82 FR 13418 - Revise and Streamline VA Acquisition Regulation To Adhere to Federal Acquisition Regulation Principles (VAAR Case 2014-V002-Parts 816, 828)
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 47 (March 13, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 47 (March 13, 2017)
| Page Range | 13418-13427 | |
| FR Document | 2017-04877 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 47 (Monday, March 13, 2017)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 13418-13427] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-04877] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 48 CFR Parts 816, 828 and 852 RIN 2900-AP82 Revise and Streamline VA Acquisition Regulation To Adhere to Federal Acquisition Regulation Principles (VAAR Case 2014-V002--Parts 816, 828) AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend and update its VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR). Under this initiative, all parts of the regulation are being reviewed in phased increments to revise or remove any policy that has been superseded by changes in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to remove any procedural guidance that is internal to the VA, and to incorporate any new regulations or policies. Acquisition regulations become outdated over time and require updating to incorporate additional policies, solicitation provisions, or contract clauses that implement and supplement the FAR to satisfy VA mission needs, and to incorporate changes in dollar and approval thresholds, definitions, and VA position titles and offices. This Proposed Rule will correct inconsistencies, remove redundant and duplicate material already covered by the FAR, delete outdated material or information, and appropriately renumber VAAR text, clauses and provisions where required to comport with FAR format, numbering and arrangement. This Proposed Rule will streamline the VAAR to implement and supplement the FAR only when required, and remove internal agency guidance as noted above in keeping with the FAR principles concerning agency acquisition regulations. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 12, 2017 to be considered in the formulation of the final rule. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted through www.Regulations.gov; by mail or hand-delivery to Director, Regulation Policy and Management (00REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273-9026. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to ``RIN 2900-AP82--Revise and Streamline VA Acquisition Regulation to Adhere to Federal Acquisition Regulation [[Page 13419]] Principles (VAAR Case 2014-V002--parts 816, 828).'' Copies of comments received will be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Room 1068, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 461-4902 for an appointment. This is not a toll-free number. In addition, during the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ricky Clark, Senior Procurement Analyst, Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Services, 003A2A, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20001, (202) 632-5276. This is not a toll-free telephone number. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background This action is being taken under the authority of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act which provides the authority for an agency head to authorize the issuance of agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR. This authority ensures that Government procurements are handled fairly and consistently, that the Government receives overall best value, and that the Government and contractors both operate under a known set of rules. The Proposed Rule updates the VAAR to current FAR titles, requirements, and definitions; it updates VA titles and offices; it corrects inconsistencies, removes redundancies and duplicate material already covered by the FAR; it deletes outdated material or information and appropriately renumbers VAAR text, clauses, and provisions where required to comport with FAR format, numbering and arrangement. All amendments, revisions, and removals have been peer reviewed and concurred with by an Integrated Product Team of agency stakeholders. The VAAR uses the regulatory structure and arrangement of the FAR and headings and subject areas are broken up consistent with the FAR content. The VAAR is divided into subchapters, parts (each of which covers a separate aspect of acquisition), subparts, sections, and subsections. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act provides the authority for the Federal Acquisition Regulation and for the issuance of agency acquisition regulations consistent with the FAR. When Federal agencies acquire supplies and services using appropriated funds, the purchase is governed by the FAR, set forth at Title 48 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), chapter 1, parts 1 through 53, and the agency regulations that implement and supplement the FAR. The VAAR is set forth at Title 48 CFR, chapter 8, parts 801 to 873. These authorities are designed to ensure that Government procurements are handled fairly and consistently, that the Government receives overall best value, and that the Government and contractors both operate under a known set of rules. VA is proposing to revise the VAAR to add new policy or regulatory requirements and to remove any guidance that is applicable only to VA's internal operating processes or procedures. Codified acquisition regulations may be amended and revised only through formal rulemaking under the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act. This proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act. This proposed rule will generally be small business neutral. VA has examined the economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this regulatory action, and it has been determined this rule is not a significant regulatory action. Discussion and Analysis VA proposes to make the following changes to the VAAR in this phase of its revision and streamlining initiative. For procedural guidance cited below that is proposed to be deleted from the VAAR, each section cited for removal is being considered for inclusion in VA's internal agency operating procedures in accordance with FAR 1.301(a)(2). Similarly, delegations of authorities that are removed from the VAAR will be included in the VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM) as internal agency guidance. VAAR Part 816--Types of Contracts In subpart 816.1, Selecting Contract Types, we propose to delete 816.102, Policies, since it contains procedural guidance and a delegation of authority that is internal to VA and will be in the VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM). We propose to add a new subpart: 816.2, Fixed-Price Contracts. This subpart 816.2 includes one subsection, 816.203-4, Contract clauses, which prescribes the various Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clauses. In subpart 816.5, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, we propose to delete 816.504, Indefinite-quantity contracts, due to the issuance of a Class Deviation from VAAR 816.504, which prohibited the use of estimated quantity clauses. In subpart 816.5, Infinite-Delivery Contracts, we propose to amend section 816.505, Ordering, to include the title and office of the Task and Delivery Order Ombudsman. We propose to add a new subpart 816.7, Agreements, that includes one section, 816.770, Consignment agreements, which defines and describes the consignment agreement acquisition method used for satisfying the need for immediate and on-going requirements. We propose to delete subpart 816.70, Unauthorized Agreements, since the only section included, 816.7001, Letters of availability, covers a procurement method that is no longer in use in VA. VAAR Part 828--Bonds and Insurance In subpart 828.1, Bonds and Other Financial Protections, we propose to delete section 814.101, Bid guarantees, and subsection 828.101-2, Solicitation provision or contract clause, because the FAR guidance is sufficient in this area. We also propose to delete subsection 828.101- 70, Safekeeping and return of bid guarantee, because the information included is considered to be procedural guidance and it will be moved to the VAAM. In section 828.106, Administration, we propose to delete subsection 828.106-6, Furnishing information, since it includes an internal delegation of authority. In section 828.106, Administration, we propose to amend subsection 828.106-70, Bond premium adjustment, to clarify the clause prescription.'' In subpart 828.2, Sureties and Other Security for Bonds, we propose to delete the entire subpart since it contains only internal procedural guidance and it will be moved to the VAAM. In subpart 828.3, Insurance, we propose to amend section 828.306, Insurance under fixed-price contracts, to clarify the clause prescription. In subpart 828.71, Indemnification of Contractors, Medical Research or Development Contracts, we propose to delete section 828.7101, Approval for indemnification, as it contains only internal procedural information. In subpart 828.71, Indemnification of Contractors for Medical Research or Development Contracts, we propose to revise the numbering from 828.71 to 828.70 to conform to the FAR drafting guide. Accordingly, under this subpart, we propose to revise the numbering for section 828.7100, Scope of part, to 828.7000; to change the numbering for section 828.7102, Extent of indemnification, to 828.7001; and to revise the numbering of section [[Page 13420]] 828.7103, Financial protection, to 828.7002. In the proposed subpart 828.70, Indemnification of Contractors for Medical Research or Development Contracts, we propose to add a new subsection, 828.7003, Indemnification clause, which prescribes the use of clause 852.228-73, Indemnification of Contractor--Hazardous Research Projects, when certain conditions apply. VAAR Part 852--Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses In subpart 852.2, we propose to remove clause 852.216-70, Estimated Quantities, as it includes language that codifies contracting practices that are not recommended as they increase the risk level for VA procurements. In this subpart we propose to add clause 852.216-71, Economic price adjustment of contract price(s) based on a price index. We propose to add the following clauses which are based on VA- specific clauses that were previously uncodified: 852.216-72, Proportional economic price adjustment of contract price(s) based on a price index;'' clause 852.216-73, Economic price adjustment--state nursing home care for veterans (ALT #1); add clause 852.216-74, Economic price adjustment--Medicaid labor rates (ALT #2), and clause 852.216-75, Economic price adjustment clause--fuel surcharge. In subpart 252.2, we propose to amend 852.228-71, Indemnification and insurance, to correct minor typographical and grammatical errors. We propose to add clause 852.228-73, Indemnification of contractor- hazardous research projects, which requires contractors to have appropriate insurance coverage when performing work of a hazardous nature which protects the Government's interest. Effect of Rulemaking Title 48, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, Chapter 8, Department of Veterans Affairs, of the Code of Federal Regulations, as revised by this proposed rulemaking, represents VA's implementation of its legal authority and publication of the Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) for the cited applicable parts. Other than future amendments to this rule or governing statutes for the cited applicable parts, or as otherwise authorized by approved deviations or waivers in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 1.4, Deviations from the FAR, and as implemented by VAAR subpart 801.4, Deviations from the FAR or VAAR, no contrary guidance or procedures are authorized. All existing or subsequent VA guidance must be read to conform with the rulemaking if possible or, if not possible, such guidance is superseded by this rulemaking as pertains to the cited applicable VAAR parts. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 Executive Orders (E.O.) 