83_FR_29859 83 FR 29736 - Federal Acquisition Regulation: Special Emergency Procurement Authority

83 FR 29736 - Federal Acquisition Regulation: Special Emergency Procurement Authority

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 123 (June 26, 2018)

Page Range29736-29740
FR Document2018-13730

DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 to expand special emergency procurement authorities for acquisitions of supplies or services that facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber attack, provide international disaster assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, or support response to an emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 123 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29736-29740]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13730]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 2, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 26

[FAR Case 2017-009; Docket No. 2017-0009, Sequence No. 1]
RIN 9000-AN45


Federal Acquisition Regulation: Special Emergency Procurement 
Authority

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

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend the Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement sections of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 to expand special 
emergency procurement authorities for acquisitions of supplies or 
services that facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber attack, 
provide international disaster assistance under the Foreign Assistance 
Act of 1961, or support response to an emergency or major disaster 
under the

[[Page 29737]]

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

DATES: Interested parties should submit written comments to the 
Regulatory Secretariat Division at one of the addresses shown below on 
or before August 27, 2018 to be considered in the formation of the 
final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in response to FAR Case 2017-009 by any of 
the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ``FAR Case 
2017-009'' under the heading ``Enter Keyword or ID'' and selecting 
``Search''. Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds with ``FAR 
Case 2017-009''. Follow the instructions provided on the screen. Please 
include your name, company name (if any), and ``FAR Case 2017-009'' on 
your attached document.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat Division (MVCB), ATTN: Lois Mandell, 1800 F Street NW, 2nd 
Floor, Washington, DC 20405-0001.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite ``FAR Case 2017-
009'' in all correspondence related to this case. Comments received 
generally will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, 
including any personal and/or business confidential information 
provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check 
www.regulations.gov, approximately two to three days after submission 
to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments 
submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Camara Francis, Procurement 
Analyst, at 202-550-0935 for clarification of content. For information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory 
Secretariat Division at 202-501-4755. Please cite ``FAR Case 2017-
009''.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The purpose of this proposed rule is to implement sections 816 and 
1641 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 
(FY) 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328). Sections 816 and 1641 modify 41 U.S.C. 
1903, Special Emergency Procurement Authority. The revisions to 41 
U.S.C. 1903 establish special emergency procurement authorities to 
allow for higher micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds 
for acquisitions of supplies or services that facilitate defense 
against or recovery from cyber attack; support a request from the 
Secretary of State or the Administrator of the United States Agency for 
International Development to facilitate provision of international 
disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq.; or support 
responses to an emergency or major disaster (42 U.S.C. 5122), except 
that this new authority allows treatment of acquisitions, for property 
or a service, as a commercial item only for acquisitions to facilitate 
the defense against or recovery from a cyber attack against the United 
States.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    This proposed rule provides for the following:
    1. Definitions.
    At FAR 2.101, definitions of ``emergency'' and ``major'' disaster'' 
were added to explain two of the new circumstances that can trigger the 
new emergency procurement authorities. The Defense Acquisition 
Regulations Council and the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (the 
Councils) did not add a definition of ``cyber attack'' because there 
was no statutory definition, and the Councils did not want to limit the 
authority of the head of the agency to determine what constituted a 
cyber attack that should trigger the new authorities. There was also no 
statutory definition of ``international disaster assistance''; however, 
the reference to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq. provides additional guidance.
    Under the micro-purchase threshold, paragraph (3), and simplified 
acquisition threshold, paragraph (1), new language was added to include 
the expanded special emergency procurement authorities.
    2. The new circumstances that allow exercise of the special 
emergency procurement authorities were added to the relevant provisions 
that govern the micro-purchase threshold at FAR 13.201(g)(1) and the 
simplified acquisition procedures for certain commercial items at FAR 
13.500(c). However, only the new circumstance of acquiring supplies or 
services to facilitate defense against or recovery from a cyber attack 
was added at FAR 12.102(f)(1), because acquisitions of supplies or 
services under the other new circumstances are not to be treated as an 
acquisition of commercial items.
    3. FAR part 18 provides a summary of emergency acquisition 
flexibilities throughout the FAR, so the changes in parts 2, 12, and 13 
are reflected in conforming changes to part 18.
    4. Other conforming changes.
     Cyber attack was added to the policy on market research at 
FAR 10.001. This section already addresses market research in 
furtherance of disaster or emergency relief activities.
     At FAR subpart 26.2, Disaster or Emergency Assistance 
Activities, a new paragraph (b) was added at FAR 26.202 to clarify the 
link between the Stafford Act and the increased micro-purchase and 
simplified acquisition thresholds.

