.                             in dollar amounts shall be specifically
                                                  multiple agencies available at https://                   (a) Consolidation may provide                       identified and otherwise quantified to
                                                  www.contractdirectory.gov/                              substantial benefits to the Government.               the extent feasible.
                                                  contractdirectory/.                                     However, because of the potential                        (3) Reduction of administrative or
                                                     (iii) Include consideration of small                 impact on small business participation,               personnel costs alone is not sufficient
                                                  business, veteran-owned small business,                 before conducting an acquisition that is              justification for consolidation unless the
                                                  service-disabled veteran-owned small                    a consolidation of requirements with an               cost savings are expected to be at least
                                                  business, HUBZone small business,                       estimated total dollar value exceeding                10 percent of the estimated contract or
                                                  small disadvantaged business, and                       $2 million, the senior procurement                    order value (including options) of the
                                                  women-owned small business concerns                     executive or chief acquisition officer                consolidated requirements, as
                                                  (see part 19).                                          shall make a written determination that               determined by the senior procurement
                                                     (iv) Consider the impact of any                      the consolidation is necessary and                    executive or chief acquisition officer (15
                                                  consolidation or bundling that might                    justified in accordance with 15 U.S.C.                U.S.C. 657q(c)(2)(B)).
                                                                                                          657q, after ensuring that—                               (e)(1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)
                                                  affect participation of small businesses
                                                                                                            (1) Market research has been                        through (d) of this subsection, the
                                                  in the acquisition (see 7.107) (15 U.S.C.
                                                                                                          conducted;                                            approving authority identified in
                                                  644(e) and 15 U.S.C. 657q). When the
                                                                                                            (2) Any alternative contracting                     paragraph (e)(2) of this subsection may
                                                  proposed acquisition strategy involves
                                                                                                          approaches that would involve a lesser                determine that consolidation is
                                                  bundling, identify the incumbent
                                                                                                          degree of consolidation have been                     necessary and justified when—
                                                  contractors and contracts affected by the
                                                                                                          identified;                                              (i) The expected benefits do not meet
                                                  bundling.
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                                                                                                            (3) The determination is coordinated                the thresholds for a substantial benefit
                                                     (v) Address the extent and results of
                                                                                                          with the agency’s Office of Small                     at paragraph (d)(1) of this subsection but
                                                  the market research and indicate their
                                                                                                          Disadvantaged Business Utilization or                 are critical to the agency’s mission
                                                  impact on the various elements of the
                                                                                                          the Office of Small Business Programs;                success; and
                                                  plan (see part 10).                                       (4) Any negative impact by the                         (ii) The procurement strategy provides
                                                  *       *     *    *    *                               acquisition strategy on contracting with              for maximum practicable participation
                                                  ■ 7. Revise section 7.107 to read as                    small business concerns has been                      by small business.
                                                  follows:                                                identified; and                                          (2) The approving authority is—


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                        67771

                                                    (i) For the Department of Defense, the                  (i) The expected benefits do not meet               contractors, including provisions that
                                                  senior procurement executive; or                        the thresholds for a substantial benefit              encourage small business teaming;
                                                    (ii) For the civilian agencies, the                   but are critical to the agency’s mission                (4) Actions designed to maximize
                                                  Deputy Secretary or equivalent.                         success; and                                          small business participation as
                                                    (f) If a determination is made that                     (ii) The acquisition strategy provides              subcontractors (including suppliers) at
                                                  consolidation is necessary and justified,               for maximum practicable participation                 any tier under the contract, or order,
                                                  the contracting officer shall include it in             by small business concerns.                           that may be awarded to meet the
                                                  the acquisition strategy documentation                    (2) The approving authority, without                requirements;
                                                  and provide it to the Small Business                    power of delegation, is—                                (5) The determination that the
                                                  Administration (SBA) upon request.                        (i) For the Department of Defense, the              anticipated benefits of the proposed
                                                                                                          senior procurement executive; or                      bundled contract or order justify its use;
                                                  7.107–3    Bundling.                                      (ii) For the civilian agencies is the               and
                                                    (a) Bundling may provide substantial                  Deputy Secretary or equivalent.                         (6) Alternative strategies that would
                                                  benefits to the Government. However,                      (g) In assessing whether cost savings
                                                                                                                                                                reduce or minimize the scope of the
                                                  because of the potential impact on small                and/or price reduction would be
                                                                                                                                                                bundling, and the rationale for not
                                                  business participation, before                          achieved through bundling, the agency
                                                                                                                                                                choosing those alternatives.
