81_FR_7725 81 FR 7695 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

81 FR 7695 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Rural Housing Service
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Utilities Service
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Farm Service Agency
Commodity Credit Corporation
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Rural Utilities Service
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Rural Housing Service
Rural Utilities Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 30 (February 16, 2016)

Page Range7695-7698
FR Document2016-02473

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Farm Service Agency, Commodity Credit Corporation, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Housing Service finalize their portion of the uniform federal assistance rule and amend specific regulations to reference the conforming changes published by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Federal Register on December 19, 2014.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 30 (Tuesday, February 16, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7695-7698]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-02473]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 16, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 7695]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

2 CFR Parts 400, 415, 416, 418, and 422

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

7 CFR Parts 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019, 3022, and 3052

Farm Service Agency

7 CFR Parts 761 and 785

Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR Parts 1407 and 1485

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

7 CFR Parts 3400, 3401, 3402, 3403, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, 
and 3431

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Parts 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717, 1724, 1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 
1740, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1782, and 1783

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Housing Service

Rural Utilities Service

Farm Service Agency

7 CFR Parts 1942, 1944, 1951, and 1980

Rural Housing Service

7 CFR Parts 3570 and 3575

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Parts 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285 and 4290

RIN 0505-AA15


Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards

AGENCY: Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Farm Service Agency, 
Commodity Credit Corporation, National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Rural Housing Service, Department of Agriculture.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Farm Service 
Agency, Commodity Credit Corporation, National Institute of Food and 
Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service and Rural Housing Service finalize their portion of the uniform 
federal assistance rule and amend specific regulations to reference the 
conforming changes published by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) in the Federal Register on December 19, 2014.

DATES: This rule is effective February 16, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyson Whitney, Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer, Director, Transparency and Accountability Reporting 
Division, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9011, 202-720-8978, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB is streamlining the Federal government's 
guidance on Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal awards. In a final rule published in the 
Federal Register on December 26, 2013, (78 FR 78590) OMB adopted final 
guidance, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance), that 
supersedes and streamlines requirements from OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, 
A-110, and A-122 (which were located previously in title 2 of the Code 
of Federal Regulation (CFR)); Circulars A-89, A-102, and A-133; and the 
guidance in Circular A-50 on Single Audit Act follow-up. The final 
guidance is located in title 2 part 200.
    On December 19, 2014, OMB published a joint interim final rule in 
the Federal Register, (79 FR 75871). OMB made technical corrections to 
the Uniform Guidance, and Federal awarding agencies, including the 
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Farm 
Service Agency, Commodity Credit Corporation, National Institute of 
Food and Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service and Rural Housing Service, implemented the guidance 
in their respective chapters and titles in the CFR.
    OMB's joint interim final rule requested additional comments on the 
rule. USDA received 13 comments. Of the 13 comments, one comment was 
directly related to USDA, Rural Housing Service (RHS). RHS will address 
this comment below as part of the preamble to 7 CFR 1944.422 of this 
final rule. The remaining comments were applicable to OMB and other 
Federal agencies. Notification was sent to OMB for resolution.
    As part of the December 2014 rulemaking, the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer adopted 2 CFR part 200, along with an agency-specific 
addendum in a new 2 CFR part 400. The Department of Agriculture added 2 
CFR parts 415, 416, 418 and 422. In addition, the Office of the Chief 
Financial Officer removed parts 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019, 3022 and 3052 
from title 7 of the CFR, as they became obsolete with the publication 
of the interim final rule. See 79 FR 75981, December 19, 2014. Title 2 
of the CFR parts 400, 415, 416, 418 and 422 as described in the interim 
final rule are adopted with no changes.
    The Farm Service Agency 7 CFR parts 761 and 785, and Commodity 
Credit Corporation 7 CFR parts 1407 and 1485 as described in the 
interim final rule are adopted with no changes.
    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture 7 CFR parts 3400, 
3401, 3402, 3403, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, and 3431 as described 
in the interim final rule are adopted with no changes.
    The Rural Utilities Service 7 CFR parts 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717, 
1724, 1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740, 1773, 1779, and 1782 as described 
in the interim final rule are adopted with no changes. The changes to 7 
CFR parts 1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1780, and 1783 as described in the 
interim final rule are

[[Page 7696]]

adopted with technical changes to address the following issues. First, 
there were specific new regulations (including 2 CFR parts 200, 400, or 
other 400 series regulations) that should have had been referenced in 
the conforming changes published in the December 19, 2014, rule, but 
which were inadvertently not included. An example is that the Emergency 
and Imminent Community Water Assistance Grants regulations (7 CFR part 
1778) should have had a conforming change reference to 2 CFR parts 200 
and 400. Second, there were some streamlining measures implemented by 
OMB that might be interpreted by some as not applicable to 7 CFR part 
1780 without the technical corrections. Examples include the change 
from $100,000 to $150,000 for the Simplified Acquisition Threshold for 
small purchase procedures, an increase in the associated threshold for 
the use of construction surety bonds, the addition of micro-purchases, 
and changes to contract clauses. Current language at 7 CFR 1780.72(a) 
states that small purchase procedures are applicable to procurement 
under $100,000 rather than referencing the Simplified Acquisition 
Threshold. The technical corrections would enable the use of the OMB 
streamlining measures. A standard contract clause that had been in 7 
CFR 3016.36 requiring compliance with state energy plans was removed by 
OMB and should also be removed from 7 CFR 1780.75.
    The Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperatives Service, 
Rural Utilities Service and Farm Service Agency 7 CFR parts 1942, 1951, 
and 1980 as described in the interim final rule are adopted with no 
changes. The regulation in 7 CFR part 1944 as described in the interim 
final rule is adopted with a technical change to 7 CFR 1944.422 in 
response to the following comment:
    Comment: It appears that the USDA Rural Development requirement for 
an audit to be submitted within 90 days of the end of the grantee's 
fiscal year (Sec.  1944.422) has not been brought in line with the 
overall deadline for audits contained in Sec.  200.512(a)(1). It is 
almost impossible for USDA funded affordable housing NFE's to complete 
the audit process and have even a draft Single Audit report within 90 
days of the end of their fiscal year. Many of these organizations have 
related LLC's for which they are general partners and they must wait 
for the completion of those related entities' audit before completing 
the overall organization's audit. Why was this unreasonable audit 
deadline not reviewed or revised with the publication of the interim 
rule?
    Response: USDA Rural Development agrees the regulation must be 
clear and consistent. The omission of language in 7 CFR 1944.422 was an 
oversight. We amended 7 CFR 1944.422 to address the oversight.
    The Rural Housing Service 7 CFR parts 3570 and 3575 as described in 
the interim final rule are adopted with no changes.
    The Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service 
7 CFR parts 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285, and 4290 as described in the 
interim final rule are adopted with no changes.
    Because the changes identified in the preamble are merely 
technical, advance notice and public comment are unnecessary and we 
find good cause to make these necessary changes effective immediately 
upon publication.