III. Expected Impact of the Proposed Rule and Proposed Cost Savings

    Prior to enactment of the NDAA for FY 2017, for acquisitions of 
supplies or services that are to be used to support a contingency 
operation, or to facilitate defense against or recovery from nuclear, 
biological, chemical, or radiological attack, agencies had the 
authority, as provided in FAR part 13, to utilize the higher micro-
purchase threshold (MPT) of $20,000 in lieu of $3,500 in the case of 
any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made, 
inside the United States; and $30,000 in the case of any contract to be 
awarded and performed, or purchase to be made, outside the United 
States (except for acquisitions of construction subject to 40 U.S.C. 
chapter 31, subchapter IV, Wage Rate requirements (Construction)). 
Additionally, prior to the enactment of the NDAA for FY 2017, agencies 
had the authority, as provided in FAR part 13, to utilize the higher 
simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) of $750,000 in lieu of $150,000 
for any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made, 
inside the United States; and $1.5 million for any contract to be 
awarded and performed, or purchase to be made, outside the United 
States; and utilize the higher threshold of $13 million in lieu of $7 
million for use of simplified acquisition procedures (SAP) for the 
acquisition of commercial items (including acquisitions treated as 
acquisitions of commercial items to facilitate defense against or 
recovery from nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological attack).
    This proposed rule expands the use of the special emergency 
procurement authorities to apply to acquisitions of supplies or 
services that facilitate defense against or recovery from a cyber 
attack; support a request from the Secretary of State or the 
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development 
to facilitate provision of international disaster assistance pursuant 
to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq.; or support a response to an emergency or 
major disaster (42 U.S.C. 5122).
    DoD, GSA, and NASA have performed a regulatory cost analysis on 
this proposed rule. The following is a summary of the estimated public 
and Government cost savings, which are

[[Page 29738]]

calculated in 2016 dollars at a 7 percent discount rate.

Public Cost Savings

    This rule will impact all businesses that submit offers in response 
to Federal solicitations issued for acquisitions below the MPT and SAT, 
if the solicitation is for an estimated value that falls within the 
range between the basic MPT or SAT and the higher threshold now 
authorized, thereby reducing the requirements imposed on the offerors 
when responding to the solicitation.
    The estimated annualized public savings, using a discount rate of 7 
percent is $1,327,836 (approximately $677,506 to other than small 
businesses and $650,330 to small business), with a present value 
savings of $18,969,086.
    To access the full Regulatory Cost Analysis for this rule, go to 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov, search for ``FAR 
Case 2017-009,'' click ``Open Docket,'' and view ``Supporting 
Documents.''
    DoD, GSA, and NASA welcome comments on both the methodology and the 
analysis during the public comment period for this rule.

IV. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition 
Threshold and for Commercial Items, Including Commercially Available 
Off-the-Shelf Items

    This rule does not add any new solicitation provisions or clauses, 
or impact any existing provisions or clauses.

V. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

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

VI. Executive Order 13771

    This rule is considered to be an E.O. 13771 deregulatory action. 
Details on the estimated cost savings can be found in Section III of 
this preamble.

VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD, GSA, and NASA do not expect this rule to have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act codified at 5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq. because the rule reduces compliance burdens on small entities. 
However, an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) has been 
performed and it is summarized as follows:

    This rule implements sections 816 and 1641 of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114-328), 
which amend 41 U.S.C. 1903.
    This rule expands special emergency procurement authorities for 
acquisitions of supplies or services that--
     Facilitate defense against or recovery from a cyber 
attack;
     Provide international disaster assistance under the 
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; or
     Support response to an emergency or major disaster 
under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act.
    The legal authority for this rule is sections 816 and 1641 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 
114-328), which amend 41 U.S.C. 1903.
    Based on an average of contract actions reported in the Federal 
Procurement Data System for fiscal years 2014-2016, this rule 
applies to less than 100 small entities that submit offers in 
response to solicitations for the acquisition of supplies or 
services--
     Between $3,500 and $20,000 or between $150,000 and 
$750,000, to support response to emergencies or major disasters in 
the U.S.;
     Between $3,500 and $30,000 or between $150,000 and $1.5 
million, to provide international disaster assistance under the 
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; and
     Between $150,000 and $750,000 to facilitate defense 
against or recovery from cyber attacks.
    This rule reduces compliance requirements on small entities, 
resulting in estimated savings to affected small entities of 
approximately $650,330 in the first year. The professional skill-
sets previously required before these threshold increases were mid-
level journeyman.
    This rule reduces burdens on small entities, based on 
statutorily increased special emergency procurement authority. There 
are no alternatives consistent with the statute that would further 
reduce burdens on small entities.

    The Regulatory Secretariat Division has submitted a copy of the 
IRFA to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration. A copy of the IRFA may be obtained from the Regulatory 
Secretariat Division. DoD, GSA, and NASA invite comments from small 
business concerns and other interested parties on the expected impact 
of this rule on small entities.
    DoD, GSA, and NASA will also consider comments from small entities 
concerning the existing regulations affected by this rule consistent 
with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments 
separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (FAR Case 2017-009) in 
correspondence.

VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act

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

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 26

    Government procurement.


