82_FR_58588 82 FR 58351 - Department of State Acquisition Regulation

82 FR 58351 - Department of State Acquisition Regulation

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 237 (December 12, 2017)

Page Range58351-58354
FR Document2017-26711

The Department of State (DOS) is amending the Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR) to provide new guidance prescribing more stringent safety requirements for certain overseas construction and services projects.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 237 (Tuesday, December 12, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 12, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58351-58354]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-26711]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

48 CFR Parts 636, 637, and 652

[Public Notice 9703]
RIN 1400-AE04


Department of State Acquisition Regulation

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of State (DOS) is amending the Department of 
State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR) to provide new guidance 
prescribing more stringent safety requirements for certain overseas 
construction and services projects.

DATES: Effective Date: This interim rule is effective on January 11, 
2018.
    Comment Date: The Department of State will accept comments on this 
interim rule until February 12, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Email: [email protected]. You must include the RIN 1400-
AE04 in the subject line of your message.
     Mail (paper only): Ms. Colleen Kosar, Policy Division, 
Office of the Procurement Executive, A/OPE, 2201 C Street NW, Suite 
1060, State Annex Number 15, Washington, DC 20520.
     Persons with access to the internet may view this interim 
rule and submit comments by visiting: http://www.regulations.gov, and 
searching for docket number DOS-2017-0007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Colleen Kosar, Policy Division, 
Office of the Procurement Executive, A/OPE, 2201 C Street NW, Suite 
1060, State Annex Number 15, Washington, DC 20520. Telephone 703-516-
1685.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this interim rule is to 
update 48 CFR part 636, section 636.513, Accident Prevention; 48 CFR 
part 637; and 48 CFR part 652, section 652.236-70, Accident Prevention. 
The Department of State (DOS) is rescinding the class deviation that 
authorized the substitution of DOSAR 652.236-70, Accident Prevention, 
for FAR 52.236-13 Accident Prevention, thus reinstating the requirement 
for use of FAR 52.236-13. Additionally, a new clause, ``Additional 
Safety Measures,'' is added to replace DOSAR 652.236-70. Specifically, 
the interim rule:
     Amends section 636.513 to reinstate the use of FAR 52.236-
13, Accident Prevention, together with its Alternate I, and to 
prescribe the use of DOSAR clause 652.236-70, Additional Safety 
Measures.
     Amends part 637, to add a new section 637.102-71 to 
provide a cross-reference to 636.513 for services contracts.
     Amend section 652.236-70 to replace the current clause 
(``Accident Prevention'') with a new clause (``Additional Safety 
Measures'').

The Department has determined to issue an interim final rule due to the 
overriding importance of the safety of individuals associated with 
overseas DOS construction and services projects.

Regulatory Findings

Administrative Procedure Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), which exempts from the 
Administrative Procedure Act matters relating to contracts, the 
Department is publishing this rulemaking as an interim final rule, but 
is inviting public comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rulemaking is not a ``rule'' as defined by the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; therefore, that Act does not 
apply to it. However, the Department of State has reviewed this 
regulation and, by approving it, certifies that it will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial

[[Page 58352]]

number of small entities. This determination was based on the fact that 
few of the DOS overseas construction contracts are performed by small 
business concerns. In FY 2015, only 19 of the 161 DOS overseas 
construction contractors to which this would apply were small business 
concerns.

Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995

    This interim rule will not result in the expenditure by State, 
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $100 million or more in any year and it will not 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no 
actions were deemed necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded 
Mandates Act of 1995.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996

    This rule is not a major rule as defined by the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996 (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). This rule 
will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more; a major increase in costs or prices; or significant adverse 
effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, 
innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to 
compete with foreign-based companies in domestic and import markets.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563 and 13771

    Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
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. The 
Department of State does not consider this interim rule to be an 
``economically significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866.
    The Department has reviewed the regulation to ensure its 
consistency with the regulatory philosophy and principles set forth in 
the Executive Orders and finds that the benefits of this rule outweigh 
any costs, which the Department assesses to be minimal. This interim 
final rule is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 13771 
because this final rule has been determined to be non-significant 
within the meaning of the Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 13132

    This interim rule will not have substantial direct effects on the 
States, on the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with section 6 
of Executive Order 13132, it is determined that this interim rule does 
not have sufficient federalism implications to require consultations or 
warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement.

Executive Order 13175

    The Department has determined that this interim rulemaking will not 
have tribal implications, will not impose substantial direct compliance 
costs on Indian tribal governments, and will not pre-empt tribal law. 
Accordingly, the requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not apply to 
this interim rulemaking.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The interim rule removes a data collection requirement from 
Department of State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR) information 
collection under OMB Control Number 1405-0050. The data collection 
requirement removed is DOSAR 652.236-70, Accident Prevention, which 
requires construction contractors to submit a written accident 
prevention plan. The removal of this requirement will reduce the total 
burden hours of this information collection under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35) by 150 hours.
    This information collection renewal was approved by OMB on February 
23, 2016. The removal of the data collection will not affect any other 
data collection requirements within this information collection.
    60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Department of 
State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR).
    The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting 
comments on this collection from all interested individuals and 
organizations. The purpose of this document is to allow 60 days for 
public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.
    Submit comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and 
Department of State, Office of the Procurement Executive, up to 
February 12, 2018.
    Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB). You may submit comments by the following 
methods:
     Email: [email protected]. You must include the 
information collection title and the OMB control number in the subject 
line of your message.
     Fax: 202-395-5806. Attention: Desk Officer for Department 
of State. In addition, please direct a copy of your comments to the 
Department of State, Office of the Procurement Executive. You may 
submit comments by the following methods:
     Email: [email protected].
     Regular Mail: Ms. Colleen Kosar, Policy Division, Office 
of the Procurement Executive, A/OPE, 2201 C Street NW, Suite 1060, 
State Annex Number 15, Washington, DC 20520.