                                                  conducting an acquisition strategy that                 and SBA shall—
                                                  involves bundling, the agency shall                       (1) Compare the price that has been                 7.107–5    Notifications.
                                                  make a written determination that the                   charged by small businesses for the                      (a) Notifications to current small
                                                  bundling is necessary and justified in                  work that they have performed; or                     business contractors of agency’s intent
                                                  accordance with 15 U.S.C. 644(e). A                       (2) Where previous prices are not
                                                                                                                                                                to bundle. (1) The contracting officer
                                                  bundled requirement is considered                       available, compare the price, based on
                                                                                                                                                                shall notify each small business
                                                  necessary and justified if the agency                   market research, that could have been or
                                                                                                                                                                performing a contract that it intends to
                                                  would obtain measurably substantial                     could be charged by small businesses
                                                                                                                                                                bundle the requirement at least 30 days
                                                  benefits as compared to meeting its                     for the work previously performed by
                                                                                                                                                                prior to the issuance of the solicitation
                                                  agency’s requirements through separate                  other than a small business.
                                                                                                            (h) If a determination is made that                 for the bundled requirement.
                                                  smaller contracts or orders.                                                                                     (2) The notification shall provide the
                                                    (b) The agency shall quantify the                     bundling is necessary and justified, the
                                                                                                          contracting officer shall include it in the           name, phone number and address of the
                                                  specific benefits identified through the                                                                      applicable SBA procurement center
                                                  use of market research and other                        acquisition strategy documentation and
                                                                                                          provide it to SBA upon request.                       representative (PCR), or if an SBA PCR
                                                  techniques to explain how their impact                                                                        is not assigned to the procuring activity,
                                                  would be measurably substantial (see                    7.107–4    Substantial bundling.                      the SBA Office of Government
                                                  10.001(a)(2)(iv) and (a)(3)(vii)).                         (a)(1) Substantial bundling is any                 Contracting Area Office serving the area
                                                    (c) Such benefits may include, but are                                                                      in which the buying activity is located.
                                                                                                          bundling that results in a contract task
                                                  not limited to—                                                                                                  (3) This notification shall be
                                                                                                          or delivery order with an estimated
                                                    (1) Cost savings;
                                                                                                          value of—                                             documented in the contract file.
                                                    (2) Price reduction;
                                                                                                             (i) $8 million or more for the                        (b) Notification to public of rationale
                                                    (3) Quality improvements that will
                                                                                                          Department of Defense;                                for bundled requirement. (1) The agency
                                                  save time or improve or enhance                            (ii) $6 million or more for the
                                                  performance or efficiency;                                                                                    shall publish on its Web site a list and
                                                                                                          National Aeronautics and Space                        rationale for any bundled requirement
                                                    (4) Reduction in acquisition cycle
                                                                                                          Administration, the General Services                  for which the agency solicited offers or
                                                  times, or
                                                                                                          Administration, and the Department of                 issued an award. The notification shall
                                                    (5) Better terms and conditions.
                                                    (d) Benefits are measurably                           Energy; or                                            be made within 30 days of the agency’s
                                                                                                             (iii) $2.5 million or more for all other           data certification regarding the validity
                                                  substantial if individually, in
                                                                                                          agencies.                                             and verification of data entered in the
                                                  combination, or in the aggregate the                       (2) These thresholds apply to the
                                                  anticipated financial benefits are                                                                            Federal Procurement Data System to the
                                                                                                          cumulative estimated dollar value                     Office of Federal Procurement Policy
                                                  equivalent to—                                          (including options) of—
                                                    (1) Ten percent of the estimated                                                                            (see 4.604).