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. E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review defines ``significant regulatory action'' to mean any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: ``(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive order.'' VA has examined the economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this regulatory action, and it has been determined this rule is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a supporting document at http://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of the rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/orpm by following the link for VA Regulations Published from FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date. Paperwork Reduction Act Although this action contains provisions constituting collections of information at 48 CFR 828.306 and 852.228-71, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), no new or proposed revised collections of information are associated with this proposed rule. The information collection requirements for Sec. Sec. 48 CFR 828.306 and 852.228-71 are currently approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 2900-0590. Regulatory Flexibility Act This proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. This proposed rule will generally be small business neutral. The overall impact of the proposed rule will be of benefit to small businesses owned by Veterans or service-disabled Veterans as the VAAR is being updated to remove extraneous procedural information that applies only to VA's internal operating procedures. VA estimates no cost impact to individual business resulting from these rule updates. On this basis, the adoption of this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. Therefore, under 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this proposed rule is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of sections 603 and 604. Unfunded Mandates The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal Governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. This proposed rule will have no such effect on State, local, and tribal Governments or on the private sector. List of Subjects 38 CFR Part 816 Government procurement. 38 CFR Part 828 Government procurement, Insurance, Surety bonds. 38 CFR Part 852 Government procurement. Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Signing Authority The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of [[Page 13421]] the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on January 12, 2017, for publication. Janet Coleman, Chief, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs. For the reasons set out in the preamble, VA proposes to amend 48 CFR, chapter 8, parts 816, 828, and 852 as follows: PART 816--TYPES OF CONTRACTS 0 1. The authority citation for part 816 continues to read as follows: Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c) and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304. Subpart 816.1 [Removed and Reserved] 0 2. Subpart 816.1 is removed and reserved. 0 3. Subpart 816.2 is added to read as follows: Subpart 816.2--Fixed-Price Contracts 816.203 Fixed-price contracts with economic price adjustment. 816.203-4 Contract clauses. (e) The contracting officer shall, when contracting by negotiation, use the following clauses. (1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.216-71, Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) based on a Price Index, in solicitations and firm-fixed-price contracts, subject to FAR 16.203- 4(d)(1) and when changes to a price index will be used to calculate corresponding changes to the total contract price or unit prices of the contract. (i) Exceptions: (A) Do not use this clause when changes to the price index will apply to only a component part of the contract price. (B) Do not publish or include the footnotes in the solicitation, they are only included herein to provide guidance to contracting officers. (2) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.216-72, Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) based on a Price Index, in solicitations and firm-fixed-price contracts, and subject to FAR 16.203-4(d)(1) when changes to an industry price index shall be used to calculate changes to only a portion of the contract price or the unit prices of the contract. (i) Exceptions: (A) The clause should not be used when a change in the index price will be applied directly and totally to the contract price or the unit prices, i.e., when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is used to calculate changes and a 5% increase in the CPI would result in a 5% increase in the total contract price of the unit prices. (B) Do not publish or include the footnotes in the solicitation, as they are only provided herein for the guidance to the contracting officer. (3) The contracting officer shall Insert the clause at 852.216-73, Economic Price Adjustment--State Nursing Home Care for Veterans (ALT #1) in solicitations and firm-fixed-price contracts subject to FAR 16.203-4(d)(1) and the following circumstance: When changes to the Medicaid rate as authorized by the State Medicaid Agency (SMA) shall be used to calculate corresponding changes in the total contract price or the per diem prices of the agreement. (4) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.216-74, Economic Price Adjustment--Medicaid Labor Rates (ALT #2) in solicitations and firm fixed price contracts when the conditions specified in FAR 16.203-4(c)(1) exist. The clause is modifiable by increasing the 10-percent maximum limit on aggregate increases specified in subparagraph (c)(4), upon the approval by the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) or designee. (5) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.216-75, Economic Price Adjustment--Fuel Surcharge, in solicitations and firm fixed price contracts when contracting by negotiation is subject to changes in the cost of fuel increases. The clause is subject to the conditions at FAR 16.203-4(d)(1). (f) The contracting officer shall follow procedures as prescribed in FAR 16.203-4(c) and 38 CFR 51.41(b)(1)(c) for EPA fixed price contracts based on Medicaid rates. These procedures shall be used when contracting by negotiation between the VA and the State Veteran Home for both making payments under contracts or under a VA provider agreement for nursing home care for veterans. Subpart 816.5--Indefinite-Delivery Contracts Subpart 816.504 [Removed] 0 4. Subpart 816.504 is removed. 0 5. Section 803.505 is revised to read as follows: 816.505 Ordering. (b)(8) Task-order and delivery-order ombudsman. The task-order contract and delivery-order ombudsman for VA is the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) for Procurement Policy, Systems and Oversight. The VA Ombudsman shall review and resolve complaints from contractors concerning all task and delivery order actions. If any corrective action is needed after reviewing complaints from contractors, the VA Ombudsman shall provide a written determination of such action to the contracting officer. Contracting officers shall be notified of any complaints submitted to the VA Ombudsman. 0 6. Subpart 816.7 is added to read as follows: Subpart 816.7--Agreements 816.770 Consignment agreements. A consignment agreement is not a contract. It is defined as a delivery method for a specified period of time in which the contractor provides an item/s for Government use and the contractor receives reimbursement only if and when the item is used by the Government. Consignment agreements are allowable and shall be considered in those instances when the requirement for an item will be immediate and on- going and when it is impossible to predetermine the type or model of a particular item until the need is established, and it is determined to be in the best interest of the VA. Subpart 816.70 [Removed and Reserved] 0 7. Subpart 816.70 is removed and reserved. PART 828--BONDS AND INSURANCE 0 8. The authority citation for part 828 continues to read as follows: Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 8127, 8128 and 8151-8153; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304. 828.101 [Removed] 0 9. Section 828.101 is removed. 828.101-2 [Removed] 0 10. Section 828.101-2 is removed. 828.101-70 [Removed] 0 11. Section 828.101-70 is removed. 828.106-6 [Removed] 0 12. Section 828.106-6 is removed. 828.106-70 [Amended] 0 13. Section 828.106-70 is revised to read as follows: 828.106-70 Bond premium adjustment. The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.228-70, Bond Premium [[Page 13422]] Adjustment, in solicitations and contracts when performance and payment bonds, or payment protection is required. 828.2 [Removed] 0 14. Subpart 828.2 is removed. Subpart 828.3--Insurance 828.306 [Amended] 0 15. Section 816.306 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: 828.306 Insurance under fixed-price contracts. (a) The contracting officer shall insert the provision at 852.228- 71, Indemnification and insurance, in solicitations when utilizing term contracts, or contracts of a continuing nature, for ambulance, automobile and aircraft service. * * * * * Subpart 828.71 [Redesignated and Amended] 0 16. Subpart 828.71 is redesignated as subpart 828.70 and the subpart heading of newly redesignated subpart 828.70 is revised to read as follows: Subpart 828.70--Indemnification of Contractors, for Medical Research or Development Contracts 828.7100 [Redesignated and Amended] 0 17. Section 828.7100 is redesignated as section 828.7000 and revised to read as follows: 828.7000 Scope of subpart. (a) As used in this subpart, the term ``contractor'' includes subcontractors of any tier under a contract containing an indemnification provision under 38 U.S.C. 7317. (b) This subpart sets forth the policies and procedures concerning indemnification of contractors performing contracts involving medical research or research and development that involve risks of an unusually hazardous nature, as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7317. (c) The authority to indemnify the contractor under this subpart does not create any rights to third parties that do not exist by law. 828.7101 [Removed] 0 18. Section 828.7101 is removed. 828.7102 [Redesignated and amended] 0 19. Section 828.7102 is redesignated as section 828.7001 and paragraph (a)(3) is revised to read as follows: 828.7001 Extent of indemnification. * * * * * (a) * * * (3) The losses or liability are not covered by the financial protection required under 828.7002. * * * * * 828.7103 [Redesignated] 0 20. Section 828.7103 is redesignated as section 828.7002. 0 21. Section 828.7003 is added to read as follows: 828.7003 Indemnification Clause. The contracting officer shall include the clause, 852.228-73, Indemnification of contractor--Hazardous Research Projects, in contracts and solicitations that indemnify a contractor for liability (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) to third person for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property from a risk that the contract defines in the performance work statement, the statement of work, or the statement of objectives as unusually hazardous. PART 852--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES 0 22. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 852 continues to read as follows: Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 8127, 8128, and 8151-8153; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); and 48 CFR 1.301-1.304. Subpart 852.2--Text of Provisions and Clauses 852.216-70 [Removed and reserved] 0 23. Section 852.216-70 is removed and reserved. 0 24. Section 852.216-71 is added to read as follows: 852.216-71 Economic price adjustment of contract price(s) based on a price index. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(1), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index (Date) (a) To the extent that contract cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the contractor warrants that the prices in this contract for the base period and any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent cost increases. (b) The Base and Adjusting Indexes, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be___,\1\ as contained in___,\2\ as published by ___.\3\ All adjustments authorized under this clause shall be made by using the Base Index and Adjusting Indexes, which are published___.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The contracting officer shall conduct market research to determine a suitable Consumer Price Index or other independent broad-based index to use for the solicitation. For example, for medical services, an appropriate index may be the Consumer Price Index that tracks medical services. \2\ Specify where the Index can be found, such as in a solicitation for laboratory services, the contracting officer might enter ``Table 1, CPI-U: U.S. City Average, by expenditure category and commodity and service group, found at http://www.bls.gov/ news.release/cpi.t01.htm''. \3\ Provide the information on who publishes the applicable Index used e.g., in the example for laboratory services, ``the U.S. Department of Labor''. \4\ State how often the Index is published, such as ``monthly, around the middle of the month''. Note that some Consumer Price Indexes are not published monthly. Ensure that the correct information is provided for the specific Index used. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The Base Index, for the purposes of price adjustment under this clause, shall be the most recent Index published prior to the date for receipt of offers, or the due date for receipt of best and final offers if discussions were held whichever is later. The Base Index shall remain constant for the entire term of the contract, including all option periods. (2) The Adjusting Index shall be the most recent Index published prior to the date of contract adjustment, as specified in paragraph (d) of this clause. (c) The percentage difference between the Base Index and the Adjusting Index, rounded to the nearest .01 percent (e.g., 4.57%), will be used in calculating all adjustments to the following line items:___\5\ The prices for these line items will be multiplied by the percentage increase or decrease and the resulting amount will be added to or deducted from the original line item price for that contract period (e.g., Base Year) to arrive at the new contract price for those line items from the effective date of the adjustment to the beginning of the next contract adjustment period, rounded to the same number of decimal points as the prices originally bid. Calculations for option year contract terms will be based on the prices in the schedule for those option years. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ Enter the line items that will be subject to adjustment or revise this paragraph to otherwise state what prices are subject to adjustment under this clause. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (d) The dates of contract adjustment shall be___ \6\ and the starting dates of each option year, if not already included in these dates. The contracting officer shall retain a copy of the Base Index in the contract file and, on each date of adjustment specified in this paragraph (d), shall obtain a copy of the Adjusting Index. The contracting officer shall calculate the adjustment due and shall, within 5 business days, issue a modification to the contract adjusting the unit or contract prices, as specified in paragraph (c). The adjusted unit or contract prices shall be effective for all orders placed or services provided after the date of contract adjustment as specified in this paragraph (d) until the [[Page 13423]] beginning of the next contract adjustment period. If the contracting officer fails to act, the contractor shall request in writing a contract adjustment and any subsequent adjustment shall be retroactive to the applicable date of contract adjustment specified in this paragraph (d). The contractor's entitlement to price increases for a prior contract period (base year or option year) is waived unless the contractor's written request for an adjustment under this clause is received by the contracting officer no later than 30 days following the end of the base year for changes applicable to the base year, or 30 days following the end of each option year for changes applicable to that option year. The Government's right to contract decreases for prior contract periods (base year or option year) is waived unless the contracting officer processes a contract modification no later than 30 days following the end of the base year for changes applicable to the base year, or 30 days following the end of each option year for changes applicable to that option year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ Establish time periods for when the contracting officer will process adjustments. This could be ``the first day of every quarter, January, April, July, and October'' or ``Annually on October 1st. or some other similar time periods. Since the contracting officer is responsible for initiating the change, the contracting officer must establish a reminder mechanism to ensure that the adjustments are accomplished within the time period specified. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (e) An example of an adjustment calculation is provided herein for informational purposes only. (1) The original contract price or line item prices for that contract term (e.g., base year) shall be used for all calculations during that particular contract term and new calculations shall be made for each and every contract adjustment period specified in paragraph (d) during that contract term. (2) For purposes of this example, the contract prices for the line items as specified in paragraph (c) will be adjusted by the percentage calculated as follows: Adjusting Index for the current 196.6 period. Minus the Base Index................. -188.0 Equals the Index Point Change........ 8.6 Index Point Change Divided by the 8.6/188.0 = .0457 * Base Index. Result Multiplied by 100 Equals the 4.57% Percentage Change (The Index Point Change Percentage). *This figure shall be rounded to the fourth decimal place. When the fifth decimal is 1 to 4, the figure shall be rounded down, 5 to 9, rounded up. (3) For a line item with an original bid price of $25.00 and a 4.57 percent Index Point Change increase as of the first contract adjustment period, as shown above, the calculations for a new contract price for the first contract adjustment period would be as follows: $25.00 x .0457 = $1.14, $25 + $1.14 = $26.14 **. The new contract price for this line item from the beginning of that first contract adjustment period until the start of the next contract adjustment period would be $26.14 and the contracting officer would issue a contract modification reflecting this price change. ** The unit price adjustment shall be rounded up or down, as in paragraph (e)(1) above, to match the number of decimal places in the original bid. (4) If the Adjusting Index went down for the second adjustment period, reflecting only a 3 percent Index Point Change increase over the Base Index, the new price for this sample line item would be reduced for the second contract adjustment period from $26.14 to $25.75 as follows: $25 x .03 = $0.75, $25 + $0.75 = $25.75. Note that the calculations for the second contract adjustment period are based on the original contract price for that contract term of $25.00. The contract price for this line item is modified to reflect this new price for the second contract adjustment period. (5) At the start of the first option year and each subsequent option year period (as well as for each contract adjustment period specified in paragraph (d) during that option year, if different), the contracting officer shall recalculate the contract or unit prices for that first option year based on any changes between the Adjusting Index and the Base Index, from the original contract award date to the start of the first option period, and based on the contractor's new option year prices. Assume the contractor's bid price for the first option year for the above sample line item was $25.50 and the calculations shown in paragraph (e)(1) above at the start of the first option period reflected a 6 percent Index Point Change. The new contract price for this sample line item at the start of the first option period would be calculated as follows: $25.50 x .06 = $1.53, $25.50 + $1.53 = $27.03. The contracting officer would process a contract modification reflecting a revised contract price of $27.03 for the first contract adjustment period in the first option year. (f) Price adjustments pursuant to this clause, shall be documented by a contract modification issued by the contracting officer, show the Base Index (see paragraph (b)(1)), the Adjusting Index, the adjusted contract prices (see paragraph (c)), the mathematical calculations used to arrive at the adjusted contract prices, and the effective date of the adjustment (see paragraph (d)). (g) At the start of each option year, the contracting officer shall, within 5 days of the start of the option year period, process a contract modification adjusting the option year prices by the then current Index Point Change percentage, if any, reflecting the new adjusted prices for that first contract adjustment period in that option year. (h) In the event that ___ \7\ discontinues, or alters substantially, its method of calculating the Index cited herein, the parties shall mutually agree upon an appropriate substitute for determining the price adjustment described herein. If the contracting officer determines that the Index consistently and substantially fails to reflect market conditions, the contracting officer may modify the contract to specify the use of an appropriate substitute index, effective on the date the Index specified herein begins to consistently and substantially fail to reflect market conditions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ Enter in the name of the entity whose index is used in the clause. In most cases when using this clause format, the index used would be a CPI-U Index and the contracting officer would enter ``the U.S. Department of Labor''. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Any dispute arising under this clause shall be resolved subject to the ``Disputes'' clause of the contract. (End of clause) * * * * * 0 25. Section 852.216-72 is added to read as follows: 852.216-72 Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(2), insert the following clause: Proportional Economic Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) Based on a Price Index (Date) (a) To the extent that contract cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the contractor warrants that the prices in this contract for any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent cost increases. (b) The cost index, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be___ \1\ as contained in___ \2\ as published by___ \3\All adjustments authorized under this clause shall be made by using the Base Index and Adjusting Indexes, which are published.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The contracting officer shall conduct market research to determine a suitable cost index for use in the solicitation. The index used is directly related to the type of commodity or service most likely to impact the contractor and must approximately track the economic changes affecting the contractor's costs. Selection of the wrong index may result in a claim and reformation of the contract. For transportation services, an appropriate index might be one that tracks the price of gasoline or diesel fuel. For example, in a solicitation for ambulance services, the contracting officer might enter into this block ``the ``Weekly U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices, Regular Grade'' Index for New England'' (or California or whichever index is the most appropriate). \2\ Specify where the index can be found, such as in an example for gasoline, ``the Energy Information Administration Web site (see VAAM M816.203-70). \3\ Provide the information on who publishes the index, such as, in an example for gasoline, ``the U.S. Department of Energy''. \4\ State how often the index used is published, such as, in an example for an index for gasoline, ``weekly each Monday at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time), or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday''. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The Base Index, for the purposes of price adjustment under this clause, shall be the most recent Index published prior to the closing date for receipt of offers, or the due date for receipt of best and final offers if discussions are held. This Base Index shall remain constant throughout the life of the contract, including all options. (2) The Adjusting Index shall be the most recent Index published prior to the date of contract adjustment, as specified in paragraph (f). (c) For purposes of this clause, it will be conclusively presumed that___percent [[Page 13424]] (%) \5\ of the price of___ \6\ represents the Base Cost of ___ \7\ and the resulting Base Cost will be the basis upon which adjustment will be made under this clause. This Base Cost will be used in calculating all adjustments to the following line items:___ \8\ A new Base Cost will be calculated for each option year period based on the new option year prices. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ Prior to issuing the solicitation, the contracting officer must conduct market research to determine an appropriate percentage to include in this paragraph. The percentage should reflect that portion of the unit price for the services or supplies being acquired that is applicable to the indexed commodity. For instance, in the case of an ambulance contract, research might indicate that, at the time the solicitation is being drafted and based on prior per-mile bid prices, the cost of gasoline accounts for 10% of the per mile cost of operating an ambulance. For example, if the prior bid price had been $1.60 per mile, ambulances average 10 miles per gallon, and the cost of gasoline had been $1.559 per gallon, 1 mile's worth of gasoline ($.16) would be approximately ten (10) percent of the prior per mile bid price of $1.60 per mile. This percent must be stated in the solicitation so that the same figure applies to all bidders. This figure remains constant throughout the life of the contract. \6\ Enter in this block the portion of the contract that will be subject to price adjustment, e.g., ``each one-way mile of ambulance services,'' or the line items that will be subject to price adjustment. \7\ Enter in this block the commodity applicable to the index being used, as in an example for an ambulance contract, ``regular grade gasoline''. \8\ Enter the line items that will be subject to adjustment, as in an example for an ambulance contract, the line items that reflect the one-way cost per mile for ambulance services for the base year and for each option year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (d) The percentage of the price of the indexed commodity (see paragraph (c)) remains fixed throughout the life of the contract and is not subject to modification under this clause. Any pricing actions pursuant to the ``Changes'' clause or other clause or provision of the contract, except for this clause, will be priced as though there were no provisions for economic price adjustment. (e) All price adjustments shall be applicable only to the specific contract adjustment period to which the calculations are made. For every contract adjustment period, new calculations shall be made and new prices determined. Every adjustment during the Base Year shall be based on the original contract prices for that contract year and every adjustment during an option year shall be based on the original contract prices for that option year. The contracting officer must make new calculations for each and every contract adjustment period specified in paragraph (f) and at the beginning of each new option year, if different. (f) The dates of contract adjustment shall be___ \9\ and the starting dates of each option year, if not already included in these dates. The contracting officer shall retain a copy of the Base Index in the contract file and, on each date of adjustment specified herein, obtain a copy of the Adjusting Index. The contracting officer shall calculate the adjustment due and shall, within 5 business days, issue a modification to the contract adjusting the contract or unit price(s). The adjusted contract or unit price(s) shall be effective for all orders placed or services provided after the date of contract adjustment, as specified in this paragraph (f), until the date of the next contract adjustment. If the contracting officer fails to act, the contractor shall request a contract adjustment in writing and any subsequent adjustment shall be retroactive to the applicable date of contract adjustment. The contractor's entitlement to price increases for a prior contract period (base year or option year) shall be waived unless the contractor's written request for an adjustment under this clause is received by the contracting officer no later than 30 days following the end of the base year for changes applicable to the base year, or 30 days following the end of each option year for changes applicable to that option year. The Government's right to contract decreases for prior contract periods (base year or option year) shall be waived unless the contracting officer processes a contract modification no later than 30 days following the end of the base year for changes applicable to the base year, or 30 days following the end of each option year for changes applicable to that option year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ Establish time periods for when the contracting officer will process adjustments. This could be ``the first day of each month'' or ``the first day of every quarter, January, April, July, and October'' or ``annually on October 1st'' or some other similar time periods. Since the contracting officer is responsible for initiating the change, the contracting officer must establish a reminder mechanism to ensure that the adjustments are accomplished on time. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (g) An example of an adjustment calculation is provided herein for informational purposes only. (1) For purposes of this example, assume that a contract is for ambulance services, that the contract price is $2.10 per mile one way, that price adjustments will be made on the basis of the cost of gasoline, that the cost of gasoline represents 10% of the total cost per mile (the Base Cost is 10% of $2.10 (the per mile one way price in Line Item X), or $0.21), and that contract adjustments will be made quarterly. If the Base Index (the price of gasoline the week prior to receipt of bids) is $1.559 per gallon and the price of gasoline at the first date of contract adjustment is $2.129 per gallon, the calculations for contract price adjustment would be as follows: Adjusting Index (most recent Index $2.129 per gallon cost of gasoline as of the date of the first adjustment period). Minus the Base Index (Index cost of -$1.559 per gallon gasoline as of the date of receipt of offers). Equals increase (or decrease) to the $0.570 Base Index. Divide increase (or decrease) to the $0.570 + $1.559 = .3656 * Base Index by the Base Index. (36.56% increase) Base Cost of $0.21 (10% of $2.10) multiplied by .3656 = $0.0768 unit price increase. New Unit price following the adjustment is $2.10 plus $0.0768 = $2.1768 per mile (rounded to $2.18).** * This figure shall be rounded to the fourth decimal place. When the fifth decimal is 1 to 4, the figure shall be rounded down, 5 to 9, rounded up. ** The unit price adjustment shall be rounded up or down, as above, to match the number of decimal places in the original bid. (2) For the second contract adjustment period, all calculations would be based on the original contract bid price for that contract year, $2.10 per mile in this example. If the price of gasoline goes down during the second adjustment period to the original Base Index price of $1.559 per gallon, the adjusted contract price for that second period would return to $2.10 per mile (there would be a zero percent increase or decrease to the Base Cost and thus no change to the original bid price for that contract adjustment period). The contracting officer would then issue a contract modification returning the contract price from $2.18 to $2.10 per mile for that contract adjustment period. If, on the other hand, the price of gasoline actually went below the Base Index price, say to $1.449 per gallon, the calculations for the second economic price adjustment period would be as follows: Adjusting Index (most recent Index $1.449 per gallon cost of gasoline as of the date of the second adjustment period). Minus the Base Index (Index cost of -$1.559 per gallon gasoline as of the date of receipt of offers). Equals increase (or decrease) to Base ($0.110) (a negative $.11) Index. Divide increase (or decrease) to the ($0.11) + $1.559 = (.0706) Base Index by the Base Index. (7.06% decrease) Base Cost of $0.21 (10% of $2.10) multiplied by (.0706) = ($0.0148) unit price decrease. New Unit price following the second economic price adjustment is $2.10 minus $0.0148 = $2.0852 per mile (rounded to $2.09). (3) At the start of the first option year, the contracting officer shall recalculate the price per mile based on any changes in the price of gasoline from the original contract award date and based on the contractor's new first option year price per mile. Assuming the contractor's bid price per mile for the first option year was $2.25 per mile, the new Base Cost for gasoline would be 10% of $2.25, or $0.225 (note that the original percent figure from paragraph (c) (10% in this sample) stays constant throughout the life of the contract), but the Base Cost would change if the option year contract price changes. If the Adjusting Index for gasoline at the start of the first option year was now up to $1.899 per gallon, the new first option year price for the first contract adjustment period would be calculated as follows: Adjusting Index (most recent Index $1.899 per gallon cost of gasoline as of the first day of the first option period). Minus the Base Index (Index cost of -$1.559 per gallon gasoline as of the date of receipt of offers). Equals increase (or decrease) to the $0.340 Base Index. [[Page 13425]] Divide the increase (or decrease) to $0.34 + $1.559 = .2181 the Base Index by the Base Index. (21.81% increase) Base Cost of $0.225 (10% * of $2.25) multiplied by .2181 = $0.0491 unit price increase. New Unit price for the first contract adjustment period in the first option year is $2.25 plus $0.0491 = $2.2991 per mile (rounded to $2.30 per mile). * Note that the percentage remains constant (10%) but that the Base Cost has been increased for the first contract adjustment period in the first option year, since the Base Cost is a percentage of the first option year unit cost per mile (in this sample), and the unit cost per mile has increased in this sample for the first option year from $2.10 to $2.25. Although the new unit price for the first contract adjustment period of the first option year following application of the economic price adjustment in this sample would be $2.30 per mile, all economic price adjustment calculations made during that first option year would be based on the original first option year bid price ($2.25 in this sample). If in the second contract adjustment period of the first option year, the calculations resulted in a unit price increase for gasoline of $0.0332, the adjusted price for that period would be $2.25 + $0.0332 = $2.2832, rounded to $2.28 per mile. (h) Price adjustments pursuant to this clause, which shall be made by contract modification issued by the contracting officer, shall show the Base Index (see paragraph (b)(1)), the Adjusting Index, the Base Cost (see paragraph (c)), the mathematical calculations used to arrive at the adjusted contract unit price, and the effective date of the adjustment. (i) In the event that___ \10\ discontinues, or alters substantially, its method of calculating the Index cited herein, the parties shall mutually agree upon an appropriate substitute for determining the price adjustment described herein. If the contracting officer determines that the Index consistently and substantially fails to reflect market conditions, the contracting officer may modify the contract to specify use of an appropriate substitute index, effective on the date the Index specified herein begins to consistently and substantially fail to reflect market conditions. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ Enter in the name of the entity whose index is used in the clause. In the example for ambulance services using the ``Weekly U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices, Regular Grade'' index; the contracting officer would enter the ``Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy''. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (j) Any dispute arising under this clause shall subject to the ``Disputes'' clause of the contract. (End of clause) 0 26. Section 852.216-73 is added to read as follows: 852.216-73 Economic Price Adjustment--State Nursing Home Care for Veterans (Alt #1). As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(3), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment--State Nursing Home Care For Veterans (Alt #1) (Date) This clause does not apply to rates for non-Medicaid nursing homes. (a) Rate Determination. The per diem rate is established by the current Medicaid rate for Medicaid approved nursing home care plus a fair market amount (percentage) to cover the costs of supplies, services, and equipment above that provided under Medicaid established by the local State Medicaid Agency (SMA). Rates established after the effective date of this contract will constitute a modification to the contract. (1) The Medicaid rate covers room, board, and routine nursing care services. (2) For all levels of nursing care a percentage is added for routine ancillary services/supplies, such as drugs, nursing supplies, oxygen (occasional use), x-ray, laboratory, physician visits, and rental equipment. (3) Special equipment, e.g. Clinitron bed, is not considered routine ancillary services. (and may not be provided by the VA). (4) Drug costs which comprise more than eight and one-half percent (8.5%) of the per diem rate are generally not considered routine ancillary supplies (and may not be provided by the VA). (5) Rehabilitation therapies will be provided as distinct levels of care, i.e., skilled, intermediate, and custodial care. Hospice Care and Dialysis are not included in the rate. Payment for Hospices and Dialysis services is provided by the VA or other payers as determined by the veteran with the VA's Approval. (b) Economic Price Adjustment. This clause does not apply to ancillary services that may be added or deleted from the agreement. (1) The per diem rate(s) will apply throughout the term of this contract, including extension period(s). The rate(s) may be adjusted only to reflect a change in a Medicaid rate as authorized by the SMA. Normally, this will be on an annual basis. The negotiated percentage above the Medicaid rate, to cover the all-inclusive nature of the contract, will not be renegotiated; but will be applied and added to the new Medicaid rate for the adjusted per diem rate for each level of care item. In this regard, new rates will be negotiated requiring a modification to the contact. Each per diem price adjustment under this clause is subject to the following limitations: (2) Any adjustment shall be limited to the effect of increases or decreases in the approved SMA's patient care components within the affected Medicaid groups. (3) Adjustments will occur no more frequently than those issued by the SMA. (4) No adjustments are made until the contracting officer receives from the SMA an authenticated copy of the new rates signed and dated at the top right of the document by the authorized nursing home official. Within ten days after this occurs, the contracting officers will execute an approval signature and date at the approximate locations of the nursing home official's signature, the action of which will serve as the effective date of the adjusted rate. A copy of the fully executed document will be sent to the nursing home official for record keeping purposes. (End of clause) 0 27. Section 852.216-74 is added to read as follows: 852.216-74 Economic Price Adjustment--Medicaid Labor Rates (Date) (Alt #2) As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(4), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment--State Nursing Home Care for Veterans (Alt #1) (Date) This clause does not apply to rates for non-Medicaid nursing homes. (a) The contractor shall notify the contracting officer if, at any time during contract performance, the Medicaid rate set by the State Medical Agency (SMA) for contract line item increases or decreases in the Schedule. The contractor shall furnish this notice within 60 days after the increase or decrease, or within any additional period that the contracting officer may approve in writing, but not later than the date of final payment under this contract. The notice shall include the contractor's proposal for an adjustment in the contract unit prices to be negotiated under paragraph (b) of this clause, and shall include, in the form required by the contracting officer, supporting data explaining the cause, effective date, and the amount of the increase or decrease and the amount of the contractor's adjustment proposal. (b) The contracting officer and the contractor shall negotiate a price adjustment to the contract's unit prices and its effective date upon receipt of the notice and data under paragraph (a) of this clause. However, the contracting officer may postpone the negotiations until an accumulation of increases and decreases of the Medicaid labor rates (including fringe benefits) shown in the Schedule results in an adjustment allowable under paragraph (c)(3) of this clause. The contracting officer shall modify this contract as follows: (1) Include the price adjustment and its effective date; (2) Revise the Medicaid labor rates (including fringe benefits) as shown in the Schedule to reflect the increases or decreases resulting from the SMA adjustment. The contractor shall continue performance pending agreement on, or determination of, any adjustment and its effective date. (c) Any price adjustment under this clause is subject to the following limitations: (1) Adjustment shall be limited to the effect on unit prices of the increases or decreases of the Medicaid rates of pay for labor (including fringe benefits) shown in the Schedule. There shall be no adjustment for changes in rates or unit prices other than those shown in the Schedule. (2) No upward adjustment shall apply to supplies or services that are required to be delivered or performed before the effective date of the adjustment, unless the contractor's failure to deliver or perform according to the delivery schedule results from causes beyond the contractor's control and without its fault or negligence, within the meaning of the Default clause. [[Page 13426]] (3) There shall be no adjustment for any change in rates of pay for labor (including fringe benefits) or unit prices for material which would not result in a net change of at least three percent of the then-current total contract price. This limitation shall not apply, however, if, after final delivery of all contract line items, either party requests an adjustment under paragraph (b) of this clause. (4) The aggregate of the increases in any contract unit price made under this clause shall not exceed 10 percent of the original unit price. There is no percentage limitation on the amount of decreases made under this clause. (d) The contracting officer, precluding certified cost and pricing data may examine the contractor's books, records, and other supporting data relevant to the cost of labor (including fringe benefits) and material during all reasonable times until the end of 3 years after the date of final payment under this contract or the time periods specified in Subpart 4.7 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), whichever is earlier. (End of clause) 0 28. Section 852.216-75 is added to read as follows: 852.216-75 Economic Price Adjustment Clause--Fuel Surcharge. As prescribed in 816.203-4(e)(5), insert the following clause: Economic Price Adjustment Clause--Fuel Surcharge (Date) (a) To the extent that contract fuel cost increases are provided for by this economic price adjustment clause, the contractor warrants that the prices in this contract for any option periods do not include any amount to protect against such contingent fuel cost increases. (b) The fuel cost index, for the purpose of price adjustment under this clause, shall be the ``Weekly Retail On-Highway Diesel Prices Index.'' The Base Fuel Cost, for the purpose of price adjustments under this clause, shall be the most recent Index Weekly Average Diesel Fuel Price per gallon published prior to the closing date for receipt of offers, or the due date for receipt of final proposal revisions if discussions are held. (c) For purposes of this clause, it will be conclusively presumed that x% increase or decrease of the Base Fuel Cost represents a reasonable fluctuation of diesel fuel prices. The Base Fuel Cost (+/-) x% price range will be determined for the base contract year and will remain constant throughout the life of the contract, including option years. Base Fuel Cost price range is documented at time of contract award. (d) Increases (or decreases) in the diesel fuel costs (Base Fuel Cost x%) as listed on the Index two weeks prior to the end of each calendar quarter can trigger a request from the contractor to the Government (or from the Government to the contractor) for cost adjustments. Notice must be in writing to the Subsistence Prime Vendor (SPV) contracting officer (or contracting officer's representative) no less than ten days prior to the beginning of the next quarter. (e) Since fuel cost is only a part of the SPV Contracted distribution cost, the adjustment will be made as a penny per delivered case for every ten cent fuel price per gallon increase or decrease to the Base Fuel Cost x%. The difference is rounded down to the nearest whole cent and will be added to last line of each invoice noted as ``Fuel Adjustment''. Example calculation of fuel price change: Price $2.50 Base (+ or -) 15% Average National Diesel Fuel $2.88-$2.13. 3rd QTR (3rd week June) first year $3.05-2.88 = $ .17 (rounded down to 10 cents) Add one cent per delivered. Fuel Price $3.05 Calculation: Case to each invoice, starting first Monday of July. 3rd QTR Diesel Fuel Price decrease $2.13-1.80 = $ .33 (rounded down to $.30 cents) Credit each. invoice $1.80 Calculation: $.03 cents per delivered case. (f) Once approved, the date for contract fuel price adjustment will be the first Monday of the first month of each quarter unless otherwise designated at time of contract award. (g) The contracting officer shall retain a copy of the Base Fuel Index establishing the Base Fuel Cost and the calculation of the price range incorporating the (+/-) x% adjustment in the contract file. All subsequent changes will be documented within the contract file and communicated to the contractor and VA SPV customers via email one week prior to the fuel price adjustment implementation. (h) Any adjustments for fuel price changes will only be implemented if requested in writing, reviewed by both parties, and provided within the designated time frames. No retroactive cost adjustments will be made. A contract modification will be issued at inception of first increase or decrease detailing Base Fuel Cost, price range, and calculation of first fuel adjustment charge. Adjustment will remain in effect with quarterly calculation changes as needed until price falls within Base Fuel Cost price range. A contract modification will be issued to terminate the adjustment when price returns to Base Fuel Cost (+/-) x% price range. (i) In the event that ``the Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy'' discontinues, or substantially alters its method of calculating the national average diesel fuel prices cited herein, the parties shall mutually agree upon an appropriate substitute for determining the price adjustment described herein. If the contracting officer determines the Index consistently and substantially fails to reflect market conditions, the contracting officer may modify the contract to specify use of an appropriate substitute Index, effective on the date the Index specified herein begins to consistently and substantially fail to reflect market conditions. (j) Any dispute arising under this clause shall be determined in accordance with and subject to the ``Disputes'' clause of the contract. (End of clause) * * * * * 0 29. Section 852.228-71 is revised to read as follows: 852.228-71 Indemnification and Insurance. As prescribed in 828.306, insert the following clause: Indemnification and Insurance (Date) (a) Indemnification. The contractor expressly agrees to indemnify and save the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees harmless from and against any and all claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability, however caused, resulting from, arising out of, or in any way connected with the performance of work under this contract. Further, it is agreed that any negligence or alleged negligence of the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees, shall not be a bar to a claim for indemnification unless the act or omission of the Government, its officers, agents, servants, and employees is the sole, competent, and producing cause of such claims, loss, damage, injury, and liability. At the option of the contractor, and subject to the approval by the contracting officer, insurance coverage may be employed as guaranty of indemnification. (b) Insurance. Satisfactory insurance coverage is a condition precedent to award of this contract. In general, a successful bidder must present satisfactory evidence of full compliance with State and local requirements, or those below stipulated, whichever are the greater. More specifically, workers' compensation and employer's liability coverage will conform to applicable State law requirements for the service defined, whereas general liability and automobile liability of comprehensive type shall, in the absence of higher statutory minimums, be required in the amounts per vehicle used of not less than $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage. State- approved sources of insurance coverage ordinarily will be deemed acceptable to the Department of Veterans Affairs, subject to timely certifications by such sources of the types and limits of the coverages afforded by the sources to the bidder. [Contracting Officer's Note: In those instances where airplane service is to be used, substitute the word ``aircraft'' for ``automobile'' and ``vehicle'' and modify coverage to require aircraft public and passenger liability insurance of at least $200,000 per passenger and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger liability, and $200,000 per occurrence for property damage. Coverage for passenger liability bodily injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.] (End of clause) * * * * * 0 30. Section 852.228-73 is added to read as follows: [[Page 13427]] 852.228-73 Indemnification of Contractor--Hazardous Research Projects. As prescribed in 828.7003, insert the following clause: Indemnification of Contractor--Hazardous