You must include the information collection title and the OMB control 
number in any correspondence.
    Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection 
listed in this document, including requests for copies of the proposed 
collection instrument and supporting documents, to Ms. Colleen Kosar, 
U.S. Department of State, Office of the Procurement Executive, 2201 C 
Street NW, Suite 1060, State Annex Number 15, Washington, DC 20520; who 
may be reached on (703) 516-1685.
     Title of Information Collection: Department of State 
Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR).
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0050.
     Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved 
Collection.
     Originating Office: Bureau of Administration, Office of 
the Procurement Executive (A/OPE).
     Form Number: No Form.
     Respondents: Any business, other for-profit, individual, 
not-for-profit, or household.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 1647.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 2600.
     Average Time per Response: 98 hours.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 253,764 hours.
     Frequency: On Occasion.
     Obligation to Respond: Required.
    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
     Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
     Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost 
burden for

[[Page 58353]]

this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and 
assumptions used.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.
     Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, 
including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.
    Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are 
public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you 
should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your 
personal information, will be available for public review.
    Abstract of proposed collection: This information collection covers 
pre-award and post-award requirements of the DOSAR. During the pre-
award phase, information is collected to determine which proposals 
offer the best value to the U.S. Government. Post-award actions include 
monitoring the contractor's performance; issuing modifications to the 
contract; dealing with unsatisfactory performance; and closing out the 
contract upon its completion. This program collects information 
pursuant to the Foreign Service Buildings Act of 1926, as amended (22 
U.S.C. 302), the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act (22 
U.S.C. 4852), and the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 
1990 and 1991 (22 U.S.C. 4864).
    Methodology: Information is collected from prospective offerors to 
evaluate their proposals. The responses provided by the public are part 
of the offeror's proposals in response to Department solicitations. 
This information may be submitted electronically (through fax or 
email), or may require a paper submission, depending upon complexity. 
After contract award, contractors are required to submit information, 
on an as-needed basis, and related to the occurrence of specific 
circumstances.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 636, 637 and 652

    Government procurement.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of State 
amends 48 CFR chapter 6 as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 636, 637 and 652 continues 
to read as follows:

    Authority:  22 U.S.C. 2651a, 40 U.S.C. 121(c) and 48 CFR chapter 
1.

PART 636--CONSTRUCTION AND ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS

0
2. Section 636.513 is revised to read as follows:


636.513   Accident prevention.

    (a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 652.236-70, 
Additional Safety Measures in all solicitations and contracts that 
include FAR 52.236-13, Accident Prevention, Alternate I, i.e.:
    (1) When a fixed-price construction contract or a fixed-price 
dismantling, demolition, or removal of improvements contract is 
contemplated and the contract amount is expected to exceed the 
simplified acquisition threshold and the contract will involve work of 
a long duration or hazardous nature; or
    (2) When a contract for services to be performed at Government 
facilities (see FAR part 37) is contemplated, and technical 
representatives advise that special precautions are appropriate, such 
as contracts for building maintenance, building operations or 
infrastructure repair.
    (b) The contracting officer shall confer with OBO/OM/SHEM if there 
are any questions on any factors listed in paragraph (a) of the clause, 
or if the contracting officer has any questions regarding safety 
issues.

PART 637--SERVICE CONTRACTING

0
3. Section 637.102-71 is added to read as follows:


637.102-71   Safety considerations.

    When contracting for services to be performed overseas, always 
consider 636.513(b) and FAR 36.513(b), and consult with technical 
representatives to determine whether special precautions are 
appropriate, such as when the services are for building operations, 
building maintenance or infrastructure repairs.

PART 652--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
4. Section 652.236-70 is revised to read as follows:


652.236-70   Additional Safety Measures.

