81_FR_89275 81 FR 89038 - NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Award Term

81 FR 89038 - NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Award Term

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 237 (December 9, 2016)

Page Range89038-89041
FR Document2016-29443

NASA is proposing to amend the NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Supplement (NFS) to add policy on the use of additional contract periods of performance or ``award terms'' as a contract incentive.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 237 (Friday, December 9, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 237 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 89038-89041]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29443]


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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 1816 and 1852

[NFS Case 2016-N027]
RIN 2700-AE32


NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Award Term

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: NASA is proposing to amend the NASA Federal Acquisition 
Regulation (FAR) Supplement (NFS) to add policy on the use of 
additional contract periods of performance or ``award terms'' as a 
contract incentive.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to 
the address shown below on or before February 7, 2017, to be considered 
in the formation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by NFS Case 2016-N027, using any 
of the following methods:
    [cir] Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit comments 
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ``NFS Case 2016-N027'' 
under the heading ``Enter keyword or ID'' and selecting ``Search.'' 
Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with ``NFS Case 
2016-N027.'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Submit a 
Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and 
``NFS Case 2016-N027'' on your attached document.
    [cir] Email: [email protected]. Include NFS Case 2016-N027 
in the subject line of the message.
    [cir] Fax: (202) 358-3082.
    [cir] Mail: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 
Headquarters, Office of Procurement, Contract and Grant Policy 
Division, Attn: Marilyn E. Chambers, LP-011, 300 E Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20546-0001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marilyn E. Chambers, NASA HQ, Office 
of Procurement, Contract and Grant Policy Division, Suite 5H38, 300 E 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20456-0001. Telephone 202-358-5154; 
facsimile 202-358-3082.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    NASA is proposing to amend the NFS to implement policy addressing 
the use of ``award terms'' or additional contract periods of 
performance for which a contractor may earn if the contractor's 
sustained performance is superior, the Government has an on-going need 
for the requirement, and funds are available for the additional period 
of performance. The purpose of the policy is to provide a non-monetary 
incentive for contractors whose sustained performance is excellent. An 
award term incentive would be used where a longer term relationship 
(generally more than five years) between the Government and a 
contractor would provide benefits to both parties. Benefits of award 
term incentives include a more stable business relationship both for 
the contractor and its employees (thus retaining a skilled, experienced 
workforce), motivating excellent performance (including cost savings), 
fostering contractor capital investment, increasing the desirability of 
the award (potentially increasing competition), and reduced 
administrative costs and disruptions in preparing for and negotiating 
replacement contracts.
    Award terms are an incentive and not the same as exercising an 
option as set forth in FAR 17.207. While there are similarities between 
an award term and an option, such as funds must be available and the 
requirement must fulfill an existing Government need, the key 
difference is that an option may be exercised when the contractor's 
performance is acceptable, while earning an award term requires 
sustained excellent performance.

II. Discussion

    The FAR subpart 16.4, Incentive Contracts, addresses a variety of 
techniques to incentivize contractor delivery or technical performance 
by connecting the amount of profit or fee payable under the contract to 
the contractor's performance and payable during the current period of 
performance. Under conventional incentives, funds are reserved to cover 
the incentive for the instant performance period. Conversely, an award 
term could be earned after the base period of performance and any 
option(s) are exercised; an award term does not involve additional 
funds beyond the amount of the current performance period.
    NASA is proposing to add section 1816.405-277 to address the use of 
award term incentives and covers the following areas:
     Considerations when planning to use award term incentives.
     Differences between contract options and award term 
incentives.
     Identifying plans to use award term incentives in 
acquisition planning.
     Procurement procedures related to processing award term 
incentives.

[[Page 89039]]

     Establishes a minimum contract value of twenty million 
dollars in order to use award term incentives.
     Sets forth the requirement for an award term plan to be 
incorporated into the contract and lists the elements of such a plan.
     The Government's unilateral right to not grant or to 
cancel award terms and the conditions under which this may occur.
    Additionally, the clause at 1852.216-XX, Award Term, is added to 
inform the contractor of the conditions for earning an award term and 
the fact that, even if the contractor meets the standards of 
eligibility for an award term, the Government may not grant the award 
term or cancel the award term under certain listed conditions.

III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

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

IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    NASA does not expect this rule to have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., because, based 
on current usage, NASA does not expect to award a large number of award 
term contracts. In those instances when used, award term contracts will 
include small businesses to the same extent that small businesses are 
included in other NASA procurements. NASA anticipates that this rule 
will provide all entities, both large and small, with a positive 
benefit. However, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) has 
been performed and is summarized as follows:
    The Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) does not track award 
term contracts, but a survey of NASA's procurement organizations shows 
there are currently ten (10) active award term contracts. Of these, six 
(6) are with small businesses. A range of services are covered, such as 
logistics, facilities or technical management and information 
technology.
    The rule imposes no reporting, recordkeeping, or other information 
collection requirements. The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or 
conflict with any other Federal rules, and there are no known 
significant alternatives to the rule. NASA invites comments from small 
business concerns and other interested parties on the expected impact 
of this rule on small entities.
    NASA will also consider comments from small entities concerning the 
existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments 
separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (NFS Case 2016-N027), in 
correspondence.