    Dated: June 21, 2018.
William F. Clark,
Director, Office of Government-wide, Acquisition Policy, Office of 
Acquisition Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
    Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA are proposing to amend 48 CFR parts 
2, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 26 as set forth below:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 2, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 26 
continues to read as follows:

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

PART 2--DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND TERMS

0
2. Amend section 2.101 in paragraph (b)(2) by--
0
a. Adding in alphabetical order the definitions ``Emergency'' and 
``Major disaster'';
0
b. Revising paragraph (3) of the definition ``Micro-purchase 
threshold''; and
0
c. Revising paragraph (1) of the definition ``Simplified acquisition 
threshold''.
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


2.101   Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    Emergency, as used in 6.208, 13.201, 13.500, 18.001, 18.202, 
18.203, and subpart 26.2, means any occasion or instance for which, in 
the determination of the President, Federal assistance is needed to 
supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and 
to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert 
the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States (42 U.S.C. 
5122).
* * * * *
    Major disaster, as used in 6.208, 13.201, 13.500, 18.001, 18.202, 
18.203, and subpart 26.2, means any natural

[[Page 29739]]

catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, 
winddriven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, 
landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or regardless of cause, 
any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which, 
in the determination of the President, causes damage of sufficient 
severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under the 
Stafford Act to supplement the efforts and available resources of 
States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in 
alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby (42 
U.S.C. 5122).
* * * * *
    Micro-purchase threshold * * *
* * * * *
    (3) For acquisitions of supplies or services that, as determined by 
the head of the agency, are to be used to support a contingency 
operation; to facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber, 
nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological attack; to support a 
request from the Secretary of State or the Administrator of the United 
States Agency for International Development to facilitate provision of 
international disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq.; 
or to support response to an emergency or major disaster (42 U.S.C. 
5122), as described in 13.201(g)(1), except for construction subject to 
40 U.S.C. chapter 31, subchapter IV, Wage Rate Requirements 
(Construction) (41 U.S.C. 1903)--
    (i) $20,000 in the case of any contract to be awarded and 
performed, or purchase to be made, inside the United States; and
    (ii) $30,000 in the case of any contract to be awarded and 
performed, or purchase to be made, outside the United States.
* * * * *
    Simplified acquisition threshold means $150,000 (41 U.S.C. 134), 
except for--
    (1) Acquisitions of supplies or services that, as determined by the 
head of the agency, are to be used to support a contingency operation; 
to facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber, nuclear, 
biological, chemical, or radiological attack; to support a request from 
the Secretary of State or the Administrator of the United States Agency 
for International Development to facilitate provision of international 
disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq.; or to support 
response to an emergency or major disaster (42 U.S.C. 5122), (41 U.S.C. 
1903), the term means--
    (i) $750,000 for any contract to be awarded and performed, or 
purchase to be made, inside the United States; and
    (ii) $1.5 million for any contract to be awarded and performed, or 
purchase to be made, outside the United States; and
* * * * *

PART 10--MARKET RESEARCH


10.001  [Amended]

0
3. Amend section 10.001 by removing from paragraph (a)(2)(vi)(A) 
``recovery from'' and adding ``recovery from cyber,'' in its place.

PART 12--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS


12.102   [Amended]

0
4. Amend section 12.102 by removing from paragraph (f)(1) ``recovery 
from'' and adding ``recovery from cyber,'' in its place.

PART 13--SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

0
5. Amend section 13.201 by revising paragraph (g) to read as follows:


13.201   General.

* * * * *
    (g)(1) For acquisitions of supplies or services that, as determined 
by the head of the agency, are to be used to support a contingency 
operation; to facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber, 
nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack; to support a 
request from the Secretary of State or the Administrator of the United 
States Agency for International Development to facilitate provision of 
international disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq.; 
or to support response to an emergency or major disaster (42 U.S.C. 
5122), the micro-purchase threshold is--
    (i) $20,000 in the case of any contract to be awarded and 
performed, or purchase to be made, inside the United States; and
    (ii) $30,000 in the case of any contract to be awarded and 
performed, or purchase to be made, outside the United States.
    (2) Purchases using this authority must have a clear and direct 
relationship to the support of a contingency operation; or the defense 
against or recovery from cyber, nuclear, biological, chemical, or 
radiological attack; international disaster assistance; or an emergency 
or major disaster.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend section 13.500 by revising paragraph (c)(1) to read as 
follows:


13.500   General.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) The acquisition is for commercial items that, as determined by 
the head of the agency, are to be used in support of a contingency 
operation; to facilitate the defense against or recovery from cyber, 
nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack; to support a 
request from the Secretary of State or the Administrator of the United 
States Agency for International Development to facilitate provision of 
international disaster assistance; or to support response to an 
emergency or major disaster; or
* * * * *

PART 18--EMERGENCY ACQUISITIONS

0
7. Amend section 18.001 by--
0
a. Revising paragraph (b);
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (c) as paragraph (d); and
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (c).
    The revision and addition read as follows:


18.001   Definition.

* * * * *
    (b) To facilitate the defense against or recovery from cyber, 
nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack against the 
United States;
    (c) In support of a request from the Secretary of State or the 
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development 
to facilitate the provision of international disaster assistance; or
* * * * *
0
8. Revise section 18.202 to read as follows:


18.202  Defense or recovery from certain events.

    (a) Micro-purchase threshold. The threshold increases when the head 
of the agency determines the supplies or services are to be used to 
facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber, nuclear, biological, 
chemical, or radiological attack; to facilitate provision of 
international disaster assistance; or to support response to an 
emergency or major disaster. (See 2.101.)
    (b) Simplified acquisition threshold. The threshold increases when 
the head of the agency determines the supplies or services are to be 
used to facilitate defense against or recovery from cyber, nuclear, 
biological, chemical, or radiological attack; to facilitate provision 
of international disaster assistance; or to support response to an 
emergency or major disaster. (See 2.101.)