    As prescribed in 636.513, insert the following clause.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES (OCT 2017)
    In addition to the safety/accident prevention requirements of FAR 
52.236-13, Accident Prevention Alternate I, the contractor shall comply 
with the following additional safety measures.
    (a) High risk activities. If the project contains any of the 
following high risk activities, the contractor shall follow the section 
in the latest edition, as of the date of the solicitation, of the U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health manual, EM 385-1-1, that 
corresponds to the high risk activity. Before work may proceed, the 
contractor must obtain approval from the COR of the written safety plan 
required by FAR 52.236-13, Accident Prevention Alternate I (see 
paragraph (f) of this clause), containing specific hazard mitigation 
and control techniques.
    (1) Scaffolding;
    (2) Work at heights above 1.8 meters;
    (3) Trenching or other excavation greater than one (1) meter in 
depth;
    (4) Earth-moving equipment and other large vehicles;
    (5) Cranes and rigging;
    (6) Welding or cutting and other hot work;
    (7) Partial or total demolition of a structure;
    (8) Temporary wiring, use of portable electric tools, or other 
recognized electrical hazards. Temporary wiring and portable electric 
tools require the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in 
the affected circuits; other electrical hazards may also require the 
use of a GFCI;
    (9) Work in confined spaces (limited exits, potential for oxygen 
less than 19.5 percent or combustible atmosphere, potential for solid 
or liquid engulfment, or other hazards considered to be immediately 
dangerous to life or health such as water tanks, transformer vaults, 
sewers, cisterns, etc.);
    (10) Hazardous materials--a material with a physical or health 
hazard including but not limited to, flammable, explosive, corrosive, 
toxic, reactive or unstable, or any operations, which creates any kind 
of contamination inside an occupied building such as dust from 
demolition activities, paints, solvents, etc.; or
    (11) Hazardous noise levels as required in EM 385-1 Section 5B or 
local standards if more restrictive.
    (b) Safety and health requirements. The contractor and all 
subcontractors shall comply with the latest edition of the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers Safety and Health manual EM 385-1-1, or OSHA 29 CFR 
part 1910 or 1926 if no EM 385-1-1 requirements are applicable, and the 
accepted contractor's written safety program.
    (c) Mishap reporting. The contractor is required to report 
immediately all mishaps to the COR and the contracting officer. A 
``mishap'' is any event causing injury, disease or illness, death, 
material loss or property damage, or incident

[[Page 58354]]

causing environmental contamination. The mishap reporting requirement 
shall include fires, explosions, hazardous materials contamination, and 
other similar incidents that may threaten people, property, and 
equipment.
    (d) Records. The contractor shall maintain an accurate record on 
all mishaps incident to work performed under this contract resulting in 
death, traumatic injury, occupational disease, or damage to or theft of 
property, materials, supplies, or equipment. The contractor shall 
report this data in the manner prescribed by the contracting officer.
    (e) Subcontracts. The contractor shall insert this clause, 
including this paragraph (e), with appropriate changes in the 
designation of the parties, in subcontracts.
    (f) Written program. The plan required by paragraph (f)(1) of the 
clause entitled ``Accident Prevention Alternate I'' shall be known as 
the Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP) and shall address any activities 
listed in paragraph (a) of this clause, or as otherwise required by the 
contracting officer/COR.
    (1) The SSHP shall be submitted at least 10 working days prior to 
commencing any activity at the site.
    (2) The plan must address developing activity hazard analyses 
(AHAs) for specific tasks. The AHAs shall define the activities being 
performed and identify the work sequences, the specific anticipated 
hazards, site conditions, equipment, materials, and the control 
measures to be implemented to eliminate or reduce each hazard to an 
acceptable level of risk. Work shall not begin until the AHA for the 
work activity has been accepted by the COR and discussed with all 
engaged in the activity, including the Contractor, subcontractor(s), 
and Government on-site representatives.
    (3) The names of the Competent/Qualified Person(s) required for a 
particular activity (for example, excavations, scaffolding, fall 
protection, other activities as specified by EM 385-1-1) shall be 
identified and included in the AHA. Proof of their competency/
qualification shall be submitted to the contracting officer or COR for 
acceptance prior to the start of that work activity. The AHA shall be 
reviewed and modified as necessary to address changing site conditions, 
operations, or change of competent/qualified person(s).


(End of clause)

Eric N. Moore,
Procurement Executive (Acting), Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2017-26711 Filed 12-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4710-24-P



                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 237 / Tuesday, December 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                        58351