Regulatory Analysis

    For the regulatory analysis regarding this rulemaking, please refer 
to the analysis prepared by OMB in the interim final rule, which is 
incorporated herein. See 79 FR 75876, December 19, 2014.

Executive Order 12866 Determination

    Pursuant to Executive Order 12866, OMB has determined this final 
rule to be not significant. OMB has not reviewed this rule.

List of Subjects in 2 CFR Parts 400, 415, 416, 418, and 422; 7 CFR 
Parts 761, 785, 1407, 1485, 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717, 1724, 1726, 
1737, 1738, 1739, 1740, 1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1779, 1780, 
1782, 1783, 1942, 1944, 1951, 1980, 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019, 3022, 
3052, 3400, 3401, 3402, 3403, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, 3431, 
3570, 3575, 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285, and 4290

    Accounting, Administrative practice and procedure, Agriculture, 
Auditing, Business and industry, Colleges and universities, Community 
development, Cost principles, Economic development, Government 
Contracts, Grants administration, Grant programs, Grant programs 
housing and community development, Hospitals, Indians, Loan programs--
agriculture, Nonprofit organizations, State and local governments, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Research misconduct, Rural 
areas.
    For the reasons discussed above, the interim rule adding 2 CFR 
parts 400, 415, 416, 418, and 422, removing 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 
3018, 3019, 3022, and 3052, and amending 7 CFR parts 761, 785, 1407, 
1485, 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717, 1724, 1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740, 1773, 
1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1782, 1783, 1942, 1944, 1951, 1980, 
3400, 3401, 3402, 3403, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, 3431, 3570, 3575, 
4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285, and 4290, which was published at 79 FR 
75871 on December 19, 2014, is adopted as a final rule with the 
following changes:

Title 7--Agriculture

PART 1774--SPECIAL EVALUATION ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND 
HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM (SEARCH)

0
1. The authority citation for part 1774 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(C).

Subpart A--General Provisions

0
2. Amend Sec.  1774.8 by revising paragraphs (g) through (j) and adding 
paragraph (k) to read as follows:


Sec.  1774.8  Other Federal Statutes.

* * * * *
    (g) 2 CFR part 415--General Program Administrative Requirements.
    (h) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 417, 
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension, implementation of Executive 
Order 12549 on debarment and suspension.
    (i) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying, prohibiting the 
use of appropriated funds to influence Congress or a Federal agency in 
connection with the making of any Federal grant and other Federal 
contracting and financial transactions.
    (j) 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial 
Assistance), implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C 
8102).
    (k) 7 CFR part 15b, USDA implementation of section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended, prohibiting 
discrimination on the basis of physical or mental handicap in Federally 
assisted programs.

PART 1775--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

0
3. The authority citation for part 1775 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.

Subpart A--General Provisions

0
4. Amend Sec.  1775.8 by adding paragraphs (g) and (k) to read as 
follows:

[[Page 7697]]

Sec.  1775.8  Other Federal statutes.

* * * * *
    (g) 2 CFR part 415--General Program Administrative Requirements.
* * * * *
    (k) 2 CFR part 200, subpart F--Audit Requirements.
* * * * *

PART 1776--HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM

0
5. The authority citation for part 1776 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 1926e.

Subpart A--General

0
6. Revise Sec.  1776.2 to read as follows:


Sec.  1776.2  Uniform Federal Assistance Provisions.

    (a) This program is subject to the general provisions that apply to 
all grants made by USDA and that are set forth in 2 CFR part 200, 
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit 
Requirements for Federal Awards, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 
400, as well as the following:
    (1) 2 CFR part 415--General Program Administrative Requirements.
    (2) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 417, 
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension, implementing Executive Order 
12549 on debarment and suspension.
    (3) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying, prohibiting the 
use of appropriated funds to influence Congress or a Federal agency in 
connection with the making of any Federal grant and other Federal 
contracting and financial transactions.
    (4) 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial 
Assistance), implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C 
8102).
    (b) [Reserved]

PART 1778--EMERGENCY AND IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER ASSISTANCE GRANTS

0
7. The authority citation for part 1778 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.


0
8. Amend Sec.  1778.14 by revising paragraph (e) and adding paragraphs 
(g) through (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  1778.14  Other considerations.

* * * * *
    (e) Governmentwide debarment and suspension (nonprocurement). All 
projects must comply with the requirements of 2 CFR part 180, as 
adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 417, Nonprocurement Debarment and 
Suspension, implementing Executive Order 12549 on debarment and 
suspension.
* * * * *
    (g) Uniform administrative requirements. All projects funded under 
this part are subject to 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 
CFR part 400, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and 
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and 2 CFR part 415, General 
Program Administrative Requirements.
    (h) Restrictions on lobbying. All projects funded under this part 
are subject to 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    (i) Requirements for drug-free workplace. This program is subject 
to 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial 
Assistance).