[[Page 29740]]

    (c) Treating certain items as commercial. Contracting officers may 
treat any acquisition of supplies or services as an acquisition of 
commercial items if the head of the agency determines the acquisition 
is to be used to facilitate the defense against or recovery from cyber, 
nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack. (See 
12.102(f)(1) and 13.500(c)(2).)
    (d) Simplified procedures for certain commercial items. The 
threshold limits authorized for use of this authority may be increased 
when it is determined the acquisition is to facilitate defense against 
or recovery from cyber, nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological 
attack; to facilitate provision of international disaster assistance; 
or to support response to an emergency or major disaster. (See 
13.500(c).)

PART 26--OTHER SOCIOECONOMIC PROGRAMS

0
9. Revise the heading for subpart 26.2 to read as follows:

Subpart 26.2--Major Disaster or Emergency Assistance Activities

* * * * *
0
10. Amend section 26.202 by designating the undesignated paragraph as 
paragraph (a) and adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:


26.202   Local area preference.

* * * * *
    (b) When using the authority under the Stafford Act, see the 
definitions of ``micro-purchase threshold'' and ``simplified 
acquisition threshold'' in 2.101 for the authority to use an increased 
micro-purchase threshold and simplified acquisition threshold.

[FR Doc. 2018-13730 Filed 6-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P



                                                  29736                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  announcements on local cable                            Summary of EPA Work Completed                            The implemented remedy at the 101
                                                  television, coverage on radio, television,              Soil Testing and Remediation                           residential parcels have achieved the
                                                  in local and national newspapers, mass                                                                         degree of cleanup specified in the ROD
                                                  mailings of informational materials,                       EPA Region 7 completed the EPA lead                 for all pathways of exposure. All
                                                  public outreach by telephone,                           portion of the remedial action on                      selected remedial action objectives and
                                                  conducting public meetings, and                         December 29, 2015. The city of Omaha                   associated cleanup levels are consistent
                                                  through the EPA website.                                and the DCHD will be performing the                    with agency policy and guidance. No
                                                                                                          remaining field work. As of December                   further Superfund response is needed to
                                                     EPA has been performing outreach to                  29, 2015, EPA collected soil samples
                                                  Omaha citizens, elected officials, school                                                                      protect human health and the
                                                                                                          from 42,047 properties. There are 489                  environment.
                                                  officials, health officials, the media,                 remaining properties to be sampled. The
                                                  nonprofit groups, and others since                      EPA has obtained access to collect                     List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 300
                                                  becoming involved in the project in an                  samples from 163 of the 489 properties.                  Environmental Protection, Air
                                                  effort to convey information about the                     Based on the soil sampling results,                 Pollution Control, Chemicals,
                                                  hazards of lead poisoning, particularly                 14,019 properties were eligible for soil               Hazardous waste, Hazardous
                                                  the ways that lead affects the health of                remediation. The EPA remediated lead                   substances, Intergovernmental relations,
                                                  children. The EPA participated in                       contaminated soil at 13,090 properties                 Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                  numerous formal and informal meetings                   (93 percent) of the properties that were               requirements, Superfund, Water
                                                  to explain EPA’s role and commitment                    eligible for remediation. There are                    pollution control, Water supply.
                                                  in Omaha, convey information about the                  approximately 929 remaining properties
                                                  Superfund process, and provide general                  that are eligible for soil remediation.                  Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(d); 42 U.S.C.
                                                  information about the site and lead                                                                            9601–9657; E.O. 13626, 77 FR 56749, 3 CFR,
                                                                                                          The EPA obtained access to remediate
                                                  contamination. EPA responds to                                                                                 2013 Comp., p. 306; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757,
                                                                                                          fifty-one of the remaining properties.                 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; E.O. 12580, 52
                                                  inquiries on a daily basis regarding the                                                                       FR 2923, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 193.
                                                  site and individual property owner’s                    Lead-Based Paint Testing and
                                                  sampling results.                                       Stabilization                                            Dated: June 13, 2018.
                                                                                                             The EPA tested 12,057 properties for                James B. Gulliford,
                                                     In January 2004, a Community
                                                                                                          the presence of lead-based paint, or                   Regional Administrator, Region 7.
                                                  Advisory Group, or CAG was formed for
                                                  the OLS site. A CAG is a committee,                     LBP. 6,782 properties qualify for LBP                  [FR Doc. 2018–13720 Filed 6–25–18; 8:45 am]
                                                  task force, or board made up of residents               stabilization. The EPA completed LBP                   BILLING CODE 6560–50–P