Research Projects (Date) (a) This contract involves work with a risk of an unusually hazardous nature as specifically defined in the contract. The government shall indemnify the contractor, including subcontractors of any tier, against losses or liability specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this clause if: (1) The losses or liability arise out of or results from a risk defined in this contract as unusually hazardous, and (2) The losses or liability are not covered by the financial protection required by paragraph (c). (b) The Government shall indemnify a contractor for: (1) Liability (including reasonable expenses of litigation or settlement) to third persons for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property from a risk that the contract defines as unusually hazardous. This indemnification shall not cover liability under State or Federal worker's injury compensation laws to employees of the contractor who are both: (i) Employed at the site of the contract work; and (ii) Working on the contract for which indemnification is granted. (2) The Government shall also indemnify the contractor for loss of or damage to property of the contractor from a risk that the contract defines as unusually hazardous. (c) A contractor shall have and maintain an amount of financial protection to cover liability to third persons and loss of or damage to the contractor's property. Financial protection may include private insurance, private contractual indemnities, self-insurance, other proof of financial responsibility, or a combination that provides the maximum amount required. The financial protection provided must meet one of the following: (1) The maximum amount of insurance available from private sources, or (2) A lesser amount that the Secretary establishes after taking into consideration the cost and terms of private insurance. (d) Actions in event of a claim: (1) The contractor shall notify the contracting officer of any claim or suit against the contractor for death, bodily injury, or loss of or damage to property; and (2) The Government may elect to control or assist in the defense of any suit or claim for which indemnification is provided in the contract. [FR Doc. 2017-04877 Filed 3-10-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
![13418 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 47 / Monday, March 13, 2017 / Proposed Rules
tests would be permitted, so long as from an unsubsidized carrier), which DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
they met certain standards. The could further promote efficiencies for all AFFAIRS
challenge evidence must be certified parties, including small entities. The
under penalty of perjury. Challenged Commission emphasizes that there 48 CFR Parts 816, 828 and 852
parties would have 30 days to file their would be far fewer such challenges than RIN 2900–AP82
certified responses. The responses must for ineligible areas since the challenging
meet the same requirements as those for party would likely be the same carrier Revise and Streamline VA Acquisition
challenging parties—i.e., coverage that submitted—and certified—the Form Regulation To Adhere to Federal
shapefiles and speed test data. The 477 data that allegedly shows too small Acquisition Regulation Principles
Commission would reach decisions (VAAR Case 2014–V002—Parts 816,
a coverage area. Recognizing the burden
based on the weight of the evidence and 828)
that may be placed on parties
determine whether any changes to its
initial list of eligible areas is warranted. responding to challenges and rebuttals, AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
including small entities, the Further
D. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant ACTION: Proposed rule.
Notice requests comment on the specific
Economic Impact on Small Entities, and technical parameters that must be SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans
Significant Alternatives Considered provided and how much time Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend and
35. The RFA requires an agency to challenged carriers, or original update its VA Acquisition Regulation
describe any significant alternatives that challengers, would require to respond. (VAAR). Under this initiative, all parts
it has considered in reaching its 38. Option B. In addition to seeking of the regulation are being reviewed in
proposed approach, which may include comment on the proposals of Option B, phased increments to revise or remove
the following four alternatives, among any policy that has been superseded by
the Commission asks what requirements
others: ‘‘(1) the establishment of changes in Federal Acquisition
it should adopt for speed tests to ensure
differing compliance or reporting Regulation (FAR), to remove any
requirements or timetables that take into that they will be representative of
coverage in a disputed area, including procedural guidance that is internal to
account the resources available to small the VA, and to incorporate any new
entities; (2) the clarification, those pertaining to time and distance
regulations or policies.
consolidation, or simplification of between tests. The Commission notes
Acquisition regulations become
compliance or reporting requirements that it will need to balance the accuracy
outdated over time and require updating
under the rule for small entities; (3) the of any challenge with the burdens on to incorporate additional policies,
use of performance, rather than design, affected parties, including small solicitation provisions, or contract
standards; and (4) an exemption from entities, and the timeliness of clauses that implement and supplement
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, resolution. The Commission also seeks the FAR to satisfy VA mission needs,
for small entities.’’ The Commission comment on whether the burden of and to incorporate changes in dollar and
expects to consider all these factors proof should be the same or reduced for approval thresholds, definitions, and
when it has received substantive challenged parties, including small VA position titles and offices. This
comment from the public and entities, recognizing that efficiency Proposed Rule will correct
potentially affected entities. gains could be outweighed by the inconsistencies, remove redundant and
36. The Commission has made an burden placed on the challenged party. duplicate material already covered by
effort to anticipate the challenges faced the FAR, delete outdated material or
by small entities in complying with its 39. More generally, the Commission
expects to consider the economic information, and appropriately
rules. For example, the Commission renumber VAAR text, clauses and
specifically notes that smaller providers impact on small entities, as identified in
comments filed in response to the provisions where required to comport
will have fewer resources available, and
Further Notice and the IRFA contained with FAR format, numbering and
therefore specifically seeks comment on
arrangement.
ways in which it can reduce the burden therein, in reaching its final conclusions
This Proposed Rule will streamline
of the challenge process on smaller and taking action in this proceeding.
the VAAR to implement and
providers. The Commission also seeks The proposals and questions laid out in
supplement the FAR only when
comment on specific principles of the the Further Notice were designed to required, and remove internal agency
challenge proposals and ways to make ensure the Commission has a complete guidance as noted above in keeping
them as efficient as possible for all understanding of the benefits and with the FAR principles concerning
interested parties, including small potential burdens associated with the agency acquisition regulations.
entities. different actions and methods.
37. Option A. In order to further DATES: Comments must be received on
administrative efficiency, the Further Federal Communications Commission. or before May 12, 2017 to be considered
Notice seeks comment on whether the Marlene H. Dortch, in the formulation of the final rule.
Commission should require that the Secretary. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be
challenged area be at least a minimum [FR Doc. 2017–04988 Filed 3–10–17; 8:45 am] submitted through
size and whether it should BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
www.Regulations.gov; by mail or hand-
automatically dismiss de minimis delivery to Director, Regulation Policy
challenges (e.g., challenges that address and Management (00REG), Department
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
a very small percentage of the square of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont
miles in a given census block group or Avenue NW., Room 1068, Washington,
census tract). The Further Notice also DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273–9026.
seeks comment regarding whether the Comments should indicate that they are
Commission should permit challenges submitted in response to ‘‘RIN 2900–
for areas that the Bureaus identify as AP82—Revise and Streamline VA
eligible (i.e., areas where the Form 477 Acquisition Regulation to Adhere to
data show no qualified 4G LTE coverage Federal Acquisition Regulation
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 47 / Monday, March 13, 2017 / Proposed Rules 13421
the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina be applied directly and totally to the and delivery-order ombudsman for VA
S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, contract price or the unit prices, i.e., is the Associate Deputy Assistant
Department of Veterans Affairs, when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is Secretary (ADAS) for Procurement
approved this document on January 12, used to calculate changes and a 5% Policy, Systems and Oversight. The VA
2017, for publication. increase in the CPI would result in a 5% Ombudsman shall review and resolve
increase in the total contract price of the complaints from contractors concerning
Janet Coleman,
unit prices. all task and delivery order actions. If
Chief, Office of Regulation Policy & (B) Do not publish or include the any corrective action is needed after
Management, Office of the Secretary,
Department of Veterans Affairs.
footnotes in the solicitation, as they are reviewing complaints from contractors,
only provided herein for the guidance to the VA Ombudsman shall provide a
For the reasons set out in the the contracting officer. written determination of such action to
preamble, VA proposes to amend 48 (3) The contracting officer shall Insert the contracting officer. Contracting
CFR, chapter 8, parts 816, 828, and 852 the clause at 852.216–73, Economic officers shall be notified of any
as follows: Price Adjustment—State Nursing Home complaints submitted to the VA
PART 816—TYPES OF CONTRACTS Care for Veterans (ALT #1) in Ombudsman.
solicitations and firm-fixed-price ■ 6. Subpart 816.7 is added to read as
■ 1. The authority citation for part 816 contracts subject to FAR 16.203–4(d)(1) follows:
continues to read as follows: and the following circumstance: When
changes to the Medicaid rate as Subpart 816.7—Agreements
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c) and 48 CFR
1.301–1.304. authorized by the State Medicaid 816.770 Consignment agreements.
Agency (SMA) shall be used to calculate
corresponding changes in the total A consignment agreement is not a
Subpart 816.1 [Removed and contract. It is defined as a delivery
Reserved] contract price or the per diem prices of
the agreement. method for a specified period of time in
■ 2. Subpart 816.1 is removed and (4) The contracting officer shall insert which the contractor provides an item/
reserved. the clause at 852.216–74, Economic s for Government use and the contractor
■ 3. Subpart 816.2 is added to read as
Price Adjustment—Medicaid Labor receives reimbursement only if and
follows: Rates (ALT #2) in solicitations and firm when the item is used by the
fixed price contracts when the Government. Consignment agreements
Subpart 816.2—Fixed-Price Contracts are allowable and shall be considered in
conditions specified in FAR 16.203–
816.203 Fixed-price contracts with 4(c)(1) exist. The clause is modifiable by those instances when the requirement
economic price adjustment. increasing the 10-percent maximum for an item will be immediate and on-
limit on aggregate increases specified in going and when it is impossible to
816.203–4 Contract clauses.
subparagraph (c)(4), upon the approval predetermine the type or model of a
(e) The contracting officer shall, when by the Head of the Contracting Activity particular item until the need is
contracting by negotiation, use the (HCA) or designee. established, and it is determined to be
following clauses. (5) The contracting officer shall insert in the best interest of the VA.