V. 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 1816 and 1852

    Government procurement.

Manuel Quinones,
NASA FAR Supplement Manager.

    Accordingly, 48 CFR parts 1816 and 1852 are proposed to be amended 
as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for parts 1816 and 1852 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  51 U.S.C. 20113(a) and 48 CFR chapter 1.

PART 1816-- TYPES OF CONTRACTS

0
2. Amend section 1816.001 by adding in alphabetical order the 
definition ``Term-determining official'' to read as follows:


1816.001   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Term-determining official means the designated Agency official who 
reviews the recommendations of the Award-Term Board in determining 
whether the contractor is eligible for an award term.
* * * * *
0
3. Add section 1816.405-277 to read as follows:


1816.405-277   Award term.

    (a) An award term enables a contractor to become eligible for 
additional periods of performance or ordering periods under a service 
contract (as defined in FAR 37.101) by achieving and sustaining the 
prescribed performance levels under the contract. It incentivizes the 
contractor for maintaining superior performance by providing an 
opportunity for extensions of the contract term.
    (b) Award terms are best suited for acquisitions where a longer 
term relationship (generally more than five years) between the 
Government and a contractor would provide significant benefits to both. 
Motivating excellent performance, fostering contractor capital 
investment, and increasing the desirability of the award, thus 
potentially increasing competition, are benefits that may justify the 
use of award terms.
    (c) While the administrative burden and cost of more frequent 
procurements to both the Government and potential offerors should be 
considered when determining whether to use award terms, this decision 
must be weighed against market stability, the potential changes and 
advancements in technology, and flexibility to change direction with 
mission changes and associated frequent procurements.
    (d) Award terms may be used in conjunction with contract options 
under FAR 17.2. Award terms are similar to contract options in that 
they are conditioned on the Government's continuing need for the 
contract and the availability of funds. However, FAR 17.207(c)(7) 
states the contracting officer must determine that the contractor's 
performance has been acceptable, e.g., received satisfactory ratings. 
In contrast, to become eligible for an award term, the contractor must 
maintain a level of performance above acceptable as specified in the 
Award Term Plan (see 1816.405-277(i)). In contracts with both option 
periods and award terms, the award term period of performance or 
ordering period shall begin after completion of any option period of 
performance or ordering period.
    (e) Contracts with award terms shall include a base period of 
performance or ordering period and may include a designated number of 
option periods during which the Government will observe and evaluate 
the contractor's performance allowing the contractor to earn an award 
term. Additionally, as specified in the Award Term Plan, the contractor 
may also be evaluated for additional award terms during performance of 
an earned award term. If the contractor meets or exceeds the 
performance requirements, there is an on-going need for and desire to 
continue the contract, funds are available, and the contractor is not 
listed in the System for Award Management Exclusions, then the 
contractor is eligible for contract

[[Page 89040]]

extension for the period of the award term.
    (f) Contracts with award terms shall comply with FAR and NFS 
restrictions on the overall contract length, such as the 5-year period 
of performance limitation found at NFS 1817.204.
    (g) Award terms may only be used in acquisitions for services 
exceeding $20 million dollars. Use of award terms for lower-valued 
acquisitions may be authorized in exceptional situations such as 
contract requirements having direct health or safety impacts, where the 
judgmental assessment of the quality of contractor performance is 
critical.
    (h) Consistent with the Competition in Contracting Act and general 
procurement principles, the potential award term periods in a 
procurement must be priced, evaluated, and considered in the initial 
contract selection process in order to be valid.
    (i) Award term plan. All contracts including award terms shall be 
supported by an Award Term Plan that establishes criteria for earning 
an award term and the methodology and schedule for evaluating 
contractor performance. A copy of the Award Term Plan shall be included 
in the contract. The Contracting Officer may unilaterally revise the 
Award Term Plan. Award Term Plans shall--
    (1) Identify the officials to include Term-Determining Official 
involved in the award term evaluation and their function;
    (2) Identify and describe each evaluation factor, any subfactors, 
related performance standards, adjectival ratings, and numerical ranges 
or weights to be used. The contracting officer should follow the 
guidance at 1816.405-274 in establishing award term evaluation factors 
and 1816.405-275 in establishing adjectival rating categories, 
associated descriptions, numerical scoring system, and weighted scoring 
system;
    (3) Specify the annual overall rating required for the contractor 
to be eligible for an award term that reflects a level of performance 
above acceptable and the number of award terms the contractor may 
qualify for based on the rating score;
    (4) Identify the evaluation period(s) and the evaluation schedule 
to be conducted at stated intervals during the contract period of 
performance or ordering period so that the contractor will periodically 
be informed of the quality of its performance and the areas in which 
improvement is expected (e.g., six months, nine months, twelve months, 
or at other specific milestones), and when the decision points are for 
the determination that the contractor is eligible for an award term; 
and
    (5) Identify the contract's base period of performance or ordering 
period, any option period(s), and total award-term periods(s). Award 
term periods shall not exceed one year.
    (j)(1) The Government has the unilateral right not to grant or to 
cancel award term periods and the associated Award Term Plans if--
    (i) The contractor has failed to achieve the required performance 
measures for the corresponding evaluation period;
    (ii) After earning an award term, the contractor fails to earn an 
award term in any succeeding year of contract performance, the 
contracting officer may cancel any award terms that the contractor has 
earned, but that have not begun.
    (iii) The contracting officer notifies the contractor that the 
Government no longer has a need for the award term period before the 
time an award term period is to begin;
    (iv) The contractor represented that it was a small business 
concern prior to award of the contract, the contract was set-aside for 
small businesses, and the contractor rerepresents in accordance with 
FAR clause 52.219-28 Post-Award Small Business Program 
Rerepresentation, that it is no longer a small business; or
    (v) The contracting officer notifies the contractor that funds are 
not available for the award term.
    (2) When an award term period is not granted or cancelled, any--
    (i) Prior award term periods for which the contractor remains 
otherwise eligible are unaffected.
    (ii) Subsequent award term periods are also cancelled.
    (k) Cancellation of an award term period that has not yet commenced 
for any of the reasons set forth in paragraph (j) shall not be 
considered either a termination for convenience or termination for 
default, and shall not entitle the Contractor to any termination 
settlement or any other compensation. If the award term is cancelled, a 
unilateral modification will cite the clause as the authority.
0
4. Amend section 1816.406-70 by adding paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