                                             significantly or uniquely affect small                  604.804–70        Contract closeout procedures.        Procurement Executive, A/OPE, 2201 C
                                             governments. Therefore, no actions were                 *     *    *    *     *                                Street NW, Suite 1060, State Annex
                                             deemed necessary under the provisions                     (d) * * *                                            Number 15, Washington, DC 20520.
                                             of the Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995.                     (3) * * * Requests for audits,                          • Persons with access to the internet
                                             Finally, this rule is not a major rule as               normally by the Defense Contract Audit                 may view this interim rule and submit
                                             defined by the Small Business                           Agency (DCAA) in accordance with the                   comments by visiting: http://
                                             Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996 (5                   agreement DOS has with DCAA to                         www.regulations.gov, and searching for
                                             U.S.C. 801 et seq.).                                    conduct incurred cost audits, shall be                 docket number DOS–2017–0007.
                                                                                                     submitted through the A/LM/AQM/                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                             Executive Orders 12866, 13563 and
                                                                                                     BOD/QA Audit Team (see                                 Colleen Kosar, Policy Division, Office of
                                             13771
                                                                                                     642.101(b)). * * *                                     the Procurement Executive, A/OPE,
                                                The Department of State does not                     *     *    *    *     *                                2201 C Street NW, Suite 1060, State
                                             consider this rule to be an                                                                                    Annex Number 15, Washington, DC
                                             ‘‘economically significant’’ regulatory                 PART 642—CONTRACT                                      20520. Telephone 703–516–1685.
                                             action under E.O. 12866. The                            ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
                                             Department has reviewed the regulation                  SERVICES                                               purpose of this interim rule is to update
                                             to ensure its consistency with the
                                                                                                     ■ 3. Add subpart 642.1, consisting of                  48 CFR part 636, section 636.513,
                                             regulatory philosophy and principles set
                                                                                                     section 642.101, to read as follows:                   Accident Prevention; 48 CFR part 637;
                                             forth in Executive Orders 12866 and
                                                                                                                                                            and 48 CFR part 652, section 652.236–
                                             13563 and finds that the benefits of
                                                                                                     Subpart 642.1—Contract Audit                           70, Accident Prevention. The
                                             updating this rule outweigh any costs,
                                                                                                     Services                                               Department of State (DOS) is rescinding
                                             which the Department assesses to be
                                                                                                                                                            the class deviation that authorized the
                                             minimal. This final rule is not subject to              642.101    Contract audit responsibilities.            substitution of DOSAR 652.236–70,
                                             the requirements of Executive Order                       (b) The Department has an                            Accident Prevention, for FAR 52.236–13
                                             13771 because this final rule is related                interagency agreement with the Defense                 Accident Prevention, thus reinstating
                                             to agency organization, management or                   Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) to                        the requirement for use of FAR 52.236–
                                             personnel, and has been determined to                   perform incurred cost audits on cost-                  13. Additionally, a new clause,
                                             be non-significant within the meaning                   reimbursement contracts. DCAA audits                   ‘‘Additional Safety Measures,’’ is added
                                             of Executive Order 12866.                               are requested through the A/LM/AQM/                    to replace DOSAR 652.236–70.
                                             Executive Orders 13132 and 13175                        BOD/QA Audit Team.                                     Specifically, the interim rule:
                                                This rule will not have substantial                  Eric N. Moore,
                                                                                                                                                               • Amends section 636.513 to reinstate
                                             direct effects on the States, on the                                                                           the use of FAR 52.236–13, Accident
                                                                                                     Procurement Executive (Acting), Department
                                             relationship between the national                       of State.
                                                                                                                                                            Prevention, together with its Alternate I,
                                             government and the States, or on the                                                                           and to prescribe the use of DOSAR
                                                                                                     [FR Doc. 2017–26712 Filed 12–11–17; 8:45 am]
                                             distribution of power and                                                                                      clause 652.236–70, Additional Safety
                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 4710–24–P
                                             responsibilities among the various                                                                             Measures.
                                                                                                                                                               • Amends part 637, to add a new
                                             levels of government. The Department
                                                                                                                                                            section 637.102–71 to provide a cross-
                                             has determined that this rulemaking                     DEPARTMENT OF STATE
                                                                                                                                                            reference to 636.513 for services
                                             will not have tribal implications, will
                                                                                                     48 CFR Parts 636, 637, and 652                         contracts.
                                             not impose substantial direct                                                                                     • Amend section 652.236–70 to
                                             compliance costs on Indian tribal                       [Public Notice 9703]                                   replace the current clause (‘‘Accident
                                             governments, and will not pre-empt                                                                             Prevention’’) with a new clause
                                             tribal law.                                             RIN 1400–AE04
                                                                                                                                                            (‘‘Additional Safety Measures’’).
                                             Paperwork Reduction Act                                 Department of State Acquisition                        The Department has determined to issue
                                               The rule imposes no new or revised                    Regulation                                             an interim final rule due to the
                                             information collections under the                       AGENCY:    Department of State.                        overriding importance of the safety of
                                             Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44                                                                            individuals associated with overseas
                                                                                                     ACTION:   Interim final rule.
                                             U.S.C. Chapter 35).                                                                                            DOS construction and services projects.
                                                                                                     SUMMARY:    The Department of State                    Regulatory Findings
                                             List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 604 and                (DOS) is amending the Department of
                                             642                                                     State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR)                   Administrative Procedure Act
                                               Government procurement.                               to provide new guidance prescribing                      In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2),
                                               For the reasons stated in the                         more stringent safety requirements for                 which exempts from the Administrative
                                             preamble, the Department of State                       certain overseas construction and                      Procedure Act matters relating to
                                             amends 48 CFR chapter 6 as follows:                     services projects.                                     contracts, the Department is publishing
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR                  DATES: Effective Date: This interim rule               this rulemaking as an interim final rule,
                                             parts 604 and 642 continues to read as                  is effective on January 11, 2018.                      but is inviting public comment.
                                             follows:                                                   Comment Date: The Department of
                                                                                                     State will accept comments on this                     Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                               Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2651a, 40 U.S.C.                                                                          This rulemaking is not a ‘‘rule’’ as
                                                                                                     interim rule until February 12, 2018.
                                             121(c) and 48 CFR chapter 1.
                                                                                                                                                            defined by the Regulatory Flexibility
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES




                                                                                                     ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
                                             PART 604—ADMINISTRATIVE                                 by any of the following methods:                       Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; therefore, that
                                             MATTERS                                                    • Email: KosarCM@state.gov. You                     Act does not apply to it. However, the
                                                                                                     must include the RIN 1400–AE04 in the                  Department of State has reviewed this
                                             ■ 2. Amend section 604.804–70 by                        subject line of your message.                          regulation and, by approving it, certifies
                                             revising the second sentence of                            • Mail (paper only): Ms. Colleen                    that it will not have a significant
                                             paragraph (d)(3) to read as follows:                    Kosar, Policy Division, Office of the                  economic impact on a substantial


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:52 Dec 11, 2017   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00019    Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\12DER1.SGM   12DER1