PART 1780--WATER AND WASTE LOANS AND GRANTS

0
9. The authority citation for part 1780 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.

Subpart A--General Policies and Requirements

0
10. Amend Sec.  1780.1 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (l)(3);
0
b. Remove paragraphs (l)(4) and (5); and
0
c. Revise paragraph (m).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1780.1  General.

* * * * *
    (l) * * *
    (3) 2 CFR part 421-Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Financial 
Assistance).
* * * * *
    (m) Applicants for loan or grant assistance will be required to 
comply with the following requirements as applicable:
    (1) 2 CFR part 200, subpart F, ``Audit Requirements.''
    (2) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 417, 
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension, implementation of Executive 
Order 12549 and Executive Order 12689 on debarment and suspension.
    (3) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying.

0
11. Amend Sec.  1780.3 by adding, in alphabetical order, the definition 
for ``Simplified acquisition threshold'' to read as follows:


Sec.  1780.3  Definitions and grammatical rules of construction.

    (a) * * *
* * * * *
    Simplified acquisition threshold means the dollar amount below 
which an applicant or owner may purchase property or services using 
small purchase methods as defined further at 2 CFR 200.88.
* * * * *

Subpart C--Planning, Designing, Bidding, Contracting, Constructing 
and Inspections

0
12. Amend Sec.  1780.72 by revising the introducty text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1780.72  Procurement methods.

    Procurement shall be made by one of the following methods and in 
accordance with requirements of 2 CFR 200.320: Micro-purchases, 
procurement by small purchase procedures, procurement by sealed bids 
(formal advertising), procurement by competitive proposals, or 
procurement by noncompetitive proposals. The sealed bid method is the 
preferred method for procuring construction.
* * * * *

0
13. Amend Sec.  1780.75 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove ``Contracts other than small purchases'' 
and add ``Contracts for more than the Simplified Acquisition 
Threshold'' in its place;
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove ``exceeding $100,000,'' and add ``exceeding 
the Simplified Acquisition Threshold,'' in its place;
0
c. Remove and reserve paragraphs (f) and (g);
0
d. Revise paragraph (k); and
0
e. Add paragraphs (l) through (o).
    The revision and additions reads as follows:


Sec.  1780.75  Contract provisions.

* * * * *
    (k) Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q) and the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251-1388). Contracts and subgrants of 
amounts in excess of $150,000 must contain a provision that requires 
the contractor to agree to comply with all applicable standards, orders 
or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-
7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended (33 
U.S.C. 1251-1387). Violations must be reported to the Federal awarding 
agency and the Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA).
    (l) Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-
3708). Where applicable, all contracts awarded

[[Page 7698]]

by the non-Federal entity in excess of $100,000 that involve the 
employment of mechanics or laborers must include a provision for 
compliance with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by Department 
of Labor regulations (29 CFR part 5). Under 40 U.S.C. 3702, each 
contractor must be required to compute the wages of every mechanic and 
laborer on the basis of a standard work week of 40 hours. Work in 
excess of the standard work week is permissible provided that the 
worker is compensated at a rate of not less than one and a half times 
the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the 
work week. The requirements of 40 U.S.C. 3704 are applicable to 
construction work and provide that no laborer or mechanic must be 
required to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are 
unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous. These requirements do not apply to 
the purchases of supplies or materials or articles ordinarily available 
on the open market.
    (m) Debarment and suspension. A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) 
must not be made to parties listed on the governmentwide exclusions in 
the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB 
guidelines at 2 CFR part 180, as supplemented by 2 CFR part 417, 
``Debarment and Suspension.'' SAM exclusion records contain the names 
of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as 
well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory 
authority other than Executive Order 12549.
    (n) Byrd anti-lobbying amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352). Contractors that 
apply or bid for an award exceeding $100,000 must file the required 
certification. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not 
and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or 
organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or 
employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of 
Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with 
obtaining any Federal contract, grant or any other award covered by 31 
U.S.C. 1352. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal 
funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award. 
Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to the non-Federal 
award.
    (o) Procurement of recovered materials. A public body, such as a 
state government, state agency, municipality, county, district, 
authority, or other political subdivision of a state, territory or 
commonwealth, must ensure its contracts include provisions requiring 
compliance with section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as 
amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The requirements 
of Section 6002 include procuring only items designated in guidelines 
of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR part 247 that 
contain the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable, 
consistent with maintaining a satisfactory level of competition, where 
the purchase price of the item exceeds $10,000 or the value of the 
quantity acquired during the preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000; 
procuring solid waste management services in a manner that maximizes 
energy and resource recovery; and establishing an affirmative 
procurement program for procurement of recovered materials identified 
in the EPA guidelines.

PART 1783--REVOLVING FUNDS FOR FUNDING WATER AND WASTEWATER 
PROJECTS (REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM)

0
14. The authority citation for part 1783 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 1926 (a)(2)(B).

Subpart A--General

0
15. Amend Sec.  1783.2 by adding paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  1783.2  What Uniform Federal Assistance Provisions apply to the 
Revolving Fund Program?

* * * * *
    (c) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 417, 
Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension, implementing Executive Order 
12549 and Executive Order 12689 on debarment and suspension.
    (d) This program is subject to 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions on 
Lobbying, prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to influence 
Congress or a Federal agency in connection with the making of any 
Federal grant and other Federal contracting and financial transactions.
    (e) This program is subject to 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for 
Drug-Free Workplace (Financial Assistance), implementing the Drug-Free 
Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 8102).

PART 1944--HOUSING

0
16. The authority for part 1944 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart I--Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants


Sec.  1944.422  [Amended]

0
17. Amend Sec.  1944.422 in the introductory text by removing ``within 
90 days of the end of the grantee's fiscal year, grant period, or 
termination of the grant.'' and adding ``the earlier of 30 calendar 
days after receipt of the auditor's report or nine months after the end 
of the grantee's audit period.'' in its place.