                                                                                                             (i) Multiple-award contracts;                         (2) In addition, the agency is
                                                  contract or order value (including                         (ii) Task orders or delivery orders
                                                  options) if the value is $94 million or                                                                       encouraged to provide notification of
                                                                                                          issued against a GSA Schedule contract;
                                                  less; or                                                                                                      the rationale for any bundled
                                                                                                          or
                                                    (2) Five percent of the estimated                        (iii) Task orders or delivery orders               requirement to the GPE, before issuance
                                                  contract or order value (including                      issued against a task-order or delivery-              of the solicitation (see 5.201).
                                                  options) or $9.4 million, whichever is                  order contract awarded by another                        (c) Notification to SBA of follow-on
                                                  greater, if the value exceeds $94 million.              agency.                                               bundled or consolidated requirements.
                                                    (e) Reduction of administrative or                       (b) In addition to addressing the                  For each follow-on bundled or
                                                  personnel costs alone is not sufficient                 requirements for bundling (see 7.107–3),              consolidated requirement, the
                                                  justification for bundling unless the cost              when the proposed acquisition strategy                contracting officer shall obtain the
                                                  savings are expected to be at least ten                 involves substantial bundling, the                    following from the requiring activity
                                                  percent of the estimated contract or                    agency shall document in its strategy—                and notify the SBA PCR no later than 30
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                                                  order value (including options) of the                     (1) The specific benefits anticipated to           days prior to issuance of the solicitation:
                                                  bundled requirements.                                   be derived from substantial bundling;                    (1) The amount of savings and
                                                    (f)(1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a)                    (2) An assessment of the specific                  benefits achieved under the prior
                                                  through (e) of this subsection, the                     impediments to participation by small                 consolidation or bundling.
                                                  approving authority identified in                       business concerns as contractors that                    (2) Whether such savings and benefits
                                                  paragraph (f)(2) of this subsection may                 result from substantial bundling;                     will continue to be realized if the
                                                  determine that bundling is necessary                       (3) Actions designed to maximize                   contract remains consolidated or
                                                  and justified when—                                     small business participation as                       bundled.


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                                                  67772            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                    (3) Whether such savings and benefits                 consolidation or bundling (15 U.S.C.                    (3) * * *
                                                  would be greater if the procurement                     644(e)(2)(A) and 15 U.S.C. 657q);                       (ii) For solicitations that are not set
                                                  requirements were divided into separate                 *      *      *    *     *                            aside for small business concerns,
                                                  solicitations suitable for award to small                  (vi) * * *                                         involving consolidation or bundling,
                                                  business concerns.                                         (B) Disaster relief to include debris              that offer a significant opportunity for
                                                    (4) List of requirements that have been               removal, distribution of supplies,                    subcontracting, the contracting officer
                                                  added or deleted for the follow-on.                     reconstruction, and other disaster or                 shall include a factor to evaluate past
                                                    (d) Public notification of bundling                   emergency relief activities (see 26.205);             performance indicating the extent to
                                                  policy. In accordance with 15 U.S.C.                    and                                                   which the offeror attained applicable
                                                  644(q)(2)(A)(ii), agencies shall publish                   (3) * * *                                          goals for small business participation
                                                  the Governmentwide policy regarding                        (vi) Determine whether consolidation               under contracts that required
                                                  contract bundling, including regarding                  is necessary and justified (see 7.107–2)              subcontracting plans (15 U.S.C.
                                                  the solicitation of teaming and joint                   (15 U.S.C. 657q);                                     637(d)(4)(G)(ii)).
                                                  ventures, on their agency Web site.                        (vii) Determine whether bundling is                *      *     *     *    *
                                                                                                          necessary and justified (see 7.107–3) (15               (4) For solicitations, that are not set
                                                  7.107–6    Solicitation provision.
                                                                                                          U.S.C. 644(e)(2)(A)); and                             aside for small business concerns,
                                                    The contracting officer shall insert the              *      *      *    *     *                            involving consolidation or bundling,
                                                  provision at 52.207–6, Solicitation of                     (c) If an agency contemplates                      that offer a significant opportunity for
                                                  Offers from Small Business Concerns                     consolidation or bundling, the agency—                subcontracting, the contracting officer
                                                  and Small Business Teaming                                 (1) When performing market research,               shall include proposed small business
                                                  Arrangements or Joint Ventures                          should consult with the agency small                  subcontracting participation in the
                                                  (Multiple-Award Contracts), in                          business specialist and the local Small               subcontracting plan as an evaluation
                                                  solicitations for multiple-award                        Business Administration procurement                   factor (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(G)(i)).