1816.406-70   NASA contract clauses.

* * * * *
    (g) Insert the clause at 1852.216-72, Award Term in solicitations 
and contracts for services exceeding $20 million when award terms are 
contemplated.

PART 1852--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
5. Add section 1852.216-XX to read as follows:


1852.216-XX   Award term.

    As prescribed in 1816.406(g), insert the following clause:

AWARD TERM

(MONTH YEAR)

    (a) Based on overall Contractor performance as evaluated in 
accordance with the Award Term Plan, the Contracting Officer may extend 
the contract for the number and duration of award terms as set forth in 
the Award Term Plan subject to the Government's continuing need for the 
contract and the availability of funds.
    (b) The Contracting Officer will execute any earned award term 
period(s) through a unilateral contract modification. All contract 
provisions continue to apply throughout the contract period of 
performance or ordering period, including any award term period(s).
    (c) The Government will evaluate offerors for award purposes by 
adding the total price for all options and award terms to the price for 
the basic requirement. This evaluation will not obligate the Government 
to exercise any options or award term periods.
    (d) The Award Term Plan is attached in Section J. The Award Term 
Plan provides the methodology and schedule for evaluating Contractor 
performance, determining eligibility for an award term, and, together 
with Agency need for the contract and availability of funding, serves 
as the basis for award term decisions. The Contracting Officer may 
unilaterally revise the Award Term Plan. Any changes to the Award Term 
Plan will be in writing and incorporated into the contract through a 
unilateral modification citing this clause prior to the commencement of 
any evaluation period. The Contracting Officer will consult with the 
Contractor prior to the issuance of a revised Award Term Plan; however, 
the Contractor's consent is not required.
    (e) The award term evaluation(s) will be completed in accordance 
with the schedule in the Award Term Plan. The Contractor will be 
notified of the results and its eligibility to be considered for the 
respective award term no later than 120 days after the evaluation 
period set forth in the Award Term Plan. The Contractor may request a 
review of an award term evaluation which has resulted in the Contractor 
not earning the award term. The request shall be

[[Page 89041]]

submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer within 15 days after 
notification of the results of the evaluation.
    (f) Right not to grant or cancel the award term. (1) The Government 
has the unilateral right not to grant or to cancel award term periods 
and the associated Award Term Plan if--
    (i) The Contractor has failed to achieve the required performance 
measures for the corresponding evaluation period;
    (ii) After earning an award term, the contractor fails to earn an 
award term in any succeeding year of contract performance, the 
contracting officer may cancel any award terms that the contractor has 
earned, but that have not begun.
    (iii) The Contracting Officer has notified the Contractor that the 
Government no longer has a need for the award term period before the 
time an award term period is to begin;
    (iv) The Contractor represented that it was a small business 
concern prior to award of this contract, the contract was set-aside for 
small businesses, and the Contractor rerepresents in accordance with 
FAR clause 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program 
Rerepresentation, that it is no longer a small business; or
    (v) The Contracting Officer has notified the Contractor that funds 
are not available for the award term.
    (2) When an award term period is not granted or cancelled, any--
    (i) Prior award term periods for which the contractor remains 
otherwise eligible are unaffected, except as provided in paragraph (g) 
of this section; or
    (ii) Subsequent award term periods are also cancelled.
    (g) Cancellation of an award term period that has not yet started 
for any of the reasons set forth in paragraph (f) shall not be 
considered either a termination for convenience or termination for 
default, and shall not entitle the Contractor to any termination 
settlement or any other compensation.
    (h) Cancellation of an award term period that has not yet commenced 
for any of the reasons set forth in paragraph (f) and (g) of this 
clause shall not be considered either a termination for convenience or 
termination for default, and shall not entitle the Contractor to any 
termination settlement or any other compensation. If the award term is 
cancelled, a unilateral modification will cite this clause as the 
authority.
    (i) Funds are not presently available for any award term. The 
Government's obligation under any award term is contingent upon the 
availability of appropriated funds from which payment can be made. No 
legal liability on the part of the Government for any award term 
payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting 
Officer for an award term and until the Contractor receives notice of 
such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting 
Officer.