Jon M. Holladay,
Chief Financial Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-02473 Filed 2-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-KS-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                 7695

                                                Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                              Vol. 81, No. 30

                                                                                                                                                              Tuesday, February 16, 2016



                                                This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                                                                            On December 19, 2014, OMB
                                                contains regulatory documents having general                                                                  published a joint interim final rule in
                                                applicability and legal effect, most of which           RIN 0505–AA15
                                                                                                                                                              the Federal Register, (79 FR 75871).
                                                are keyed to and codified in the Code of                                                                      OMB made technical corrections to the
                                                Federal Regulations, which is published under           Uniform Administrative Requirements,
                                                                                                        Cost Principles, and Audit                            Uniform Guidance, and Federal
                                                50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
                                                                                                        Requirements for Federal Awards                       awarding agencies, including the
                                                The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by                                                                    Department of Agriculture, Office of the
                                                the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of              AGENCY:   Office of the Chief Financial               Chief Financial Officer, Farm Service
                                                new books are listed in the first FEDERAL               Officer, Farm Service Agency,                         Agency, Commodity Credit Corporation,
                                                REGISTER issue of each week.                            Commodity Credit Corporation,                         National Institute of Food and
                                                                                                        National Institute of Food and                        Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service,
                                                                                                        Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service,                 Rural Business-Cooperative Service and
                                                DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               Rural Business-Cooperative Service,                   Rural Housing Service, implemented the
                                                                                                        Rural Housing Service, Department of                  guidance in their respective chapters
                                                2 CFR Parts 400, 415, 416, 418, and 422                 Agriculture.                                          and titles in the CFR.
                                                                                                        ACTION: Final rule.                                     OMB’s joint interim final rule
                                                Office of the Chief Financial Officer                                                                         requested additional comments on the
                                                                                                        SUMMARY:    The Office of the Chief                   rule. USDA received 13 comments. Of
                                                7 CFR Parts 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019,                     Financial Officer, Farm Service Agency,               the 13 comments, one comment was
                                                3022, and 3052                                          Commodity Credit Corporation,                         directly related to USDA, Rural Housing
                                                                                                        National Institute of Food and                        Service (RHS). RHS will address this
                                                Farm Service Agency                                     Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service,                 comment below as part of the preamble
                                                                                                        Rural Business-Cooperative Service and                to 7 CFR 1944.422 of this final rule. The
                                                7 CFR Parts 761 and 785                                 Rural Housing Service finalize their                  remaining comments were applicable to
                                                                                                        portion of the uniform federal assistance             OMB and other Federal agencies.
                                                Commodity Credit Corporation                            rule and amend specific regulations to                Notification was sent to OMB for
                                                                                                        reference the conforming changes                      resolution.
                                                7 CFR Parts 1407 and 1485                               published by the Office of Management                   As part of the December 2014
                                                                                                        and Budget (OMB) in the Federal                       rulemaking, the Office of the Chief
                                                National Institute of Food and                          Register on December 19, 2014.                        Financial Officer adopted 2 CFR part
                                                Agriculture                                             DATES: This rule is effective February                200, along with an agency-specific
                                                                                                        16, 2016.                                             addendum in a new 2 CFR part 400. The
                                                7 CFR Parts 3400, 3401, 3402, 3403,                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      Department of Agriculture added 2 CFR
                                                3405, 3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, and 3431                  Tyson Whitney, Office of the Chief                    parts 415, 416, 418 and 422. In addition,
                                                                                                        Financial Officer, Director,                          the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
                                                Rural Utilities Service                                 Transparency and Accountability                       removed parts 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019,
                                                                                                        Reporting Division, United States                     3022 and 3052 from title 7 of the CFR,
                                                7 CFR Parts 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717,                     Department of Agriculture, 1400                       as they became obsolete with the
                                                1724, 1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740,                     Independence Avenue SW.,                              publication of the interim final rule. See
                                                1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1779,                     Washington, DC 20250–9011, 202–720–                   79 FR 75981, December 19, 2014. Title
                                                1780, 1782, and 1783                                    8978, tyson.whitney@cfo.usda.gov.                     2 of the CFR parts 400, 415, 416, 418
                                                                                                        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB is                     and 422 as described in the interim final
                                                Rural Business-Cooperative Service                      streamlining the Federal government’s                 rule are adopted with no changes.
                                                                                                        guidance on Administrative                              The Farm Service Agency 7 CFR parts
                                                Rural Housing Service                                   Requirements, Cost Principles, and                    761 and 785, and Commodity Credit
                                                                                                        Audit Requirements for Federal awards.                Corporation 7 CFR parts 1407 and 1485
                                                Rural Utilities Service                                 In a final rule published in the Federal              as described in the interim final rule are
                                                                                                        Register on December 26, 2013, (78 FR                 adopted with no changes.
                                                Farm Service Agency                                     78590) OMB adopted final guidance,                      The National Institute of Food and
                                                                                                        Uniform Administrative Requirements,                  Agriculture 7 CFR parts 3400, 3401,
                                                7 CFR Parts 1942, 1944, 1951, and 1980                  Cost Principles, and Audit                            3402, 3403, 3405, 3406, 3407, 3415,
                                                                                                        Requirements for Federal Awards                       3430, and 3431 as described in the
                                                Rural Housing Service                                   (Uniform Guidance), that supersedes                   interim final rule are adopted with no
                                                                                                        and streamlines requirements from                     changes.
                                                7 CFR Parts 3570 and 3575                               OMB Circulars A–21, A–87, A–110, and                    The Rural Utilities Service 7 CFR
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                                                                                                        A–122 (which were located previously                  parts 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717, 1724,
                                                Rural Business-Cooperative Service                      in title 2 of the Code of Federal                     1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740, 1773,
                                                                                                        Regulation (CFR)); Circulars A–89, A–                 1779, and 1782 as described in the
                                                Rural Utilities Service                                 102, and A–133; and the guidance in                   interim final rule are adopted with no
                                                                                                        Circular A–50 on Single Audit Act                     changes. The changes to 7 CFR parts
                                                7 CFR Parts 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284,                     follow-up. The final guidance is located              1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1780, and 1783
                                                4285 and 4290                                           in title 2 part 200.                                  as described in the interim final rule are