                                                  contracts above the substantial bundling                center representative (PCR). If a PCR is              *      *     *     *    *
                                                  threshold of the agency (see 7.107–4(a)).               not assigned, see 19.402(a); and
                                                                                                             (2) Shall notify any affected                      PART 16—TYPES OF CONTRACTS
                                                  PART 8—REQUIRED SOURCES OF
                                                                                                          incumbent small business concerns of
                                                  SUPPLIES AND SERVICES                                                                                         ■ 13. Amend section 16.505 by revising
                                                                                                          the Government’s intention to bundle
                                                                                                          the requirement and how small business                paragraph (a)(8)(iii) to read as follows:
                                                  ■ 9. Amend section 8.404 by revising
                                                  paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:                    concerns may contact the appropriate                  16.505    Ordering.
                                                                                                          Small Business Administration                            (a) * * *
                                                  8.404    Use of Federal Supply Schedules.               procurement center representative (see                   (8) * * *
                                                  *      *     *    *     *                               7.107–5(a)).                                             (iii) Shall comply with all FAR
                                                     (c) * * *                                            *      *      *    *     *                            requirements for a consolidated or
                                                     (2) Shall comply with all FAR                                                                              bundled contract when the order meets
                                                  requirements for a consolidated or                      PART 12—ACQUISITION OF                                the definition at 2.101(b) of
                                                  bundled contract when the order meets                   COMMERCIAL ITEMS                                      ‘‘consolidation’’ or ‘‘bundling’’.
                                                  the definition at 2.101(b) of                                                                                 *       *    *    *     *
                                                                                                          ■ 11. Amend section 12.301 by
                                                  ‘‘consolidation’’ or ‘‘bundling’’; and
                                                                                                          redesignating paragraphs (d)(4) through               ■ 14. Amend section 16.506 by adding
                                                  *      *     *    *     *                               (8) as paragraphs (d)(5) through (9),                 paragraph (i) to read as follows:
                                                                                                          respectively; and adding a new
                                                  PART 10—MARKET RESEARCH                                                                                       16.506 Solicitation provisions and
                                                                                                          paragraph (d)(4) to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                contract clauses.
                                                  ■ 10. Amend section 10.001 by—                          12.301 Solicitation provisions and                    *     *     *     *     *
                                                  ■ a. Revising the introductory text of                  contract clauses for the acquisition of                 (i) See 7.107–6 for use of 52.207–6,
                                                  paragraph (a);                                          commercial items.                                     Solicitation of Offers from Small
                                                  ■ b. Revising paragraphs (a)(2)(iv) and                 *     *     *     *     *                             Business Concerns and Small Business
                                                  (a)(2)(vi)(B);                                            (d) * * *                                           Teaming Arrangement or Joint Ventures
                                                  ■ c. Removing from the end of                             (4) Insert the provision at 52.207–6,               (Multiple-Award Contracts) in
                                                  paragraph (a)(3)(v) ‘‘efficiency; and’’ and             Solicitation of Offers from Small                     solicitations for multiple-award
                                                  adding ‘‘efficiency;’’ in its place;                    Business Concerns and Small Business                  contracts above the substantial bundling
                                                  ■ d. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(3)(vi)                Teaming Arrangements or Joint                         threshold of the agency.
                                                  and (vii) as paragraphs (a)(3)(vii) and                 Ventures (Multiple-Award Contracts), as
                                                  (viii), respectively;                                   prescribed at 7.107–6.                                PART 19—SMALL BUSINESS
                                                  ■ e. Adding a new paragraph (a)(3)(vi);                 *     *     *     *     *                             PROGRAMS
                                                  ■ f. Revising the newly designated
                                                                                                          PART 15—CONTRACTING BY                                ■ 15. Amend section 19.201 by revising
                                                  paragraph (a)(3)(vii); and
                                                                                                          NEGOTIATION                                           paragraphs (c)(5)(i), (c)(11)(ii), and
                                                  ■ g. Revising paragraph (c).
                                                                                                                                                                (c)(11)(iii) to read as follows:
                                                     The revisions and addition reads as
                                                                                                          ■ 12. Amend section 15.304 by revising
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                                                  follows:                                                                                                      19.201    General policy.