(1) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 852.216–75, Economic
the clause at 852.216–71, Economic Subpart 816.70 [Removed and
Price Adjustment—Fuel Surcharge, in Reserved]
Price Adjustment of Contract Price(s) solicitations and firm fixed price
based on a Price Index, in solicitations contracts when contracting by ■ 7. Subpart 816.70 is removed and
and firm-fixed-price contracts, subject to negotiation is subject to changes in the reserved.
FAR 16.203–4(d)(1) and when changes cost of fuel increases. The clause is
to a price index will be used to calculate subject to the conditions at FAR 16.203– PART 828—BONDS AND INSURANCE
corresponding changes to the total 4(d)(1).
contract price or unit prices of the ■ 8. The authority citation for part 828
(f) The contracting officer shall follow continues to read as follows:
contract. procedures as prescribed in FAR
(i) Exceptions: Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 8127, 8128 and
(A) Do not use this clause when 16.203–4(c) and 38 CFR 51.41(b)(1)(c)
8151–8153; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); and 48 CFR
changes to the price index will apply to for EPA fixed price contracts based on
1.301–1.304.
only a component part of the contract Medicaid rates. These procedures shall
price. be used when contracting by negotiation 828.101 [Removed]
(B) Do not publish or include the between the VA and the State Veteran ■ 9. Section 828.101 is removed.
footnotes in the solicitation, they are Home for both making payments under
contracts or under a VA provider 828.101–2 [Removed]
only included herein to provide
guidance to contracting officers. agreement for nursing home care for ■ 10. Section 828.101–2 is removed.
(2) The contracting officer shall insert veterans.
828.101–70 [Removed]
the clause at 852.216–72, Proportional
Subpart 816.5—Indefinite-Delivery ■ 11. Section 828.101–70 is removed.
Economic Price Adjustment of Contract
Contracts
Price(s) based on a Price Index, in 828.106–6 [Removed]
solicitations and firm-fixed-price
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Subpart 816.504 [Removed] ■ 12. Section 828.106–6 is removed.
contracts, and subject to FAR 16.203–
4(d)(1) when changes to an industry ■ 4. Subpart 816.504 is removed. 828.106–70 [Amended]
price index shall be used to calculate ■ 5. Section 803.505 is revised to read ■ 13. Section 828.106–70 is revised to
changes to only a portion of the contract as follows: read as follows:
price or the unit prices of the contract.
(i) Exceptions: 816.505 Ordering. 828.106–70 Bond premium adjustment.
(A) The clause should not be used (b)(8) Task-order and delivery-order The contracting officer shall insert the
when a change in the index price will ombudsman. The task-order contract clause at 852.228–70, Bond Premium
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Adjustment, in solicitations and (a) * * * inlll,2 as published by lll.3 All
contracts when performance and adjustments authorized under this clause
(3) The losses or liability are not
payment bonds, or payment protection shall be made by using the Base Index and
covered by the financial protection Adjusting Indexes, which are
is required. required under 828.7002. publishedlll.4
828.2 [Removed] * * * * * (1) The Base Index, for the purposes of
price adjustment under this clause, shall be
■ 14. Subpart 828.2 is removed. 828.7103 [Redesignated] the most recent Index published prior to the
date for receipt of offers, or the due date for
Subpart 828.3—Insurance ■ 20. Section 828.7103 is redesignated receipt of best and final offers if discussions
as section 828.7002. were held whichever is later. The Base Index
828.306 [Amended] ■ 21. Section 828.7003 is added to read shall remain constant for the entire term of
■ 15. Section 816.306 is amended by as follows: the contract, including all option periods.
revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: (2) The Adjusting Index shall be the most
828.7003 Indemnification Clause. recent Index published prior to the date of
828.306 Insurance under fixed-price contract adjustment, as specified in
contracts. The contracting officer shall include paragraph (d) of this clause.
the clause, 852.228–73, Indemnification (c) The percentage difference between the
(a) The contracting officer shall insert
of contractor—Hazardous Research Base Index and the Adjusting Index, rounded
the provision at 852.228–71,
Projects, in contracts and solicitations to the nearest .01 percent (e.g., 4.57%), will
Indemnification and insurance, in
that indemnify a contractor for liability be used in calculating all adjustments to the
solicitations when utilizing term following line items:lll5 The prices for
(including reasonable expenses of
contracts, or contracts of a continuing these line items will be multiplied by the
litigation or settlement) to third person
nature, for ambulance, automobile and percentage increase or decrease and the
for death, bodily injury, or loss of or
aircraft service. resulting amount will be added to or
damage to property from a risk that the deducted from the original line item price for
* * * * * contract defines in the performance that contract period (e.g., Base Year) to arrive
work statement, the statement of work, at the new contract price for those line items
Subpart 828.71 [Redesignated and
or the statement of objectives as from the effective date of the adjustment to
Amended] the beginning of the next contract adjustment
unusually hazardous.
■ 16. Subpart 828.71 is redesignated as period, rounded to the same number of
subpart 828.70 and the subpart heading PART 852—SOLICITATION decimal points as the prices originally bid.
PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT Calculations for option year contract terms
of newly redesignated subpart 828.70 is will be based on the prices in the schedule
revised to read as follows: CLAUSES
for those option years.
(d) The dates of contract adjustment shall
Subpart 828.70—Indemnification of ■ 22. The authority citation for 48 CFR belll 6 and the starting dates of each
Contractors, for Medical Research or part 852 continues to read as follows: option year, if not already included in these
Development Contracts Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, 8127, 8128, and dates. The contracting officer shall retain a
8151–8153; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); and 48 CFR copy of the Base Index in the contract file
828.7100 [Redesignated and Amended] 1.301–1.304. and, on each date of adjustment specified in
■ 17. Section 828.7100 is redesignated this paragraph (d), shall obtain a copy of the
as section 828.7000 and revised to read Subpart 852.2—Text of Provisions and Adjusting Index. The contracting officer shall
as follows: Clauses calculate the adjustment due and shall,
within 5 business days, issue a modification
828.7000 Scope of subpart. 852.216–70 [Removed and reserved] to the contract adjusting the unit or contract
prices, as specified in paragraph (c). The
(a) As used in this subpart, the term ■ 23. Section 852.216–70 is removed adjusted unit or contract prices shall be
‘‘contractor’’ includes subcontractors of and reserved. effective for all orders placed or services
any tier under a contract containing an ■ 24. Section 852.216–71 is added to provided after the date of contract adjustment
indemnification provision under 38 read as follows: as specified in this paragraph (d) until the
U.S.C. 7317.
(b) This subpart sets forth the policies 852.216–71 Economic price adjustment of 2 Specify where the Index can be found, such as
and procedures concerning contract price(s) based on a price index. in a solicitation for laboratory services, the
indemnification of contractors contracting officer might enter ‘‘Table 1, CPI–U:
As prescribed in 816.203–4(e)(1), U.S. City Average, by expenditure category and
performing contracts involving medical insert the following clause: commodity and service group, found at http://
research or research and development www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.t01.htm’’.
that involve risks of an unusually Economic Price Adjustment of Contract 3 Provide the information on who publishes the
hazardous nature, as authorized by 38 Price(s) Based on a Price Index (Date) applicable Index used e.g., in the example for
laboratory services, ‘‘the U.S. Department of Labor’’.
U.S.C. 7317. (a) To the extent that contract cost 4 State how often the Index is published, such as
(c) The authority to indemnify the increases are provided for by this economic ‘‘monthly, around the middle of the month’’. Note
contractor under this subpart does not price adjustment clause, the contractor that some Consumer Price Indexes are not
create any rights to third parties that do warrants that the prices in this contract for published monthly. Ensure that the correct
not exist by law. the base period and any option periods do information is provided for the specific Index used.
not include any amount to protect against 5 Enter the line items that will be subject to
828.7101 [Removed] such contingent cost increases. adjustment or revise this paragraph to otherwise
(b) The Base and Adjusting Indexes, for the state what prices are subject to adjustment under
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■ 18. Section 828.7101 is removed. this clause.
purpose of price adjustment under this
6 Establish time periods for when the contracting
828.7102 [Redesignated and amended] clause, shall belll,1 as contained
officer will process adjustments. This could be ‘‘the
■ 19. Section 828.7102 is redesignated first day of every quarter, January, April, July, and
1 The contracting officer shall conduct market October’’ or ‘‘Annually on October 1st. or some
as section 828.7001 and paragraph (a)(3)
research to determine a suitable Consumer Price other similar time periods. Since the contracting
is revised to read as follows: Index or other independent broad-based index to officer is responsible for initiating the change, the
use for the solicitation. For example, for medical contracting officer must establish a reminder
828.7001 Extent of indemnification. services, an appropriate index may be the mechanism to ensure that the adjustments are
* * * * * Consumer Price Index that tracks medical services. accomplished within the time period specified.