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                                                7696             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                adopted with technical changes to                       deadline not reviewed or revised with                 1724, 1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740,
                                                address the following issues. First, there              the publication of the interim rule?                  1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1779,
                                                were specific new regulations                              Response: USDA Rural Development                   1780, 1782, 1783, 1942, 1944, 1951,
                                                (including 2 CFR parts 200, 400, or                     agrees the regulation must be clear and               1980, 3400, 3401, 3402, 3403, 3405,
                                                other 400 series regulations) that should               consistent. The omission of language in               3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, 3431, 3570,
                                                have had been referenced in the                         7 CFR 1944.422 was an oversight. We                   3575, 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285, and
                                                conforming changes published in the                     amended 7 CFR 1944.422 to address the                 4290, which was published at 79 FR
                                                December 19, 2014, rule, but which                      oversight.                                            75871 on December 19, 2014, is adopted
                                                were inadvertently not included. An                        The Rural Housing Service 7 CFR                    as a final rule with the following
                                                example is that the Emergency and                       parts 3570 and 3575 as described in the               changes:
                                                Imminent Community Water Assistance                     interim final rule are adopted with no
                                                                                                        changes.                                              Title 7—Agriculture
                                                Grants regulations (7 CFR part 1778)
                                                should have had a conforming change                        The Rural Business-Cooperative
                                                                                                                                                              PART 1774—SPECIAL EVALUATION
                                                reference to 2 CFR parts 200 and 400.                   Service and Rural Utilities Service 7
                                                                                                                                                              ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL
                                                Second, there were some streamlining                    CFR parts 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285,
                                                                                                                                                              COMMUNITIES AND HOUSEHOLDS
                                                measures implemented by OMB that                        and 4290 as described in the interim
                                                                                                                                                              PROGRAM (SEARCH)
                                                might be interpreted by some as not                     final rule are adopted with no changes.
                                                applicable to 7 CFR part 1780 without                      Because the changes identified in the              ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1774
                                                the technical corrections. Examples                     preamble are merely technical, advance                continues to read as follows:
                                                include the change from $100,000 to                     notice and public comment are
                                                                                                        unnecessary and we find good cause to                     Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(C).
                                                $150,000 for the Simplified Acquisition
                                                Threshold for small purchase                            make these necessary changes effective
                                                                                                                                                              Subpart A—General Provisions
                                                procedures, an increase in the                          immediately upon publication.
                                                associated threshold for the use of                     Regulatory Analysis                                   ■ 2. Amend § 1774.8 by revising
                                                construction surety bonds, the addition                                                                       paragraphs (g) through (j) and adding
                                                of micro-purchases, and changes to                        For the regulatory analysis regarding               paragraph (k) to read as follows:
                                                contract clauses. Current language at 7                 this rulemaking, please refer to the
                                                CFR 1780.72(a) states that small                        analysis prepared by OMB in the                       § 1774.8    Other Federal Statutes.
                                                purchase procedures are applicable to                   interim final rule, which is incorporated             *      *   *     *     *
                                                procurement under $100,000 rather than                  herein. See 79 FR 75876, December 19,                   (g) 2 CFR part 415—General Program
                                                referencing the Simplified Acquisition                  2014.                                                 Administrative Requirements.
                                                Threshold. The technical corrections                    Executive Order 12866 Determination                     (h) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by
                                                would enable the use of the OMB                                                                               USDA through 2 CFR part 417,
                                                                                                          Pursuant to Executive Order 12866,                  Nonprocurement Debarment and
                                                streamlining measures. A standard                       OMB has determined this final rule to
                                                contract clause that had been in 7 CFR                                                                        Suspension, implementation of
                                                                                                        be not significant. OMB has not                       Executive Order 12549 on debarment
                                                3016.36 requiring compliance with state                 reviewed this rule.
                                                energy plans was removed by OMB and                                                                           and suspension.
                                                should also be removed from 7 CFR                       List of Subjects in 2 CFR Parts 400, 415,               (i) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions
                                                1780.75.                                                416, 418, and 422; 7 CFR Parts 761, 785,              on Lobbying, prohibiting the use of
                                                   The Rural Housing Service, Rural                     1407, 1485, 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717,                   appropriated funds to influence
                                                Business-Cooperatives Service, Rural                    1724, 1726, 1737, 1738, 1739, 1740,                   Congress or a Federal agency in
                                                Utilities Service and Farm Service                      1773, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1778, 1779,                   connection with the making of any
                                                Agency 7 CFR parts 1942, 1951, and                      1780, 1782, 1783, 1942, 1944, 1951,                   Federal grant and other Federal
                                                1980 as described in the interim final                  1980, 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019, 3022,                   contracting and financial transactions.
                                                rule are adopted with no changes. The                   3052, 3400, 3401, 3402, 3403, 3405,                     (j) 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for
                                                regulation in 7 CFR part 1944 as                        3406, 3407, 3415, 3430, 3431, 3570,                   Drug-Free Workplace (Financial
                                                described in the interim final rule is                  3575, 4274, 4279, 4280, 4284, 4285, and               Assistance), implementing the Drug-
                                                adopted with a technical change to 7                    4290                                                  Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C
                                                CFR 1944.422 in response to the                                                                               8102).
                                                                                                          Accounting, Administrative practice
                                                following comment:                                                                                              (k) 7 CFR part 15b, USDA
                                                                                                        and procedure, Agriculture, Auditing,
                                                   Comment: It appears that the USDA                                                                          implementation of section 504 of the
                                                                                                        Business and industry, Colleges and
                                                Rural Development requirement for an                                                                          Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
                                                                                                        universities, Community development,
                                                audit to be submitted within 90 days of                                                                       794), as amended, prohibiting
                                                                                                        Cost principles, Economic development,
                                                the end of the grantee’s fiscal year                                                                          discrimination on the basis of physical
                                                                                                        Government Contracts, Grants
                                                (§ 1944.422) has not been brought in                                                                          or mental handicap in Federally assisted
                                                                                                        administration, Grant programs, Grant
                                                line with the overall deadline for audits                                                                     programs.
                                                                                                        programs housing and community
                                                contained in § 200.512(a)(1). It is almost              development, Hospitals, Indians, Loan                 PART 1775—TECHNICAL
                                                impossible for USDA funded affordable                   programs—agriculture, Nonprofit                       ASSISTANCE GRANTS
                                                housing NFE’s to complete the audit                     organizations, State and local
                                                process and have even a draft Single                    governments, Reporting and                            ■ 3. The authority citation for part 1775
                                                Audit report within 90 days of the end                  recordkeeping requirements, Research                  continues to read as follows:
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                                                of their fiscal year. Many of these                     misconduct, Rural areas.
                                                                                                                                                                Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16
                                                organizations have related LLC’s for                      For the reasons discussed above, the                U.S.C. 1005.
                                                which they are general partners and                     interim rule adding 2 CFR parts 400,
                                                they must wait for the completion of                    415, 416, 418, and 422, removing 7 CFR                Subpart A—General Provisions
                                                those related entities’ audit before                    parts 3015, 3016, 3018, 3019, 3022, and
                                                completing the overall organization’s                   3052, and amending 7 CFR parts 761,                   ■ 4. Amend § 1775.8 by adding
                                                audit. Why was this unreasonable audit                  785, 1407, 1485, 1703, 1709, 1710, 1717,              paragraphs (g) and (k) to read as follows:


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          7697

                                                § 1775.8    Other Federal statutes.                     projects must comply with the                         § 1780.3 Definitions and grammatical rules
                                                *     *    *     *     *                                requirements of 2 CFR part 180, as                    of construction.
                                                  (g) 2 CFR part 415—General Program                    adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part                      (a) * * *
                                                Administrative Requirements.                            417, Nonprocurement Debarment and                     *     *    *     *    *
                                                *     *    *     *     *                                Suspension, implementing Executive                      Simplified acquisition threshold
                                                  (k) 2 CFR part 200, subpart F—Audit                   Order 12549 on debarment and                          means the dollar amount below which
                                                Requirements.                                           suspension.                                           an applicant or owner may purchase
                                                *     *    *     *     *                                *     *     *     *     *                             property or services using small
                                                                                                          (g) Uniform administrative                          purchase methods as defined further at
                                                PART 1776—HOUSEHOLD WATER                               requirements. All projects funded under               2 CFR 200.88.
                                                WELL SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM                               this part are subject to 2 CFR part 200,              *     *    *     *    *
                                                                                                        as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part
                                                ■ 5. The authority citation for part 1776               400, Uniform Administrative                           Subpart C—Planning, Designing,
                                                continues to read as follows:                           Requirements, Cost Principles, and                    Bidding, Contracting, Constructing
                                                    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926e.                          Audit Requirements for Federal Awards,                and Inspections
                                                                                                        and 2 CFR part 415, General Program
                                                Subpart A—General                                       Administrative Requirements.                          ■ 12. Amend § 1780.72 by revising the
                                                                                                          (h) Restrictions on lobbying. All                   introducty text to read as follows:
                                                ■   6. Revise § 1776.2 to read as follows:              projects funded under this part are
                                                                                                                                                              § 1780.72    Procurement methods.
                                                                                                        subject to 2 CFR part 418, New
                                                § 1776.2 Uniform Federal Assistance                                                                              Procurement shall be made by one of
                                                                                                        Restrictions on Lobbying.
                                                Provisions.                                                                                                   the following methods and in
                                                                                                          (i) Requirements for drug-free
                                                  (a) This program is subject to the                    workplace. This program is subject to 2               accordance with requirements of 2 CFR
                                                general provisions that apply to all                    CFR part 421, Requirements for Drug-                  200.320: Micro-purchases, procurement
                                                grants made by USDA and that are set                    Free Workplace (Financial Assistance).                by small purchase procedures,
                                                forth in 2 CFR part 200, Uniform                                                                              procurement by sealed bids (formal
                                                Administrative Requirements, Cost                       PART 1780—WATER AND WASTE                             advertising), procurement by
                                                Principles, and Audit Requirements for                  LOANS AND GRANTS                                      competitive proposals, or procurement
                                                Federal Awards, as adopted by USDA                                                                            by noncompetitive proposals. The
                                                through 2 CFR part 400, as well as the                  ■ 9. The authority citation for part 1780             sealed bid method is the preferred
                                                following:                                              continues to read as follows:                         method for procuring construction.
                                                  (1) 2 CFR part 415—General Program                      Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16          *     *     *     *     *
                                                Administrative Requirements.                            U.S.C. 1005.
                                                                                                                                                              ■ 13. Amend § 1780.75 as follows:
                                                  (2) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by                                                                           ■ a. In paragraph (a), remove ‘‘Contracts
                                                USDA through 2 CFR part 417,                            Subpart A—General Policies and
                                                                                                        Requirements                                          other than small purchases’’ and add
                                                Nonprocurement Debarment and                                                                                  ‘‘Contracts for more than the Simplified
                                                Suspension, implementing Executive                                                                            Acquisition Threshold’’ in its place;
                                                                                                        ■ 10. Amend § 1780.1 as follows:
                                                Order 12549 on debarment and                            ■ a. Revise paragraph (l)(3);                         ■ b. In paragraph (c), remove
                                                suspension.                                             ■ b. Remove paragraphs (l)(4) and (5);                ‘‘exceeding $100,000,’’ and add
                                                  (3) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions                  and                                                   ‘‘exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
                                                on Lobbying, prohibiting the use of                     ■ c. Revise paragraph (m).                            Threshold,’’ in its place;
                                                appropriated funds to influence                           The revisions read as follows:                      ■ c. Remove and reserve paragraphs (f)
                                                Congress or a Federal agency in                                                                               and (g);
                                                connection with the making of any                       § 1780.1    General.
                                                                                                                                                              ■ d. Revise paragraph (k); and
                                                Federal grant and other Federal                         *      *     *    *     *                             ■ e. Add paragraphs (l) through (o).
                                                contracting and financial transactions.                    (l) * * *                                             The revision and additions reads as
                                                  (4) 2 CFR part 421, Requirements for                     (3) 2 CFR part 421-Requirements for                follows:
                                                Drug-Free Workplace (Financial                          Drug-Free Workplace (Financial
                                                Assistance), implementing the Drug-                     Assistance).                                          § 1780.75    Contract provisions.
                                                Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C                    *      *     *    *     *                             *     *    *     *     *
                                                8102).                                                     (m) Applicants for loan or grant                     (k) Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401–
                                                  (b) [Reserved]                                        assistance will be required to comply                 7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution
                                                                                                        with the following requirements as                    Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251–1388).
                                                PART 1778—EMERGENCY AND                                 applicable:                                           Contracts and subgrants of amounts in
                                                IMMINENT COMMUNITY WATER                                   (1) 2 CFR part 200, subpart F, ‘‘Audit             excess of $150,000 must contain a
                                                ASSISTANCE GRANTS                                       Requirements.’’                                       provision that requires the contractor to
                                                                                                           (2) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by                  agree to comply with all applicable
                                                ■ 7. The authority citation for part 1778               USDA through 2 CFR part 417,                          standards, orders or regulations issued
                                                continues to read as follows:                           Nonprocurement Debarment and                          pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
                                                  Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16            Suspension, implementation of                         7401–7671q) and the Federal Water
                                                U.S.C. 1005.                                            Executive Order 12549 and Executive                   Pollution Control Act as amended (33
                                                ■ 8. Amend § 1778.14 by revising                        Order 12689 on debarment and                          U.S.C. 1251–1387). Violations must be
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                                                paragraph (e) and adding paragraphs (g)                 suspension.                                           reported to the Federal awarding agency
                                                through (i) to read as follows:                            (3) 2 CFR part 418, New Restrictions               and the Regional Office of the
                                                                                                        on Lobbying.                                          Environmental Protection Agency
                                                § 1778.14    Other considerations.                      ■ 11. Amend § 1780.3 by adding, in                    (EPA).
                                                *     *    *   *    *                                   alphabetical order, the definition for                  (l) Contract Work Hours and Safety
                                                  (e) Governmentwide debarment and                      ‘‘Simplified acquisition threshold’’ to               Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701–3708).
                                                suspension (nonprocurement). All                        read as follows:                                      Where applicable, all contracts awarded