                                                                                                          paragraphs (c)(3)(ii) and (c)(4) to read as
                                                  10.001    Policy.                                       follows:                                              *      *    *     *    *
                                                                                                                                                                  (c) * * *
                                                    (a) Agencies shall—                                   15.304 Evaluation factors and significant               (5) * * *
                                                  *     *    *      *     *                               subfactors.                                             (i) Identify proposed solicitations that
                                                    (2) * * *                                             *       *    *       *       *                        involve bundling and work with the
                                                    (iv) Before soliciting offers for                         (c) * * *                                         agency acquisition officials and SBA to
                                                  acquisitions that could lead to                                                                               revise the acquisition strategies for such


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 190 / Friday, September 30, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       67773

                                                  proposed solicitations to increase the                  Solicitation of Offers From Small Business            DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                  probability of participation by small                   Concerns and Small Business Teaming
                                                  businesses as prime contractors through                 Arrangements or Joint Ventures (Multiple-             GENERAL SERVICES
                                                  Small Business Teaming Arrangements;                    Award Contracts) (Oct 2016)                           ADMINISTRATION
                                                  *       *    *     *    *                                  (a) Definition. ‘‘Small Business Teaming
                                                     (11) * * *                                           Arrangement,’’ as used in this provision—             NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
                                                     (ii) Adequacy of consolidated or                        (1) Means an arrangement where—                    SPACE ADMINISTRATION
                                                  bundled contract documentation and                         (i) Two or more small business concerns
                                                  justifications; and                                     have formed a joint venture; or                       48 CFR Part 17
                                                     (iii) Actions taken to mitigate the                     (ii) A small business offeror agrees with
                                                                                                                                                                [FAC 2005–91; FAR Case 2016–006; Item
                                                  effects of necessary and justified                      one or more other small business concerns to          VII; Docket No. 2016–0006, Sequence No.
                                                  consolidation or bundling on small                      have them act as its subcontractors under a           1]
                                                  businesses.                                             specified Government contract. A Small
                                                                                                          Business Teaming Arrangement between the              RIN 9000–AN24
                                                  *       *    *     *    *
                                                                                                          offeror and its small business
                                                  ■ 16. Amend section 19.202–1 by                         subcontractor(s) exists through a written
                                                                                                                                                                Federal Acquisition Regulation;
                                                  revising paragraph (e)(1)(iii), the                     agreement between the parties that—                   Amendment Relating to Multi-Year
                                                  introductory text of paragraph (e)(2),                     (A) Is specifically referred to as a ‘‘Small       Contract Authority for Acquisition of
                                                  and paragraphs (e)(2)(v), (e)(3), and                   Business Teaming Arrangement’’; and                   Property
                                                  (e)(4) to read as follows:                                 (B) Sets forth the different responsibilities,     AGENCY:  Department of Defense (DoD),
                                                  19.202–1 Encouraging small business                     roles, and percentages (or other allocations)         General Services Administration (GSA),
                                                  participation in acquisitions.                          of work as it relates to the acquisition;             and National Aeronautics and Space
                                                                                                             (2)(i) For civilian agencies, may include          Administration (NASA).
                                                  *      *     *    *      *
                                                                                                          two business concerns in a mentor-protégé
                                                    (e)(1) * * *                                                                                                ACTION: Final rule.
                                                                                                          relationship when both the mentor and the
                                                    (iii) The proposed acquisition is for a
                                                                                                          protégé are small or the protégé is small and     SUMMARY:    DoD, GSA, and NASA are
                                                  consolidated or bundled requirement.
                                                                                                          the concerns have received an exception to            issuing a final rule amending the
                                                  (See 7.107–5(a) for mandatory 30-day
                                                                                                          affiliation pursuant to 13 CFR                        Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to
                                                  notice requirement to incumbent small                   121.103(h)(3)(ii) or (iii).
                                                  business concerns.) The contracting                                                                           implement a section of the National
                                                                                                             (ii) For DoD, may include two business             Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
                                                  officer shall provide all information                   concerns in a mentor-protégé relationship in
                                                  relative to the justification for the                                                                         Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, to require that
                                                                                                          the Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-               ‘‘significant’’ savings would be achieved
                                                  consolidation or bundling, including the                Protégé Program (see section 831 of the
                                                  acquisition plan or strategy, and if the                                                                      by entering into a multi-year contract.