(End of clause)

[FR Doc. 2016-29443 Filed 12-8-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7510-13-P



                                                    89038                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Pome fruits (crop group 11–10) at 0.04                  NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND                              the requirement, and funds are available
                                                    ppm; Sheep, fat at 0.01 ppm; Sheep,                     SPACE ADMINISTRATION                                  for the additional period of
                                                    meat at 0.01 ppm; Sheep, meat                                                                                 performance. The purpose of the policy
                                                    byproducts at 0.01 ppm; Small fruit vine                48 CFR Parts 1816 and 1852                            is to provide a non-monetary incentive
                                                    climbing subgroup (crop subgroup 13–                    [NFS Case 2016–N027]                                  for contractors whose sustained
                                                    07F) (except fuzzy kiwifruit) at 0.6 ppm;                                                                     performance is excellent. An award
                                                                                                            RIN 2700–AE32                                         term incentive would be used where a
                                                    Stone fruits, cherry (crop group 12–12A)
                                                    at 0.2 ppm; Stone fruits, peach (crop                                                                         longer term relationship (generally more
                                                                                                            NASA Federal Acquisition Regulation                   than five years) between the
                                                    group 12–12B) at 0.03 ppm; Stone fruits,                Supplement: Award Term
                                                    plum (crop group 12–12C) at 0.015 ppm;                                                                        Government and a contractor would
                                                    Tree nuts (crop group 14–12) at 0.01                    AGENCY:  National Aeronautics and                     provide benefits to both parties. Benefits
                                                    ppm; and Tuberous and corm vegetables                   Space Administration.                                 of award term incentives include a more
                                                                                                            ACTION: Proposed rule.                                stable business relationship both for the
                                                    (crop subgroup 1C) at 0.01 ppm. Gas
                                                                                                                                                                  contractor and its employees (thus
                                                    chromatography/mass spectrometry                        SUMMARY:   NASA is proposing to amend                 retaining a skilled, experienced
                                                    with nitrogen phosphorus detection                      the NASA Federal Acquisition                          workforce), motivating excellent
                                                    (GC/NPD), and a gas chromatography/                     Regulation (FAR) Supplement (NFS) to                  performance (including cost savings),
                                                    mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for                    add policy on the use of additional                   fostering contractor capital investment,
                                                    confirmation of buprofezin residues in                  contract periods of performance or                    increasing the desirability of the award
                                                    plant commodities is proposed for                       ‘‘award terms’’ as a contract incentive.              (potentially increasing competition),
                                                    enforcement purposes. Contact: RD.                      DATES: Comments on the proposed rule                  and reduced administrative costs and
                                                       5. PP 5F8416. EPA–HQ–OPP–2011–                       should be submitted in writing to the                 disruptions in preparing for and
                                                    0985. ISK Biosciences Corporation, 7470                 address shown below on or before                      negotiating replacement contracts.
                                                    Auburn Road, Suite A, Concord, Ohio,                    February 7, 2017, to be considered in                    Award terms are an incentive and not
                                                    44077, requests to establish an import                  the formation of a final rule.                        the same as exercising an option as set
                                                    tolerance in 40 CFR part 180.613 for                    ADDRESSES: Submit comments                            forth in FAR 17.207. While there are
                                                    residues of the combined residues of the                identified by NFS Case 2016–N027,                     similarities between an award term and
                                                    insecticide flonicamid [N-                              using any of the following methods:                   an option, such as funds must be
                                                    (cyanomethyl)-4-trifluoromethyl)-3-                        Æ Regulations.gov: http://                         available and the requirement must
                                                    pyridinecarboxamide (CA) or N-                          www.regulations.gov. Submit comments                  fulfill an existing Government need, the
                                                    cyanomethyl-4-                                          via the Federal eRulemaking portal by                 key difference is that an option may be
                                                    trifluoromethylnicotinamide (IUPAC)]                    entering ‘‘NFS Case 2016–N027’’ under                 exercised when the contractor’s
                                                    and its metabolites, TFNA [4-                           the heading ‘‘Enter keyword or ID’’ and               performance is acceptable, while
                                                    trifluoromethylnicotinic acid], TFNA–                   selecting ‘‘Search.’’ Select the link                 earning an award term requires