                                                  affected by a Superfund site. They                      stabilization on 6,249,(92 percent) of the
                                                  provided a public forum where                           eligible properties.
                                                  representatives with diverse community                  Dust Sampling                                          DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                  interests could present and discuss their
                                                                                                            The EPA collected dust samples from                  GENERAL SERVICES
                                                  needs and concerns related to the site
                                                                                                          3,933 properties consisting of 4,477                   ADMINISTRATION
                                                  and the cleanup process. The CAG was
                                                                                                          residences for lead contaminated dust.
                                                  discontinued after the last meeting was                 These numbers reflect the fact that some
                                                  held in October 2011. A new group,                                                                             NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
                                                                                                          of the properties are multi-residence                  SPACE ADMINISTRATION
                                                  Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Group,                  properties.
                                                  formed. The first meeting of the Child
                                                  Lead Poisoning Group was held at City                   Continuing Remedial Action                             48 CFR Parts 2, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 26
                                                  Hall in May 2012. The Group is no                         EPA completed Cooperative                            [FAR Case 2017–009; Docket No. 2017–
                                                  longer active.                                          Agreements with the city of Omaha and                  0009, Sequence No. 1]
                                                  Five-Year Review                                        the DCHD that provide funds to allow
                                                                                                                                                                 RIN 9000–AN45
                                                                                                          these local government agencies to
                                                    EPA completed the first Five-Year                     continue efforts to obtain access to the               Federal Acquisition Regulation:
                                                  Review for the site in September 2014.                  remaining properties and conduct                       Special Emergency Procurement
                                                  Five-Year Reviews for the site are                      sampling and remediation activities at                 Authority
                                                  statutory. The triggering action for the                those properties where they obtain
                                                  Five-Year Review is the completion of                   access.                                                AGENCY:  Department of Defense (DoD),
                                                  the Final Record of Decision for                                                                               General Services Administration (GSA),
                                                                                                          Determination That the Criteria for
                                                  Operable Unit 2, completed in May                                                                              and National Aeronautics and Space
                                                                                                          Deletion Has Been Achieved
                                                  2009.                                                                                                          Administration (NASA).
                                                                                                            In accordance with 40 CFR                            ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                    The protectiveness of the remedy was                  300.425(e), Region 7 of the EPA finds
                                                  deferred in the Five-Year Review                        that the 101 residential parcels of the                SUMMARY:   DoD, GSA, and NASA are
                                                  because the remedy had not been                         Omaha Lead Superfund site (the subject                 proposing to amend the Federal
                                                  completed at all of the properties within               of this deletion) meet the substantive                 Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to
                                                  the site boundary. However, cleanup                     criteria for deletion from the NPL. EPA                implement sections of the National
                                                  activities at the 101 residential parcels               has consulted with and has the                         Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  included in this partial deletion action                concurrence of the state of Nebraska. All              Year 2017 to expand special emergency
                                                  are complete and protective of human                    responsible parties or other persons                   procurement authorities for acquisitions
                                                  health. There are no issues or                          have implemented all appropriate                       of supplies or services that facilitate
                                                  recommendations in the Five-Year                        response actions required. All                         defense against or recovery from cyber
                                                  Review related to these 101 residential                 appropriate Fund-financed response                     attack, provide international disaster
                                                  parcels proposed for deletion.                          under CERCLA was implemented, and                      assistance under the Foreign Assistance
                                                    The next Five-Year Review will be                     no further response action by                          Act of 1961, or support response to an
                                                  completed in 2019.                                      responsible parties is appropriate.                    emergency or major disaster under the


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                          29737