                                                                                                          National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
                                                  acquisition involves substantial                        Year 1991 (Pub. L. 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 2302            DATES: Effective: October 31, 2016.
                                                  bundling, the information identified in                 note)) when both the mentor and the protégé         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
                                                  7.107–4. The contracting officer shall                  are small. There is no exception to joint             Michael O. Jackson, Procurement
                                                  also provide the same information to the                venture size affiliation for offers received          Analyst, at 202–208–4949, for
                                                  agency Office of Small and                              from teaming arrangements under the                   clarification of content. For information
                                                  Disadvantaged Business Utilization.                     Department of Defense Pilot Mentor-Protégé          pertaining to status or publication
                                                    (2) Provide a statement explaining                    Program; and                                          schedules, contact the Regulatory
                                                  why the—                                                   (3) See 13 CFR 121.103(b)(9) regarding the         Secretariat at 202–501–4755. Please cite
                                                  *      *     *    *      *                              exception to affiliation for offers received          FAC 2005–91, FAR Case 2016–006.
                                                    (v) Consolidation or bundling is                      from Small Business Teaming Arrangements              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  necessary and justified.                                in the case of a solicitation of offers for a
                                                    (3) Process the 30-day notification                   bundled contract with a reserve.                      I. Background
                                                  concurrently with other processing                         (b) The Government is soliciting and will             DoD, GSA, and NASA are amending
                                                  steps required prior to the issuance of                 consider offers from any responsible source,          FAR subpart 17.1 to implement section
                                                  the solicitation.                                       including responsible small business                  811 of the NDAA for FY 2016 (Pub. L.
                                                    (4) If the contracting officer rejects the            concerns and offers from Small Business               114–92). Section 811 amended
                                                  SBA procurement center                                  Teaming Arrangements or joint ventures of             subsection (a)(1) of 10 U.S.C. 2306b by
                                                  representative’s recommendation made                    small business concerns.                              striking ‘‘substantial’’ and inserting
                                                  in accordance with 19.402(c)(2),                                                                              ‘‘significant.’’ This rule makes
                                                                                                          (End of provision)
                                                  document the basis for the rejection and                                                                      conforming changes at FAR 17.105–
                                                  notify the SBA procurement center                       [FR Doc. 2016–23199 Filed 9–29–16; 8:45 am]           1(b)(1) to state that the head of an
                                                  representative in accordance with                       BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P                                agency may enter into a multi-year
                                                  19.505.                                                                                                       contract for supplies, if the use of such
                                                                                                                                                                a contract will result in significant
                                                  PART 52—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS                                                                               savings of the total estimated costs of
                                                  AND CONTRACT CLAUSES                                                                                          carrying out the program through
                                                  ■ 17. Add section 52.207–6 to read as                                                                         annual contracts. This change applies to
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                                                  follows:                                                                                                      the DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.
                                                                                                                                                                II. Publication of This Final Rule for
                                                  52.207–6 Solicitation of Offers from Small
                                                  Business Concerns and Small Business
                                                                                                                                                                Public Comment Is Not Required by
                                                  Teaming Arrangements or Joint Ventures                                                                        Statute
                                                  (Multiple-Award Contracts).                                                                                     Publication of proposed regulations,
                                                    As prescribed in 7.107–6, insert the                                                                        41 U.S.C. 1707, is the statute which
                                                  following provision:                                                                                          applies to the publication of the Federal


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Document Created: 2018-02-09 13:34:14
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 13:34:14
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: October 31, 2016.
ContactMs. Mahruba Uddowla, Procurement Analyst, at 703-605-2868, for clarification of content. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat at 202-501-4755. Please cite FAC 2005-91, FAR Case 2014- 015.
FR Citation81 FR 67763 
RIN Number9000-AM92
CFR Citation48 CFR 10
48 CFR 12
48 CFR 15
48 CFR 16
48 CFR 19
48 CFR 2
48 CFR 5
48 CFR 52
48 CFR 7
48 CFR 8

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