                                                    AM [4-trifluoromethylnicotinamide)                      ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ that corresponds                 sustained excellent performance.
                                                                                                            with ‘‘NFS Case 2016–N027.’’ Follow
                                                    and TFNG [N(4-                                                                                                II. Discussion
                                                                                                            the instructions provided at the ‘‘Submit
                                                    trifluoromethylnicotinoyl)-glycine] in or
                                                                                                            a Comment’’ screen. Please include your                 The FAR subpart 16.4, Incentive
                                                    on dried tea leaves at 40 parts per
                                                                                                            name, company name (if any), and                      Contracts, addresses a variety of
                                                    million (ppm). Analytical methodology                   ‘‘NFS Case 2016–N027’’ on your                        techniques to incentivize contractor
                                                    has been developed to determine the                     attached document.                                    delivery or technical performance by
                                                    residues of flonicamid and its three                       Æ Email: marilyn.chambers@                         connecting the amount of profit or fee
                                                    major plant metabolites, TFNA, TFNG,                    nasa.gov. Include NFS Case 2016–N027                  payable under the contract to the
                                                    and TFNA–AM in various crops. The                       in the subject line of the message.                   contractor’s performance and payable
                                                    residue analytical method for the                          Æ Fax: (202) 358–3082.                             during the current period of
                                                    majority of crops includes an initial                      Æ Mail: National Aeronautics and                   performance. Under conventional
                                                    extraction with acetonitrile (CAN)/                     Space Administration, Headquarters,                   incentives, funds are reserved to cover
                                                    deionized (DI) water, followed by a                     Office of Procurement, Contract and                   the incentive for the instant
                                                    liquid-liquid partition with ethyl                      Grant Policy Division, Attn: Marilyn E.               performance period. Conversely, an
                                                    acetate. The residue analytical method                  Chambers, LP–011, 300 E Street SW.,                   award term could be earned after the
                                                    for wheat straw is similar, except that a               Washington, DC 20546–0001.                            base period of performance and any
                                                    C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) is                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      option(s) are exercised; an award term
                                                    added prior to the liquid-liquid                        Marilyn E. Chambers, NASA HQ, Office                  does not involve additional funds
                                                    partition. The final sample solution is                 of Procurement, Contract and Grant                    beyond the amount of the current
                                                    quantified using a liquid chromatograph                 Policy Division, Suite 5H38, 300 E                    performance period.
                                                    (LC) equipped with a reverse phase                      Street SW., Washington, DC 20456–                       NASA is proposing to add section
                                                    column and a quadruple mass                             0001. Telephone 202–358–5154;                         1816.405–277 to address the use of
                                                    spectrometer (MS/MS). Contact: RD.                      facsimile 202–358–3082.                               award term incentives and covers the
                                                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            following areas:
                                                       Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Considerations when planning to
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                       Dated: November 30, 2016.                            I. Background
                                                                                                                                                                  use award term incentives.
                                                    Michael Goodis,                                            NASA is proposing to amend the NFS
                                                                                                            to implement policy addressing the use                  • Differences between contract
                                                    Acting Director, Registration Division, Office                                                                options and award term incentives.
                                                    of Pesticide Programs.                                  of ‘‘award terms’’ or additional contract
                                                                                                            periods of performance for which a                      • Identifying plans to use award term
                                                    [FR Doc. 2016–29580 Filed 12–8–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                            contractor may earn if the contractor’s               incentives in acquisition planning.
                                                    BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                            sustained performance is superior, the                  • Procurement procedures related to
                                                                                                            Government has an on-going need for                   processing award term incentives.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           89039