                                             58352            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 237 / Tuesday, December 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             number of small entities. This                          Executive Order 13132                                    Direct comments to the Department of
                                             determination was based on the fact that                  This interim rule will not have                     State Desk Officer in the Office of
                                             few of the DOS overseas construction                    substantial direct effects on the States,             Information and Regulatory Affairs at
                                             contracts are performed by small                        on the relationship between the national              the Office of Management and Budget
                                             business concerns. In FY 2015, only 19                  government and the States, or on the                  (OMB). You may submit comments by
                                             of the 161 DOS overseas construction                    distribution of power and                             the following methods:
                                             contractors to which this would apply                                                                            • Email: oira_submission@
                                                                                                     responsibilities among the various
                                             were small business concerns.                                                                                 omb.eop.gov. You must include the
                                                                                                     levels of government. Therefore, in
                                                                                                                                                           information collection title and the
                                             Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995                           accordance with section 6 of Executive
                                                                                                                                                           OMB control number in the subject line
                                               This interim rule will not result in the              Order 13132, it is determined that this
                                                                                                                                                           of your message.
                                                                                                     interim rule does not have sufficient
                                             expenditure by State, local, and tribal                                                                          • Fax: 202–395–5806. Attention: Desk
                                             governments, in the aggregate, or by the                federalism implications to require
                                                                                                                                                           Officer for Department of State. In
                                             private sector, of $100 million or more                 consultations or warrant the preparation
                                                                                                                                                           addition, please direct a copy of your
                                             in any year and it will not significantly               of a federalism summary impact
                                                                                                                                                           comments to the Department of State,
                                             or uniquely affect small governments.                   statement.
                                                                                                                                                           Office of the Procurement Executive.
                                             Therefore, no actions were deemed                       Executive Order 13175                                 You may submit comments by the
                                             necessary under the provisions of the                                                                         following methods:
                                                                                                        The Department has determined that
                                             Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995.                                                                                   • Email: kosarcm@state.gov.
                                                                                                     this interim rulemaking will not have
                                             Small Business Regulatory Enforcement                                                                            • Regular Mail: Ms. Colleen Kosar,
                                                                                                     tribal implications, will not impose
                                             Fairness Act of 1996                                                                                          Policy Division, Office of the
                                                                                                     substantial direct compliance costs on
                                                                                                                                                           Procurement Executive, A/OPE,
                                               This rule is not a major rule as                      Indian tribal governments, and will not
                                                                                                                                                           2201 C Street NW, Suite 1060, State
                                             defined by the Small Business                           pre-empt tribal law. Accordingly, the
                                                                                                                                                           Annex Number 15, Washington, DC
                                             Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996 (5                   requirements of Executive Order 13175
                                                                                                                                                           20520.
                                             U.S.C. 801 et seq.). This rule will not                 do not apply to this interim rulemaking.
                                                                                                                                                           You must include the information
                                             result in an annual effect on the                       Paperwork Reduction Act                               collection title and the OMB control
                                             economy of $100 million or more; a
                                                                                                       The interim rule removes a data                     number in any correspondence.
                                             major increase in costs or prices; or                                                                            Direct requests for additional
                                             significant adverse effects on                          collection requirement from Department
                                                                                                     of State Acquisition Regulation                       information regarding the collection
                                             competition, employment, investment,                                                                          listed in this document, including
                                             productivity, innovation, or on the                     (DOSAR) information collection under
                                                                                                     OMB Control Number 1405–0050. The                     requests for copies of the proposed
                                             ability of United States-based                                                                                collection instrument and supporting
                                             companies to compete with foreign-                      data collection requirement removed is
                                                                                                     DOSAR 652.236–70, Accident                            documents, to Ms. Colleen Kosar, U.S.
                                             based companies in domestic and                                                                               Department of State, Office of the
                                             import markets.                                         Prevention, which requires construction
                                                                                                     contractors to submit a written accident              Procurement Executive, 2201 C Street
                                             Executive Orders 12866, 13563 and                       prevention plan. The removal of this                  NW, Suite 1060, State Annex Number
                                             13771                                                   requirement will reduce the total                     15, Washington, DC 20520; who may be
                                                Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and                    burden hours of this information                      reached on (703) 516–1685.
                                             13563 direct agencies to assess costs and               collection under the Paperwork                           • Title of Information Collection:
                                             benefits of available regulatory                        Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.                      Department of State Acquisition
                                             alternatives and, if regulation is                      Chapter 35) by 150 hours.                             Regulation (DOSAR).
                                                                                                       This information collection renewal                    • OMB Control Number: 1405–0050.
                                             necessary, to select regulatory
                                                                                                                                                              • Type of Request: Extension of a
                                             approaches that maximize net benefits                   was approved by OMB on February 23,
                                                                                                                                                           Currently Approved Collection.
                                             (including potential economic,                          2016. The removal of the data collection
                                                                                                                                                              • Originating Office: Bureau of
                                             environmental, public health and safety                 will not affect any other data collection
                                                                                                                                                           Administration, Office of the
                                             effects, distributive impacts and equity).              requirements within this information
                                                                                                                                                           Procurement Executive (A/OPE).
                                             E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance                    collection.                                              • Form Number: No Form.
                                             of quantifying both costs and benefits, of                60-Day Notice of Proposed                              • Respondents: Any business, other
                                             reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,                   Information Collection: Department of                 for-profit, individual, not-for-profit, or
                                             and of promoting flexibility. The                       State Acquisition Regulation (DOSAR).                 household.
                                             Department of State does not consider                     The Department of State is seeking                     • Estimated Number of Respondents:
                                             this interim rule to be an ‘‘economically               Office of Management and Budget                       1647.
                                             significant regulatory action’’ under                   (OMB) approval for the information                       • Estimated Number of Responses:
                                             Executive Order 12866.                                  collection described below. In                        2600.
                                                The Department has reviewed the                      accordance with the Paperwork                            • Average Time per Response: 98
                                             regulation to ensure its consistency with               Reduction Act of 1995, we are                         hours.
                                             the regulatory philosophy and                           requesting comments on this collection                   • Total Estimated Burden Time:
                                             principles set forth in the Executive                   from all interested individuals and                   253,764 hours.
                                             Orders and finds that the benefits of this              organizations. The purpose of this                       • Frequency: On Occasion.
                                             rule outweigh any costs, which the                      document is to allow 60 days for public                  • Obligation to Respond: Required.
                                             Department assesses to be minimal. This                 comment preceding submission of the
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                                                                                                                                                              We are soliciting public comments to
                                             interim final rule is not subject to the                collection to OMB.                                    permit the Department to:
                                             requirements of Executive Order 13771                     Submit comments to the Office of                       • Evaluate whether the proposed
                                             because this final rule has been                        Management and Budget (OMB) and                       information collection is necessary for
                                             determined to be non-significant within                 Department of State, Office of the                    the proper functions of the Department.
                                             the meaning of the Executive Order                      Procurement Executive, up to February                    • Evaluate the accuracy of our
                                             12866.                                                  12, 2018.                                             estimate of the time and cost burden for