                                                  Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and                  the Administrator of the United States                   • At FAR subpart 26.2, Disaster or
                                                  Emergency Assistance Act.                               Agency for International Development                   Emergency Assistance Activities, a new
                                                  DATES: Interested parties should submit                 to facilitate provision of international               paragraph (b) was added at FAR 26.202
                                                  written comments to the Regulatory                      disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C.              to clarify the link between the Stafford
                                                  Secretariat Division at one of the                      2292 et seq.; or support responses to an               Act and the increased micro-purchase
                                                  addresses shown below on or before                      emergency or major disaster (42 U.S.C.                 and simplified acquisition thresholds.
                                                  August 27, 2018 to be considered in the                 5122), except that this new authority
                                                                                                                                                                 III. Expected Impact of the Proposed
                                                  formation of the final rule.                            allows treatment of acquisitions, for
                                                                                                                                                                 Rule and Proposed Cost Savings
                                                  ADDRESSES: Submit comments in                           property or a service, as a commercial
                                                  response to FAR Case 2017–009 by any                    item only for acquisitions to facilitate                  Prior to enactment of the NDAA for
                                                  of the following methods:                               the defense against or recovery from a                 FY 2017, for acquisitions of supplies or
                                                     • Regulations.gov: http://                           cyber attack against the United States.                services that are to be used to support
                                                  www.regulations.gov. Submit comments                    II. Discussion and Analysis                            a contingency operation, or to facilitate
                                                  via the Federal eRulemaking portal by                                                                          defense against or recovery from
                                                  entering ‘‘FAR Case 2017–009’’ under                       This proposed rule provides for the                 nuclear, biological, chemical, or
                                                  the heading ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID’’ and                 following:                                             radiological attack, agencies had the
                                                                                                             1. Definitions.                                     authority, as provided in FAR part 13,
                                                  selecting ‘‘Search’’. Select the link                      At FAR 2.101, definitions of
                                                  ‘‘Comment Now’’ that corresponds with                                                                          to utilize the higher micro-purchase
                                                                                                          ‘‘emergency’’ and ‘‘major’’ disaster’’                 threshold (MPT) of $20,000 in lieu of
                                                  ‘‘FAR Case 2017–009’’. Follow the                       were added to explain two of the new
                                                  instructions provided on the screen.                                                                           $3,500 in the case of any contract to be
                                                                                                          circumstances that can trigger the new                 awarded and performed, or purchase to
                                                  Please include your name, company                       emergency procurement authorities. The
                                                  name (if any), and ‘‘FAR Case 2017–                                                                            be made, inside the United States; and
                                                                                                          Defense Acquisition Regulations                        $30,000 in the case of any contract to be
                                                  009’’ on your attached document.                        Council and the Civilian Agency
                                                     • Mail: General Services                                                                                    awarded and performed, or purchase to
                                                                                                          Acquisition Council (the Councils) did                 be made, outside the United States
                                                  Administration, Regulatory Secretariat
                                                                                                          not add a definition of ‘‘cyber attack’’               (except for acquisitions of construction
                                                  Division (MVCB), ATTN: Lois Mandell,
                                                                                                          because there was no statutory                         subject to 40 U.S.C. chapter 31,
                                                  1800 F Street NW, 2nd Floor,
                                                                                                          definition, and the Councils did not                   subchapter IV, Wage Rate requirements
                                                  Washington, DC 20405–0001.
                                                                                                          want to limit the authority of the head                (Construction)). Additionally, prior to
                                                     Instructions: Please submit comments
                                                                                                          of the agency to determine what                        the enactment of the NDAA for FY 2017,
                                                  only and cite ‘‘FAR Case 2017–009’’ in
                                                                                                          constituted a cyber attack that should                 agencies had the authority, as provided
                                                  all correspondence related to this case.
                                                                                                          trigger the new authorities. There was                 in FAR part 13, to utilize the higher
                                                  Comments received generally will be
                                                                                                          also no statutory definition of                        simplified acquisition threshold (SAT)
                                                  posted without change to http://
                                                                                                          ‘‘international disaster assistance’’;                 of $750,000 in lieu of $150,000 for any
                                                  www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                                                                          however, the reference to 22 U.S.C. 2292               contract to be awarded and performed,
                                                  personal and/or business confidential
                                                                                                          et seq. provides additional guidance.                  or purchase to be made, inside the
                                                  information provided. To confirm                           Under the micro-purchase threshold,
                                                  receipt of your comment(s), please                                                                             United States; and $1.5 million for any
                                                                                                          paragraph (3), and simplified
                                                  check www.regulations.gov,                                                                                     contract to be awarded and performed,
                                                                                                          acquisition threshold, paragraph (1),
                                                  approximately two to three days after                                                                          or purchase to be made, outside the
                                                                                                          new language was added to include the
                                                  submission to verify posting (except                                                                           United States; and utilize the higher
                                                                                                          expanded special emergency
                                                  allow 30 days for posting of comments                                                                          threshold of $13 million in lieu of $7
                                                                                                          procurement authorities.
                                                  submitted by mail).                                        2. The new circumstances that allow                 million for use of simplified acquisition
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                    exercise of the special emergency                      procedures (SAP) for the acquisition of
                                                  Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst,                    procurement authorities were added to                  commercial items (including
                                                  at 202–550–0935 for clarification of                    the relevant provisions that govern the                acquisitions treated as acquisitions of
                                                  content. For information pertaining to                  micro-purchase threshold at FAR                        commercial items to facilitate defense
                                                  status or publication schedules, contact                13.201(g)(1) and the simplified                        against or recovery from nuclear,
                                                  the Regulatory Secretariat Division at                  acquisition procedures for certain                     biological, chemical or radiological
                                                  202–501–4755. Please cite ‘‘FAR Case                    commercial items at FAR 13.500(c).                     attack).
                                                  2017–009’’.                                             However, only the new circumstance of                     This proposed rule expands the use of
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              acquiring supplies or services to                      the special emergency procurement
                                                                                                          facilitate defense against or recovery                 authorities to apply to acquisitions of
                                                  I. Background                                                                                                  supplies or services that facilitate
                                                                                                          from a cyber attack was added at FAR
                                                     The purpose of this proposed rule is                 12.102(f)(1), because acquisitions of                  defense against or recovery from a cyber
                                                  to implement sections 816 and 1641 of                   supplies or services under the other new               attack; support a request from the
                                                  the National Defense Authorization Act                  circumstances are not to be treated as an              Secretary of State or the Administrator
                                                  (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 (Pub.                  acquisition of commercial items.                       of the United States Agency for
                                                  L. 114–328). Sections 816 and 1641                         3. FAR part 18 provides a summary of                International Development to facilitate
                                                  modify 41 U.S.C. 1903, Special                          emergency acquisition flexibilities                    provision of international disaster
                                                  Emergency Procurement Authority. The                    throughout the FAR, so the changes in                  assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2292 et
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                                                  revisions to 41 U.S.C. 1903 establish                   parts 2, 12, and 13 are reflected in                   seq.; or support a response to an
                                                  special emergency procurement                           conforming changes to part 18.                         emergency or major disaster (42 U.S.C.
                                                  authorities to allow for higher micro-                     4. Other conforming changes.                        5122).
                                                  purchase and simplified acquisition                        • Cyber attack was added to the                        DoD, GSA, and NASA have performed
                                                  thresholds for acquisitions of supplies                 policy on market research at FAR                       a regulatory cost analysis on this
                                                  or services that facilitate defense against             10.001. This section already addresses                 proposed rule. The following is a
                                                  or recovery from cyber attack; support a                market research in furtherance of                      summary of the estimated public and
                                                  request from the Secretary of State or                  disaster or emergency relief activities.               Government cost savings, which are