                                                       • Establishes a minimum contract                     covered, such as logistics, facilities or             achieving and sustaining the prescribed
                                                    value of twenty million dollars in order                technical management and information                  performance levels under the contract. It
                                                    to use award term incentives.                           technology.                                           incentivizes the contractor for
                                                       • Sets forth the requirement for an                    The rule imposes no reporting,                      maintaining superior performance by
                                                    award term plan to be incorporated into                 recordkeeping, or other information                   providing an opportunity for extensions
                                                    the contract and lists the elements of                  collection requirements. The rule does                of the contract term.
                                                    such a plan.                                            not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with                (b) Award terms are best suited for
                                                       • The Government’s unilateral right                  any other Federal rules, and there are no             acquisitions where a longer term
                                                    to not grant or to cancel award terms                   known significant alternatives to the                 relationship (generally more than five
                                                    and the conditions under which this                     rule. NASA invites comments from                      years) between the Government and a
                                                    may occur.                                              small business concerns and other                     contractor would provide significant
                                                       Additionally, the clause at 1852.216–                interested parties on the expected                    benefits to both. Motivating excellent
                                                    XX, Award Term, is added to inform the                  impact of this rule on small entities.                performance, fostering contractor capital
                                                    contractor of the conditions for earning                  NASA will also consider comments                    investment, and increasing the
                                                    an award term and the fact that, even if                from small entities concerning the                    desirability of the award, thus
                                                    the contractor meets the standards of                   existing regulations in subparts affected             potentially increasing competition, are
                                                    eligibility for an award term, the                      by this rule in accordance with 5 U.S.C.              benefits that may justify the use of
                                                    Government may not grant the award                      610. Interested parties must submit such              award terms.
                                                    term or cancel the award term under                     comments separately and should cite 5                   (c) While the administrative burden
                                                    certain listed conditions.                              U.S.C. 610 (NFS Case 2016–N027), in                   and cost of more frequent procurements
                                                                                                            correspondence.                                       to both the Government and potential
                                                    III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                                                                                                                                  offerors should be considered when
                                                       Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and                   V. Paperwork Reduction Act                            determining whether to use award
                                                    13563 direct agencies to assess all costs                 The rule does not contain any                       terms, this decision must be weighed
                                                    and benefits of available regulatory                    information collection requirements that              against market stability, the potential
                                                    alternatives and, if regulation is                      require the approval of the Office of                 changes and advancements in
                                                    necessary, to select regulatory                         Management and Budget under the                       technology, and flexibility to change
                                                    approaches that maximize net benefits                   Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.                    direction with mission changes and
                                                    (including potential economic,                          chapter 35).                                          associated frequent procurements.
                                                    environmental, public health and safety                                                                         (d) Award terms may be used in
                                                    effects, distributive impacts, and                      List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1816                 conjunction with contract options under
                                                    equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the                      and 1852                                              FAR 17.2. Award terms are similar to
                                                    importance of quantifying both costs                        Government procurement.                           contract options in that they are
                                                    and benefits, of reducing costs, of                                                                           conditioned on the Government’s
                                                    harmonizing rules, and of promoting                     Manuel Quinones,                                      continuing need for the contract and the
                                                    flexibility. This is not a significant                  NASA FAR Supplement Manager.                          availability of funds. However, FAR
                                                    regulatory action and, therefore, was not                 Accordingly, 48 CFR parts 1816 and                  17.207(c)(7) states the contracting officer
                                                    subject to review under section 6(b) of                 1852 are proposed to be amended as                    must determine that the contractor’s
                                                    E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and                     follows:                                              performance has been acceptable, e.g.,
                                                    Review, dated September 30, 1993. This                  ■ 1. The authority citation for parts
                                                                                                                                                                  received satisfactory ratings. In contrast,
                                                    rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C.                                                                       to become eligible for an award term,
                                                                                                            1816 and 1852 continues to read as
                                                    804.                                                                                                          the contractor must maintain a level of
                                                                                                            follows:
                                                                                                                                                                  performance above acceptable as
                                                    IV. Regulatory Flexibility Act                            Authority: 51 U.S.C. 20113(a) and 48 CFR            specified in the Award Term Plan (see
                                                       NASA does not expect this rule to                    chapter 1.                                            1816.405–277(i)). In contracts with both
                                                    have a significant economic impact on                                                                         option periods and award terms, the
                                                    a substantial number of small entities                  PART 1816— TYPES OF CONTRACTS
                                                                                                                                                                  award term period of performance or
                                                    within the meaning of the Regulatory                    ■  2. Amend section 1816.001 by adding                ordering period shall begin after
                                                    Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq.,                 in alphabetical order the definition                  completion of any option period of
                                                    because, based on current usage, NASA                   ‘‘Term-determining official’’ to read as              performance or ordering period.
                                                    does not expect to award a large number                 follows:                                                (e) Contracts with award terms shall
                                                    of award term contracts. In those                                                                             include a base period of performance or
                                                    instances when used, award term                         1816.001    Definitions.                              ordering period and may include a
                                                    contracts will include small businesses                 *     *     *     *     *                             designated number of option periods
                                                    to the same extent that small businesses                  Term-determining official means the                 during which the Government will
                                                    are included in other NASA                              designated Agency official who reviews                observe and evaluate the contractor’s
                                                    procurements. NASA anticipates that                     the recommendations of the Award-                     performance allowing the contractor to
                                                    this rule will provide all entities, both               Term Board in determining whether the                 earn an award term. Additionally, as
                                                    large and small, with a positive benefit.               contractor is eligible for an award term.             specified in the Award Term Plan, the
                                                    However, an initial regulatory flexibility              *     *     *     *     *                             contractor may also be evaluated for
                                                    analysis (IRFA) has been performed and                  ■ 3. Add section 1816.405–277 to read                 additional award terms during
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                                                    is summarized as follows:                               as follows:                                           performance of an earned award term. If
                                                       The Federal Procurement Data System                                                                        the contractor meets or exceeds the
                                                    (FPDS) does not track award term                        1816.405–277       Award term.                        performance requirements, there is an
                                                    contracts, but a survey of NASA’s                         (a) An award term enables a                         on-going need for and desire to continue
                                                    procurement organizations shows there                   contractor to become eligible for                     the contract, funds are available, and the
                                                    are currently ten (10) active award term                additional periods of performance or                  contractor is not listed in the System for
                                                    contracts. Of these, six (6) are with                   ordering periods under a service                      Award Management Exclusions, then
                                                    small businesses. A range of services are               contract (as defined in FAR 37.101) by                the contractor is eligible for contract