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                                                7698             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 16, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                                by the non-Federal entity in excess of                  contracts include provisions requiring                Subpart I—Self-Help Technical
                                                $100,000 that involve the employment                    compliance with section 6002 of the                   Assistance Grants
                                                of mechanics or laborers must include a                 Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended
                                                provision for compliance with 40 U.S.C.                 by the Resource Conservation and                      § 1944.422    [Amended]
                                                3702 and 3704, as supplemented by                       Recovery Act. The requirements of                     ■ 17. Amend § 1944.422 in the
                                                Department of Labor regulations (29                     Section 6002 include procuring only                   introductory text by removing ‘‘within
                                                CFR part 5). Under 40 U.S.C. 3702, each                 items designated in guidelines of the                 90 days of the end of the grantee’s fiscal
                                                contractor must be required to compute                  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)                 year, grant period, or termination of the
                                                the wages of every mechanic and laborer                 at 40 CFR part 247 that contain the                   grant.’’ and adding ‘‘the earlier of 30
                                                on the basis of a standard work week of                 highest percentage of recovered                       calendar days after receipt of the
                                                40 hours. Work in excess of the standard                materials practicable, consistent with                auditor’s report or nine months after the
                                                work week is permissible provided that                  maintaining a satisfactory level of                   end of the grantee’s audit period.’’ in its
                                                the worker is compensated at a rate of                  competition, where the purchase price                 place.
                                                not less than one and a half times the                  of the item exceeds $10,000 or the value
                                                basic rate of pay for all hours worked in                                                                     Jon M. Holladay,
                                                                                                        of the quantity acquired during the
                                                excess of 40 hours in the work week.                    preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000;               Chief Financial Officer.
                                                The requirements of 40 U.S.C. 3704 are                  procuring solid waste management                      [FR Doc. 2016–02473 Filed 2–12–16; 8:45 am]
                                                applicable to construction work and                     services in a manner that maximizes                   BILLING CODE 3410–KS–P
                                                provide that no laborer or mechanic                     energy and resource recovery; and
                                                must be required to work in                             establishing an affirmative procurement
                                                surroundings or under working                           program for procurement of recovered                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                conditions which are unsanitary,                        materials identified in the EPA
                                                hazardous or dangerous. These                           guidelines.                                           Federal Aviation Administration
                                                requirements do not apply to the
                                                purchases of supplies or materials or                   PART 1783—REVOLVING FUNDS FOR                         14 CFR Part 25
                                                articles ordinarily available on the open               FUNDING WATER AND WASTEWATER                          [Docket No.: FAA–2014–0001; Amdt. No.
                                                market.                                                 PROJECTS (REVOLVING FUND                              25–141]
                                                   (m) Debarment and suspension. A                      PROGRAM)
                                                contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220)                                                                            RIN 2120–AK29
                                                must not be made to parties listed on                   ■ 14. The authority citation for part
                                                the governmentwide exclusions in the                                                                          Harmonization of Airworthiness
                                                                                                        1783 continues to read as follows:                    Standards—Fire Extinguishers and
                                                System for Award Management (SAM),
                                                in accordance with the OMB guidelines                       Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1926 (a)(2)(B).               Class B and F Cargo Compartments
                                                at 2 CFR part 180, as supplemented by                                                                         AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                                2 CFR part 417, ‘‘Debarment and                         Subpart A—General
                                                                                                                                                              Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                Suspension.’’ SAM exclusion records
                                                                                                        ■ 15. Amend § 1783.2 by adding                        ACTION: Final rule.
                                                contain the names of parties debarred,
                                                suspended, or otherwise excluded by                     paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read as
                                                                                                        follows:                                              SUMMARY:    The FAA is amending certain
                                                agencies, as well as parties declared                                                                         airworthiness regulations for transport
                                                ineligible under statutory or regulatory                § 1783.2 What Uniform Federal Assistance              category airplanes by upgrading fire
                                                authority other than Executive Order                    Provisions apply to the Revolving Fund                safety standards for Class B cargo
                                                12549.                                                  Program?                                              compartments; establishing fire safety
                                                   (n) Byrd anti-lobbying amendment (31                                                                       standards for a new type of cargo
                                                                                                        *     *    *     *     *
                                                U.S.C. 1352). Contractors that apply or                                                                       compartment, Class F; and updating
                                                bid for an award exceeding $100,000                       (c) 2 CFR part 180, as adopted by
                                                                                                        USDA through 2 CFR part 417,                          related standards for fire extinguishers.
                                                must file the required certification. Each                                                                    This amendment is based on
                                                tier certifies to the tier above that it will           Nonprocurement Debarment and
                                                                                                        Suspension, implementing Executive                    recommendations from the Aviation
                                                not and has not used Federal                                                                                  Rulemaking Advisory Committee
                                                appropriated funds to pay any person or                 Order 12549 and Executive Order 12689
                                                                                                        on debarment and suspension.                          (ARAC) and the National Transportation
                                                organization for influencing or
                                                                                                                                                              Safety Board (NTSB), and the changes
                                                attempting to influence an officer or                     (d) This program is subject to 2 CFR                address designs for which airworthiness
                                                employee of any agency, a member of                     part 418, New Restrictions on Lobbying,               directives (ADs) have been issued by
                                                Congress, officer or employee of                        prohibiting the use of appropriated                   both the FAA and the French civil
                                                Congress, or an employee of a member                    funds to influence Congress or a Federal              aviation authority, Direction Générale
                                                of Congress in connection with                          agency in connection with the making                  de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC).
                                                obtaining any Federal contract, grant or                of any Federal grant and other Federal                  This amendment eliminates certain
                                                any other award covered by 31 U.S.C.                    contracting and financial transactions.               regulatory differences between the
                                                1352. Each tier must also disclose any
                                                                                                          (e) This program is subject to 2 CFR                airworthiness standards of the FAA and
                                                lobbying with non-Federal funds that
                                                                                                        part 421, Requirements for Drug-Free                  the European Aviation Safety Agency
                                                takes place in connection with obtaining
                                                                                                        Workplace (Financial Assistance),                     (EASA), without affecting current
                                                any Federal award. Such disclosures are
                                                                                                        implementing the Drug-Free Workplace                  industry design practices. These
                                                forwarded from tier to tier up to the
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                                                                                                        Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 8102).                         changes ensure an acceptable level of
                                                non-Federal award.
                                                   (o) Procurement of recovered                                                                               safety for these types of cargo
                                                                                                        PART 1944—HOUSING                                     compartments by standardizing certain
                                                materials. A public body, such as a state
                                                government, state agency, municipality,                                                                       requirements and procedures.
                                                county, district, authority, or other                   ■ 16. The authority for part 1944                     DATES: Effective April 18, 2016.
                                                political subdivision of a state, territory             continues to read as follows:                         ADDRESSES: For information on where to
                                                or commonwealth, must ensure its                            Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 1480.          obtain copies of rulemaking documents