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                                                  29738                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  calculated in 2016 dollars at a 7 percent               VII. Regulatory Flexibility Act                        concerning the existing regulations
                                                  discount rate.                                            DoD, GSA, and NASA do not expect                     affected by this rule consistent with 5
                                                                                                          this rule to have a significant economic               U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must
                                                  Public Cost Savings
                                                                                                          impact on a substantial number of small                submit such comments separately and
                                                    This rule will impact all businesses                  entities within the meaning of the                     should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (FAR Case
                                                  that submit offers in response to Federal               Regulatory Flexibility Act codified at 5               2017–009) in correspondence.
                                                  solicitations issued for acquisitions                   U.S.C. 601 et seq. because the rule                    VIII. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                  below the MPT and SAT, if the                           reduces compliance burdens on small
                                                  solicitation is for an estimated value                  entities. However, an Initial Regulatory                 This proposed rule does not contain
                                                  that falls within the range between the                 Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) has been                   any information collection requirements
                                                  basic MPT or SAT and the higher                         performed and it is summarized as                      that would require the approval of the
                                                  threshold now authorized, thereby                       follows:                                               Office of Management and Budget under
                                                  reducing the requirements imposed on                                                                           the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
                                                  the offerors when responding to the                        This rule implements sections 816 and               chapter 35).
                                                                                                          1641 of the National Defense Authorization
                                                  solicitation.                                           Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub. L. 114–328),            List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 2, 10,
                                                    The estimated annualized public                       which amend 41 U.S.C. 1903.                            12, 13, 18, and 26
                                                  savings, using a discount rate of 7                        This rule expands special emergency
                                                  percent is $1,327,836 (approximately                    procurement authorities for acquisitions of                Government procurement.
                                                  $677,506 to other than small businesses                 supplies or services that—                               Dated: June 21, 2018.
                                                  and $650,330 to small business), with a                    • Facilitate defense against or recovery
                                                                                                                                                                 William F. Clark,
                                                  present value savings of $18,969,086.                   from a cyber attack;
                                                                                                             • Provide international disaster assistance         Director, Office of Government-wide,
                                                    To access the full Regulatory Cost                                                                           Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition
                                                                                                          under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; or
                                                  Analysis for this rule, go to the Federal                  • Support response to an emergency or               Policy, Office of Government-wide Policy.
                                                  eRulemaking Portal at                                   major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford              Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA are
                                                  www.regulations.gov, search for ‘‘FAR                   Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance               proposing to amend 48 CFR parts 2, 10,
                                                  Case 2017–009,’’ click ‘‘Open Docket,’’                 Act.                                                   12, 13, 18, and 26 as set forth below:
                                                  and view ‘‘Supporting Documents.’’                         The legal authority for this rule is sections
                                                                                                                                                                 ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR
                                                    DoD, GSA, and NASA welcome                            816 and 1641 of the National Defense
                                                                                                          Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Pub.           parts 2, 10, 12, 13, 18, and 26 continues
                                                  comments on both the methodology and                                                                           to read as follows:
                                                                                                          L. 114–328), which amend 41 U.S.C. 1903.
                                                  the analysis during the public comment
                                                                                                             Based on an average of contract actions               Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C.
                                                  period for this rule.                                   reported in the Federal Procurement Data               chapter 137; and 51 U.S.C. 20113.
                                                  IV. Applicability to Contracts at or                    System for fiscal years 2014–2016, this rule
                                                  Below the Simplified Acquisition                        applies to less than 100 small entities that           PART 2—DEFINITIONS OF WORDS
                                                                                                          submit offers in response to solicitations for         AND TERMS
                                                  Threshold and for Commercial Items,
                                                                                                          the acquisition of supplies or services—
                                                  Including Commercially Available Off-                      • Between $3,500 and $20,000 or between             ■ 2. Amend section 2.101 in paragraph
                                                  the-Shelf Items                                         $150,000 and $750,000, to support response             (b)(2) by—
                                                    This rule does not add any new                        to emergencies or major disasters in the U.S.;         ■ a. Adding in alphabetical order the
                                                                                                             • Between $3,500 and $30,000 or between             definitions ‘‘Emergency’’ and ‘‘Major
                                                  solicitation provisions or clauses, or
                                                                                                          $150,000 and $1.5 million, to provide
                                                  impact any existing provisions or                       international disaster assistance under the
                                                                                                                                                                 disaster’’;
                                                  clauses.                                                Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; and                    ■ b. Revising paragraph (3) of the
                                                                                                             • Between $150,000 and $750,000 to                  definition ‘‘Micro-purchase threshold’’;
                                                  V. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                                                                          facilitate defense against or recovery from            and
                                                     Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and                   cyber attacks.                                         ■ c. Revising paragraph (1) of the
                                                  13563 direct agencies to assess all costs                  This rule reduces compliance requirements           definition ‘‘Simplified acquisition
                                                  and benefits of available regulatory                    on small entities, resulting in estimated              threshold’’.
                                                  alternatives and, if regulation is                      savings to affected small entities of                    The additions and revisions read as
                                                  necessary, to select approaches that                    approximately $650,330 in the first year. The          follows:
                                                                                                          professional skill-sets previously required
                                                  maximize net benefits (including                        before these threshold increases were mid-             2.101   Definitions.
                                                  potential economic, environmental,                      level journeyman.
                                                  public health and safety effects,                          This rule reduces burdens on small
                                                                                                                                                                 *      *    *     *     *
                                                  distributive impacts, and equity). E.O.                 entities, based on statutorily increased                  (b) * * *
                                                  13563 emphasizes the importance of                      special emergency procurement authority.                  (2) * * *
                                                  quantifying both costs and benefits, of                 There are no alternatives consistent with the             Emergency, as used in 6.208, 13.201,
                                                  reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,                   statute that would further reduce burdens on           13.500, 18.001, 18.202, 18.203, and
                                                  and of promoting flexibility. This is a                 small entities.                                        subpart 26.2, means any occasion or
                                                  significant regulatory action and,                        The Regulatory Secretariat Division                  instance for which, in the determination
                                                  therefore, was subject to review under                  has submitted a copy of the IRFA to the                of the President, Federal assistance is
                                                  section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory                  Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small                needed to supplement State and local
                                                  Planning and Review, dated September                    Business Administration. A copy of the                 efforts and capabilities to save lives and
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                                                  30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule                 IRFA may be obtained from the                          to protect property and public health
                                                  under 5 U.S.C. 804.                                     Regulatory Secretariat Division. DoD,                  and safety, or to lessen or avert the
                                                                                                          GSA, and NASA invite comments from                     threat of a catastrophe in any part of the
                                                  VI. Executive Order 13771                                                                                      United States (42 U.S.C. 5122).
                                                                                                          small business concerns and other
                                                    This rule is considered to be an E.O.                 interested parties on the expected                     *      *    *     *     *
                                                  13771 deregulatory action. Details on                   impact of this rule on small entities.                    Major disaster, as used in 6.208,
                                                  the estimated cost savings can be found                   DoD, GSA, and NASA will also                         13.201, 13.500, 18.001, 18.202, 18.203,
                                                  in Section III of this preamble.                        consider comments from small entities                  and subpart 26.2, means any natural