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                                                    89040                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                    extension for the period of the award                   determination that the contractor is                  PART 1852—SOLICITATION
                                                    term.                                                   eligible for an award term; and                       PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT
                                                      (f) Contracts with award terms shall                     (5) Identify the contract’s base period            CLAUSES
                                                    comply with FAR and NFS restrictions                    of performance or ordering period, any
                                                    on the overall contract length, such as                                                                       ■ 5. Add section 1852.216–XX to read
                                                                                                            option period(s), and total award-term                as follows:
                                                    the 5-year period of performance                        periods(s). Award term periods shall not
                                                    limitation found at NFS 1817.204.                       exceed one year.                                      1852.216–XX       Award term.
                                                      (g) Award terms may only be used in                      (j)(1) The Government has the                        As prescribed in 1816.406(g), insert
                                                    acquisitions for services exceeding $20                 unilateral right not to grant or to cancel            the following clause:
                                                    million dollars. Use of award terms for                 award term periods and the associated
                                                    lower-valued acquisitions may be                                                                              AWARD TERM
                                                                                                            Award Term Plans if—
                                                    authorized in exceptional situations                                                                          (MONTH YEAR)
                                                                                                               (i) The contractor has failed to achieve
                                                    such as contract requirements having
                                                                                                            the required performance measures for                    (a) Based on overall Contractor
                                                    direct health or safety impacts, where
                                                                                                            the corresponding evaluation period;                  performance as evaluated in accordance
                                                    the judgmental assessment of the quality
                                                                                                               (ii) After earning an award term, the              with the Award Term Plan, the
                                                    of contractor performance is critical.
                                                                                                            contractor fails to earn an award term in             Contracting Officer may extend the
                                                      (h) Consistent with the Competition                                                                         contract for the number and duration of
                                                    in Contracting Act and general                          any succeeding year of contract
                                                                                                            performance, the contracting officer may              award terms as set forth in the Award
                                                    procurement principles, the potential                                                                         Term Plan subject to the Government’s
                                                    award term periods in a procurement                     cancel any award terms that the
                                                                                                            contractor has earned, but that have not              continuing need for the contract and the
                                                    must be priced, evaluated, and                                                                                availability of funds.
                                                    considered in the initial contract                      begun.
                                                                                                                                                                     (b) The Contracting Officer will
                                                    selection process in order to be valid.                    (iii) The contracting officer notifies
                                                                                                                                                                  execute any earned award term
                                                      (i) Award term plan. All contracts                    the contractor that the Government no
                                                                                                                                                                  period(s) through a unilateral contract
                                                    including award terms shall be                          longer has a need for the award term
                                                                                                                                                                  modification. All contract provisions
                                                    supported by an Award Term Plan that                    period before the time an award term
                                                                                                                                                                  continue to apply throughout the
                                                    establishes criteria for earning an award               period is to begin;
                                                                                                                                                                  contract period of performance or
                                                    term and the methodology and schedule                      (iv) The contractor represented that it            ordering period, including any award
                                                    for evaluating contractor performance. A                was a small business concern prior to                 term period(s).
                                                    copy of the Award Term Plan shall be                    award of the contract, the contract was                  (c) The Government will evaluate
                                                    included in the contract. The                           set-aside for small businesses, and the               offerors for award purposes by adding
                                                    Contracting Officer may unilaterally                    contractor rerepresents in accordance                 the total price for all options and award
                                                    revise the Award Term Plan. Award                       with FAR clause 52.219–28 Post-Award                  terms to the price for the basic
                                                    Term Plans shall—                                       Small Business Program                                requirement. This evaluation will not
                                                      (1) Identify the officials to include                 Rerepresentation, that it is no longer a              obligate the Government to exercise any
                                                    Term-Determining Official involved in                   small business; or                                    options or award term periods.
                                                    the award term evaluation and their                        (v) The contracting officer notifies the              (d) The Award Term Plan is attached
                                                    function;                                               contractor that funds are not available               in Section J. The Award Term Plan
                                                      (2) Identify and describe each                        for the award term.                                   provides the methodology and schedule
                                                    evaluation factor, any subfactors, related                 (2) When an award term period is not               for evaluating Contractor performance,
                                                    performance standards, adjectival                       granted or cancelled, any—                            determining eligibility for an award
                                                    ratings, and numerical ranges or weights                                                                      term, and, together with Agency need
                                                                                                               (i) Prior award term periods for which
                                                    to be used. The contracting officer                                                                           for the contract and availability of
                                                                                                            the contractor remains otherwise
                                                    should follow the guidance at 1816.405–                                                                       funding, serves as the basis for award
                                                                                                            eligible are unaffected.
                                                    274 in establishing award term                                                                                term decisions. The Contracting Officer
                                                    evaluation factors and 1816.405–275 in                     (ii) Subsequent award term periods                 may unilaterally revise the Award Term
                                                    establishing adjectival rating categories,              are also cancelled.                                   Plan. Any changes to the Award Term
                                                    associated descriptions, numerical                         (k) Cancellation of an award term                  Plan will be in writing and incorporated
                                                    scoring system, and weighted scoring                    period that has not yet commenced for                 into the contract through a unilateral
                                                    system;                                                 any of the reasons set forth in paragraph             modification citing this clause prior to
                                                      (3) Specify the annual overall rating                 (j) shall not be considered either a                  the commencement of any evaluation
                                                    required for the contractor to be eligible              termination for convenience or                        period. The Contracting Officer will
                                                    for an award term that reflects a level of              termination for default, and shall not                consult with the Contractor prior to the
                                                    performance above acceptable and the                    entitle the Contractor to any termination             issuance of a revised Award Term Plan;
                                                    number of award terms the contractor                    settlement or any other compensation. If              however, the Contractor’s consent is not
                                                    may qualify for based on the rating                     the award term is cancelled, a unilateral             required.
                                                    score;                                                  modification will cite the clause as the                 (e) The award term evaluation(s) will
                                                      (4) Identify the evaluation period(s)                 authority.                                            be completed in accordance with the
                                                    and the evaluation schedule to be                       ■ 4. Amend section 1816.406–70 by                     schedule in the Award Term Plan. The
                                                    conducted at stated intervals during the                adding paragraph (g) to read as follows:              Contractor will be notified of the results
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                                                    contract period of performance or                                                                             and its eligibility to be considered for
                                                    ordering period so that the contractor                  1816.406–70       NASA contract clauses.              the respective award term no later than
                                                    will periodically be informed of the                    *     *     *     *     *                             120 days after the evaluation period set
                                                    quality of its performance and the areas                  (g) Insert the clause at 1852.216–72,               forth in the Award Term Plan. The
                                                    in which improvement is expected (e.g.,                 Award Term in solicitations and                       Contractor may request a review of an
                                                    six months, nine months, twelve                         contracts for services exceeding $20                  award term evaluation which has
                                                    months, or at other specific milestones),               million when award terms are                          resulted in the Contractor not earning
                                                    and when the decision points are for the                contemplated.                                         the award term. The request shall be