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 237 / Tuesday, December 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations                                         58353

                                             this proposed collection, including the                 PART 636—CONSTRUCTION AND                                 (a) High risk activities. If the project
                                             validity of the methodology and                         ARCHITECT-ENGINEER CONTRACTS                           contains any of the following high risk
                                             assumptions used.                                                                                              activities, the contractor shall follow the
                                                                                                     ■ 2. Section 636.513 is revised to read                section in the latest edition, as of the
                                                • Enhance the quality, utility, and
                                                                                                     as follows:                                            date of the solicitation, of the U.S. Army
                                             clarity of the information to be
                                             collected.                                                                                                     Corps of Engineers Safety and Health
                                                                                                     636.513    Accident prevention.
                                                                                                                                                            manual, EM 385–1–1, that corresponds
                                                • Minimize the reporting burden on                     (a) The contracting officer shall insert             to the high risk activity. Before work
                                             those who are to respond, including the                 the clause at 652.236–70, Additional                   may proceed, the contractor must obtain
                                             use of automated collection techniques                  Safety Measures in all solicitations and               approval from the COR of the written
                                             or other forms of information                           contracts that include FAR 52.236–13,                  safety plan required by FAR 52.236–13,
                                             technology.                                             Accident Prevention, Alternate I, i.e.:                Accident Prevention Alternate I (see
                                                                                                       (1) When a fixed-price construction                  paragraph (f) of this clause), containing
                                                Please note that comments submitted
                                                                                                     contract or a fixed-price dismantling,                 specific hazard mitigation and control
                                             in response to this Notice are public
                                                                                                     demolition, or removal of improvements                 techniques.
                                             record. Before including any detailed
                                                                                                     contract is contemplated and the                          (1) Scaffolding;
                                             personal information, you should be
                                                                                                     contract amount is expected to exceed                     (2) Work at heights above 1.8 meters;
                                             aware that your comments as submitted,                  the simplified acquisition threshold and
                                             including your personal information,                                                                              (3) Trenching or other excavation
                                                                                                     the contract will involve work of a long               greater than one (1) meter in depth;
                                             will be available for public review.                    duration or hazardous nature; or                          (4) Earth-moving equipment and other
                                                Abstract of proposed collection: This                  (2) When a contract for services to be               large vehicles;
                                             information collection covers pre-award                 performed at Government facilities (see                   (5) Cranes and rigging;
                                             and post-award requirements of the                      FAR part 37) is contemplated, and                         (6) Welding or cutting and other hot
                                             DOSAR. During the pre-award phase,                      technical representatives advise that                  work;
                                             information is collected to determine                   special precautions are appropriate,                      (7) Partial or total demolition of a
                                             which proposals offer the best value to                 such as contracts for building                         structure;
                                             the U.S. Government. Post-award                         maintenance, building operations or                       (8) Temporary wiring, use of portable
                                             actions include monitoring the                          infrastructure repair.                                 electric tools, or other recognized
                                             contractor’s performance; issuing                         (b) The contracting officer shall confer             electrical hazards. Temporary wiring
                                             modifications to the contract; dealing                  with OBO/OM/SHEM if there are any                      and portable electric tools require the
                                             with unsatisfactory performance; and                    questions on any factors listed in                     use of a ground fault circuit interrupter
                                             closing out the contract upon its                       paragraph (a) of the clause, or if the                 (GFCI) in the affected circuits; other
                                             completion. This program collects                       contracting officer has any questions                  electrical hazards may also require the
                                             information pursuant to the Foreign                     regarding safety issues.                               use of a GFCI;
                                             Service Buildings Act of 1926, as                                                                                 (9) Work in confined spaces (limited
                                                                                                     PART 637—SERVICE CONTRACTING                           exits, potential for oxygen less than 19.5
                                             amended (22 U.S.C. 302), the Omnibus
                                             Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism                                                                          percent or combustible atmosphere,
                                                                                                     ■ 3. Section 637.102–71 is added to read               potential for solid or liquid engulfment,
                                             Act (22 U.S.C. 4852), and the Foreign                   as follows:                                            or other hazards considered to be
                                             Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal
                                                                                                     637.102–71        Safety considerations.               immediately dangerous to life or health
                                             Years 1990 and 1991 (22 U.S.C. 4864).
                                                                                                                                                            such as water tanks, transformer vaults,
                                                Methodology: Information is collected                  When contracting for services to be
                                                                                                                                                            sewers, cisterns, etc.);
                                             from prospective offerors to evaluate                   performed overseas, always consider                       (10) Hazardous materials—a material
                                             their proposals. The responses provided                 636.513(b) and FAR 36.513(b), and                      with a physical or health hazard
                                             by the public are part of the offeror’s                 consult with technical representatives to              including but not limited to, flammable,
                                             proposals in response to Department                     determine whether special precautions                  explosive, corrosive, toxic, reactive or
                                             solicitations. This information may be                  are appropriate, such as when the                      unstable, or any operations, which
                                             submitted electronically (through fax or                services are for building operations,                  creates any kind of contamination
                                             email), or may require a paper                          building maintenance or infrastructure                 inside an occupied building such as
                                             submission, depending upon                              repairs.                                               dust from demolition activities, paints,
                                             complexity. After contract award,                       PART 652—SOLICITATION                                  solvents, etc.; or
                                             contractors are required to submit                      PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT                                   (11) Hazardous noise levels as
                                             information, on an as-needed basis, and                 CLAUSES                                                required in EM 385–1 Section 5B or
                                             related to the occurrence of specific                                                                          local standards if more restrictive.
                                             circumstances.                                          ■ 4. Section 652.236–70 is revised to                     (b) Safety and health requirements.
                                                                                                     read as follows:                                       The contractor and all subcontractors
                                             List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 636,                                                                          shall comply with the latest edition of
                                             637 and 652                                             652.236–70        Additional Safety Measures.          the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety
                                                                                                       As prescribed in 636.513, insert the                 and Health manual EM 385–1–1, or
                                                 Government procurement.
                                                                                                     following clause.                                      OSHA 29 CFR part 1910 or 1926 if no
                                               For the reasons stated in the                                                                                EM 385–1–1 requirements are
                                                                                                     ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES                             applicable, and the accepted
                                             preamble, the Department of State
                                                                                                     (OCT 2017)
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                                             amends 48 CFR chapter 6 as follows:                                                                            contractor’s written safety program.
                                                                                                       In addition to the safety/accident                      (c) Mishap reporting. The contractor is
                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR                  prevention requirements of FAR                         required to report immediately all
                                             parts 636, 637 and 652 continues to read                52.236–13, Accident Prevention                         mishaps to the COR and the contracting
                                             as follows:                                             Alternate I, the contractor shall comply               officer. A ‘‘mishap’’ is any event causing
                                               Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2651a, 40 U.S.C.                 with the following additional safety                   injury, disease or illness, death, material
                                             121(c) and 48 CFR chapter 1.                            measures.                                              loss or property damage, or incident