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![13426 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 47 / Monday, March 13, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(3) There shall be no adjustment for any (e) Since fuel cost is only a part of the SPV (End of clause)
change in rates of pay for labor (including Contracted distribution cost, the adjustment
fringe benefits) or unit prices for material
* * * * *
will be made as a penny per delivered case
which would not result in a net change of at for every ten cent fuel price per gallon ■ 29. Section 852.228–71 is revised to
least three percent of the then-current total increase or decrease to the Base Fuel Cost read as follows:
contract price. This limitation shall not x%. The difference is rounded down to the
apply, however, if, after final delivery of all nearest whole cent and will be added to last 852.228–71 Indemnification and Insurance.
contract line items, either party requests an line of each invoice noted as ‘‘Fuel
adjustment under paragraph (b) of this As prescribed in 828.306, insert the
Adjustment’’.
clause. following clause:
(4) The aggregate of the increases in any Example calculation of Price $2.50 Base (+ or Indemnification and Insurance (Date)
contract unit price made under this clause fuel price change: ¥) 15% Average Na-
shall not exceed 10 percent of the original tional Diesel Fuel (a) Indemnification. The contractor
unit price. There is no percentage limitation $2.88¥$2.13. expressly agrees to indemnify and save the
on the amount of decreases made under this 3rd QTR (3rd week $3.05¥2.88 = $ .17 Government, its officers, agents, servants,
clause. June) first year (rounded down to 10 and employees harmless from and against
(d) The contracting officer, precluding cents) Add one cent any and all claims, loss, damage, injury, and
certified cost and pricing data may examine per delivered.
liability, however caused, resulting from,
Fuel Price $3.05 Cal- Case to each invoice,
the contractor’s books, records, and other culation: starting first Monday arising out of, or in any way connected with
supporting data relevant to the cost of labor of July. the performance of work under this contract.
(including fringe benefits) and material 3rd QTR Diesel Fuel $2.13¥1.80 = $ .33 Further, it is agreed that any negligence or
during all reasonable times until the end of Price decrease (rounded down to alleged negligence of the Government, its
3 years after the date of final payment under $.30 cents) Credit officers, agents, servants, and employees,
this contract or the time periods specified in each. invoice shall not be a bar to a claim for
Subpart 4.7 of the Federal Acquisition $1.80 Calculation: $.03 cents per delivered
case.
indemnification unless the act or omission of
Regulation (FAR), whichever is earlier. the Government, its officers, agents, servants,
(End of clause) (f) Once approved, the date for contract and employees is the sole, competent, and
fuel price adjustment will be the first producing cause of such claims, loss,
■ 28. Section 852.216–75 is added to Monday of the first month of each quarter damage, injury, and liability. At the option of
read as follows: unless otherwise designated at time of the contractor, and subject to the approval by
contract award. the contracting officer, insurance coverage
852.216–75 Economic Price Adjustment (g) The contracting officer shall retain a
Clause—Fuel Surcharge. may be employed as guaranty of
copy of the Base Fuel Index establishing the indemnification.
As prescribed in 816.203–4(e)(5), Base Fuel Cost and the calculation of the (b) Insurance. Satisfactory insurance
insert the following clause: price range incorporating the (+/¥) x% coverage is a condition precedent to award of
adjustment in the contract file. All this contract. In general, a successful bidder
Economic Price Adjustment Clause—Fuel
subsequent changes will be documented must present satisfactory evidence of full
Surcharge (Date)
within the contract file and communicated to compliance with State and local
(a) To the extent that contract fuel cost the contractor and VA SPV customers via
increases are provided for by this economic requirements, or those below stipulated,
email one week prior to the fuel price whichever are the greater. More specifically,
price adjustment clause, the contractor adjustment implementation.
warrants that the prices in this contract for workers’ compensation and employer’s
(h) Any adjustments for fuel price changes
any option periods do not include any liability coverage will conform to applicable
will only be implemented if requested in
amount to protect against such contingent State law requirements for the service
writing, reviewed by both parties, and
fuel cost increases. defined, whereas general liability and
provided within the designated time frames.
(b) The fuel cost index, for the purpose of automobile liability of comprehensive type
No retroactive cost adjustments will be made.
price adjustment under this clause, shall be shall, in the absence of higher statutory
A contract modification will be issued at
the ‘‘Weekly Retail On-Highway Diesel Prices inception of first increase or decrease minimums, be required in the amounts per
Index.’’ detailing Base Fuel Cost, price range, and vehicle used of not less than $200,000 per
The Base Fuel Cost, for the purpose of calculation of first fuel adjustment charge. person and $500,000 per occurrence for
price adjustments under this clause, shall be Adjustment will remain in effect with bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for
the most recent Index Weekly Average Diesel quarterly calculation changes as needed until property damage. State-approved sources of
Fuel Price per gallon published prior to the insurance coverage ordinarily will be deemed
price falls within Base Fuel Cost price range.
closing date for receipt of offers, or the due acceptable to the Department of Veterans
A contract modification will be issued to
date for receipt of final proposal revisions if Affairs, subject to timely certifications by
terminate the adjustment when price returns
discussions are held. such sources of the types and limits of the
to Base Fuel Cost (+/¥) x% price range.
(c) For purposes of this clause, it will be coverages afforded by the sources to the
conclusively presumed that x% increase or (i) In the event that ‘‘the Energy
Information Administration, Department of bidder. [Contracting Officer’s Note: In those
decrease of the Base Fuel Cost represents a instances where airplane service is to be
reasonable fluctuation of diesel fuel prices. Energy’’ discontinues, or substantially alters
its method of calculating the national average used, substitute the word ‘‘aircraft’’ for
The Base Fuel Cost (+/¥) x% price range
diesel fuel prices cited herein, the parties ‘‘automobile’’ and ‘‘vehicle’’ and modify
will be determined for the base contract year
shall mutually agree upon an appropriate coverage to require aircraft public and
and will remain constant throughout the life
of the contract, including option years. Base substitute for determining the price passenger liability insurance of at least
Fuel Cost price range is documented at time adjustment described herein. If the $200,000 per passenger and $500,000 per
of contract award. contracting officer determines the Index occurrence for bodily injury, other than
(d) Increases (or decreases) in the diesel consistently and substantially fails to reflect passenger liability, and $200,000 per
fuel costs (Base Fuel Cost x%) as listed on market conditions, the contracting officer occurrence for property damage. Coverage for
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the Index two weeks prior to the end of each may modify the contract to specify use of an passenger liability bodily injury shall be at
calendar quarter can trigger a request from appropriate substitute Index, effective on the least $200,000 multiplied by the number of
the contractor to the Government (or from the date the Index specified herein begins to seats or passengers, whichever is greater.]
Government to the contractor) for cost consistently and substantially fail to reflect
adjustments. Notice must be in writing to the market conditions. (End of clause)
Subsistence Prime Vendor (SPV) contracting (j) Any dispute arising under this clause * * * * *
officer (or contracting officer’s representative) shall be determined in accordance with and
no less than ten days prior to the beginning subject to the ‘‘Disputes’’ clause of the ■ 30. Section 852.228–73 is added to
of the next quarter. contract. read as follows:
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852.228–73 Indemnification of (1) Liability (including reasonable self-insurance, other proof of financial
Contractor—Hazardous Research Projects. expenses of litigation or settlement) to third responsibility, or a combination that provides
persons for death, bodily injury, or loss of or the maximum amount required. The financial
As prescribed in 828.7003, insert the damage to property from a risk that the protection provided must meet one of the
following clause: contract defines as unusually hazardous. following:
Indemnification of Contractor—Hazardous This indemnification shall not cover liability (1) The maximum amount of insurance
Research Projects (Date) under State or Federal worker’s injury available from private sources, or
compensation laws to employees of the
(a) This contract involves work with a risk (2) A lesser amount that the Secretary
contractor who are both:
of an unusually hazardous nature as establishes after taking into consideration the
(i) Employed at the site of the contract
specifically defined in the contract. The work; and cost and terms of private insurance.
government shall indemnify the contractor, (ii) Working on the contract for which (d) Actions in event of a claim:
including subcontractors of any tier, against indemnification is granted. (1) The contractor shall notify the
losses or liability specified in paragraphs (b) (2) The Government shall also indemnify contracting officer of any claim or suit
and (c) of this clause if: the contractor for loss of or damage to against the contractor for death, bodily
(1) The losses or liability arise out of or property of the contractor from a risk that the injury, or loss of or damage to property; and
results from a risk defined in this contract as contract defines as unusually hazardous. (2) The Government may elect to control or
unusually hazardous, and (c) A contractor shall have and maintain an assist in the defense of any suit or claim for
(2) The losses or liability are not covered amount of financial protection to cover which indemnification is provided in the
by the financial protection required by liability to third persons and loss of or contract.
paragraph (c). damage to the contractor’s property.
(b) The Government shall indemnify a Financial protection may include private [FR Doc. 2017–04877 Filed 3–10–17; 8:45 am]
contractor for: insurance, private contractual indemnities, BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
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Document Created: 2018-02-01 14:57:48
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 14:57:48
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Comments must be received on or before May 12, 2017 to be considered in the formulation of the final rule. | |
| Contact | Mr. Ricky Clark, Senior Procurement Analyst, Procurement Policy and Warrant Management Services, 003A2A, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20001, (202) 632-5276. This is not a toll-free telephone number. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 13418 | |
| RIN Number | 2900-AP82 | |
| CFR Citation | 48
CFR
816 48 CFR 828 48 CFR 852 | |
| CFR Associated | Government Procurement; Insurance; Surety Bonds and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements |
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