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 237 / Friday, December 9, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                89041

                                                    submitted in writing to the Contracting                 set-aside for small businesses, and the               any of the reasons set forth in paragraph
                                                    Officer within 15 days after notification               Contractor rerepresents in accordance                 (f) and (g) of this clause shall not be
                                                    of the results of the evaluation.                       with FAR clause 52.219–28, Post-Award                 considered either a termination for
                                                      (f) Right not to grant or cancel the                  Small Business Program                                convenience or termination for default,
                                                    award term. (1) The Government has the                  Rerepresentation, that it is no longer a              and shall not entitle the Contractor to
                                                    unilateral right not to grant or to cancel              small business; or                                    any termination settlement or any other
                                                    award term periods and the associated                      (v) The Contracting Officer has                    compensation. If the award term is
                                                    Award Term Plan if—                                     notified the Contractor that funds are                cancelled, a unilateral modification will
                                                      (i) The Contractor has failed to                      not available for the award term.
                                                                                                               (2) When an award term period is not               cite this clause as the authority.
                                                    achieve the required performance
                                                                                                            granted or cancelled, any—                               (i) Funds are not presently available
                                                    measures for the corresponding
                                                                                                               (i) Prior award term periods for which             for any award term. The Government’s
                                                    evaluation period;
                                                                                                            the contractor remains otherwise                      obligation under any award term is
                                                      (ii) After earning an award term, the                 eligible are unaffected, except as                    contingent upon the availability of
                                                    contractor fails to earn an award term in               provided in paragraph (g) of this
                                                    any succeeding year of contract                                                                               appropriated funds from which
                                                                                                            section; or                                           payment can be made. No legal liability
                                                    performance, the contracting officer may                   (ii) Subsequent award term periods
                                                    cancel any award terms that the                                                                               on the part of the Government for any
                                                                                                            are also cancelled.                                   award term payment may arise until
                                                    contractor has earned, but that have not                   (g) Cancellation of an award term
                                                    begun.                                                                                                        funds are made available to the
                                                                                                            period that has not yet started for any
                                                      (iii) The Contracting Officer has                                                                           Contracting Officer for an award term
                                                                                                            of the reasons set forth in paragraph (f)
                                                    notified the Contractor that the                        shall not be considered either a                      and until the Contractor receives notice
                                                    Government no longer has a need for the                 termination for convenience or                        of such availability, to be confirmed in
                                                    award term period before the time an                    termination for default, and shall not                writing by the Contracting Officer.
                                                    award term period is to begin;                          entitle the Contractor to any termination             (End of clause)
                                                      (iv) The Contractor represented that it               settlement or any other compensation.
                                                    was a small business concern prior to                      (h) Cancellation of an award term                  [FR Doc. 2016–29443 Filed 12–8–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    award of this contract, the contract was                period that has not yet commenced for                 BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-14 09:03:33
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 09:03:33
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesComments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to
ContactMarilyn E. Chambers, NASA HQ, Office of Procurement, Contract and Grant Policy Division, Suite 5H38, 300 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20456-0001. Telephone 202-358-5154; facsimile 202-358-3082.
FR Citation81 FR 89038 
RIN Number2700-AE32
CFR Citation48 CFR 1816
48 CFR 1852

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