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                                             58354            Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 237 / Tuesday, December 12, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

                                             causing environmental contamination.                    (End of clause)                                       Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
                                             The mishap reporting requirement shall                                                                        p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                                                                     Eric N. Moore,
                                             include fires, explosions, hazardous                                                                          legal public holidays.
                                                                                                     Procurement Executive (Acting), Department
                                             materials contamination, and other                      of State.                                               Privacy: We will post all comments
                                             similar incidents that may threaten                     [FR Doc. 2017–26711 Filed 12–11–17; 8:45 am]          we receive, without change, to http://
                                             people, property, and equipment.                        BILLING CODE 4710–24–P                                www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                (d) Records. The contractor shall                                                                          personal information provided.
                                             maintain an accurate record on all                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                             mishaps incident to work performed                      NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION                               Kathleen Silbaugh, General Counsel,
                                             under this contract resulting in death,                 SAFETY BOARD                                          (202) 314–6016.
                                             traumatic injury, occupational disease,
                                             or damage to or theft of property,                      49 CFR Part 801                                       SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             materials, supplies, or equipment. The                  [Docket No.: NTSB–GC–2017–0004]                       I. Background
                                             contractor shall report this data in the
                                                                                                     RIN 3147–AA18
                                             manner prescribed by the contracting                                                                             The FOIA provides that any person
                                             officer.                                                Public Availability of Information                    has a right, enforceable in federal court,
                                                (e) Subcontracts. The contractor shall                                                                     to obtain access to federal agency
                                                                                                     AGENCY:  National Transportation Safety               records, except to the extent that any
                                             insert this clause, including this                      Board (NTSB).
                                             paragraph (e), with appropriate changes                                                                       portions of such records are protected
                                                                                                     ACTION: Interim final rule.                           from public disclosure by one of nine
                                             in the designation of the parties, in
                                             subcontracts.                                                                                                 exemptions or by one of three special
                                                                                                     SUMMARY:    The NTSB is issuing an
                                                                                                     interim final rule that revises 49 CFR                law enforcement record exclusions. The
                                                (f) Written program. The plan                                                                              FOIA also sets forth the process for
                                             required by paragraph (f)(1) of the                     part 801, ‘‘Public Availability of
                                                                                                     Information,’’ to implement the                       obtaining federal agency records and
                                             clause entitled ‘‘Accident Prevention                                                                         requires agencies to promulgate
                                             Alternate I’’ shall be known as the Site                substantive and procedural changes to
                                                                                                     the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA),                regulations addressing the requirements
                                             Safety and Health Plan (SSHP) and shall                                                                       for making initial requests and appeals,
                                                                                                     identified in the Open Government Act
                                             address any activities listed in                                                                              the fees an agency may charge, and the
                                                                                                     of 2007, December 31, 2007, the Open
                                             paragraph (a) of this clause, or as                     FOIA Act of 2009, October 28, 2009, and               standards and procedures for regular
                                             otherwise required by the contracting                   the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016,                     and expedited processing of requests.
                                             officer/COR.                                            June 30, 2016. These revisions to the                    Since the NTSB last revised 49 CFR
                                                (1) The SSHP shall be submitted at                   NTSB FOIA regulation are being issued                 part 801 on April 16, 2007, 72 FR 18914,
                                             least 10 working days prior to                          as an interim final rule to ensure that an            the FOIA was amended three times: In
                                             commencing any activity at the site.                    updated regulation is in place as soon                the Open Government Act of 2007,