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Document Created: 2016-02-13 03:13:45
Document Modified: 2016-02-13 03:13:45
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.
DatesThis rule is effective February 16, 2016.
ContactTyson Whitney, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Director, Transparency and Accountability Reporting Division, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9011, 202-720-8978, [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 7695 
RIN Number0505-AA15
CFR Citation2 CFR 400
2 CFR 415
2 CFR 416
2 CFR 418
2 CFR 422
7 CFR 1407
7 CFR 1485
7 CFR 1703
7 CFR 1709
7 CFR 1710
7 CFR 1717
7 CFR 1724
7 CFR 1726
7 CFR 1737
7 CFR 1738
7 CFR 1739
7 CFR 1740
7 CFR 1773
7 CFR 1774
7 CFR 1775
7 CFR 1776
7 CFR 1778
7 CFR 1779
7 CFR 1780
7 CFR 1782
7 CFR 1783
7 CFR 1942
7 CFR 1944
7 CFR 1951
7 CFR 1980
7 CFR 3015
7 CFR 3016
7 CFR 3018
7 CFR 3019
7 CFR 3022
7 CFR 3052
7 CFR 3400
7 CFR 3401
7 CFR 3402
7 CFR 3403
7 CFR 3405
7 CFR 3406
7 CFR 3407
7 CFR 3415
7 CFR 3430
7 CFR 3431
7 CFR 3570
7 CFR 3575
7 CFR 4274
7 CFR 4279
7 CFR 4280
7 CFR 4284
7 CFR 4285
7 CFR 4290
7 CFR 761
7 CFR 785
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