                                                (2) The plan must address developing                 as practicable to implement the Acts                  Public Law 110–175, 121 Stat. 2524,
                                             activity hazard analyses (AHAs) for                     referenced above.                                     December 31, 2007 (hereinafter ‘‘2007
                                             specific tasks. The AHAs shall define                   DATES: This interim final rule is                     Act’’), the Open FOIA Act of 2009,
                                             the activities being performed and                      effective on December 12, 2017. The                   Public Law 111–83, 123 Stat. 2142,
                                             identify the work sequences, the                        NTSB will accept written comments on                  October 28, 2009 (hereinafter ‘‘2009
                                             specific anticipated hazards, site                      this interim final rule on or before                  Act’’), and the FOIA Improvement Act
                                                                                                     February 12, 2018.                                    of 2016, Public Law 114–185, 130 Stat.
                                             conditions, equipment, materials, and
                                                                                                     ADDRESSES: A copy of this interim final               538, June 30, 2016 (hereinafter ‘‘2016
                                             the control measures to be implemented
                                             to eliminate or reduce each hazard to an                rule, published in the Federal Register               Act’’). The 2016 Act specifically
                                                                                                     (FR), is available for inspection and                 requires all agencies to review and
                                             acceptable level of risk. Work shall not
                                                                                                     copying in the NTSB’s public reading                  update their FOIA regulations in
                                             begin until the AHA for the work
                                                                                                     room, located at 490 L’Enfant Plaza SW,               accordance with its provisions. The
                                             activity has been accepted by the COR                   Washington, DC 20594–003.                             NTSB is revising part 801 to (1)
                                             and discussed with all engaged in the                   Alternatively, a copy is available on the             implement the 2007, 2009, and 2016
                                             activity, including the Contractor,                     government-wide website on regulations                statutory amendments, and (2) update
                                             subcontractor(s), and Government on-                    at http://www.regulations.gov (Docket                 and clarify the regulation pursuant to
                                             site representatives.                                   ID Number NTSB–GC–2017–0004).                         the NTSB’s plan to review and revise all
                                                (3) The names of the Competent/                         You may send comments identified                   of its regulations. NTSB Plan for
                                             Qualified Person(s) required for a                      by Docket ID Number NTSB–GC–2017–                     Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules,
                                             particular activity (for example,                       0004 using any of the following                       77 FR 37865 (June 25, 2012);
                                             excavations, scaffolding, fall protection,              methods:                                              Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules;
                                             other activities as specified by EM 385–                   1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to               Notification, 78 FR 1193, 1194 (January
                                             1–1) shall be identified and included in                http://www.regulations.gov and follow                 8, 2013).
                                                                                                     the instructions for sending your
                                             the AHA. Proof of their competency/                                                                              The NTSB is issuing this regulation as
                                                                                                     comments electronically.
                                             qualification shall be submitted to the                    2. Mail: Send comments to NTSB                     an interim final rule to ensure that the
                                             contracting officer or COR for                                                                                agency implements the 2016 Act as soon
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                                                                                                     Office of General Counsel, 490 L’Enfant
                                             acceptance prior to the start of that work              Plaza East SW, Washington, DC 20594–                  as practicable. In the revised regulation,
                                             activity. The AHA shall be reviewed                     003.                                                  the NTSB has adopted, where
                                             and modified as necessary to address                       3. Facsimile: Fax comments to 202–                 appropriate, the template for agency
                                             changing site conditions, operations, or                314–6090.                                             FOIA regulations released by the Office
                                             change of competent/qualified                              4. Hand Delivery: Bring comments to                of Information Policy at the Department
                                             person(s).                                              490 L’Enfant Plaza East SW, 6th Floor,                of Justice.


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Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:47:10
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:47:10
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionInterim final rule.
DatesEffective Date: This interim rule is effective on January 11, 2018.
ContactMs. Colleen Kosar, Policy Division, Office of the Procurement Executive, A/OPE, 2201 C Street NW, Suite 1060, State Annex Number 15, Washington, DC 20520. Telephone 703-516- 1685.
FR Citation82 FR 58351 
RIN Number1400-AE04
CFR Citation48 CFR 636
48 CFR 637
48 CFR 652

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