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                           29739

                                                  catastrophe (including any hurricane,                     (i) $750,000 for any contract to be                  13.500    General.
                                                  tornado, storm, high water, winddriven                  awarded and performed, or purchase to                  *      *     *    *     *
                                                  water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake,                 be made, inside the United States; and                    (c) * * *
                                                  volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide,                   (ii) $1.5 million for any contract to be                (1) The acquisition is for commercial
                                                  snowstorm, or drought), or regardless of                awarded and performed, or purchase to                  items that, as determined by the head of
                                                  cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in                be made, outside the United States; and                the agency, are to be used in support of
                                                  any part of the United States, which, in                                                                       a contingency operation; to facilitate the
                                                                                                          *      *    *     *     *
                                                  the determination of the President,                                                                            defense against or recovery from cyber,
                                                  causes damage of sufficient severity and                PART 10—MARKET RESEARCH                                nuclear, biological, chemical, or
                                                  magnitude to warrant major disaster                                                                            radiological attack; to support a request
                                                  assistance under the Stafford Act to                    10.001    [Amended]                                    from the Secretary of State or the
                                                  supplement the efforts and available                    ■ 3. Amend section 10.001 by removing                  Administrator of the United States
                                                  resources of States, local governments,                 from paragraph (a)(2)(vi)(A) ‘‘recovery                Agency for International Development
                                                  and disaster relief organizations in                    from’’ and adding ‘‘recovery from                      to facilitate provision of international
                                                  alleviating the damage, loss, hardship,                 cyber,’’ in its place.                                 disaster assistance; or to support
                                                  or suffering caused thereby (42 U.S.C.                                                                         response to an emergency or major
                                                  5122).                                                  PART 12—ACQUISITION OF                                 disaster; or
                                                  *       *    *     *    *                               COMMERCIAL ITEMS                                       *      *     *    *     *
                                                     Micro-purchase threshold * * *                       12.102    [Amended]                                    PART 18—EMERGENCY
                                                  *       *    *     *    *                               ■ 4. Amend section 12.102 by removing                  ACQUISITIONS
                                                     (3) For acquisitions of supplies or                  from paragraph (f)(1) ‘‘recovery from’’
                                                  services that, as determined by the head                                                                       ■ 7. Amend section 18.001 by—
                                                                                                          and adding ‘‘recovery from cyber,’’ in its             ■ a. Revising paragraph (b);
                                                  of the agency, are to be used to support                place.                                                 ■ b. Redesignating paragraph (c) as
                                                  a contingency operation; to facilitate
                                                                                                                                                                 paragraph (d); and
                                                  defense against or recovery from cyber,                 PART 13—SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION                         ■ c. Adding a new paragraph (c).
                                                  nuclear, biological, chemical or                        PROCEDURES                                               The revision and addition read as
                                                  radiological attack; to support a request                                                                      follows:
                                                  from the Secretary of State or the                      ■ 5. Amend section 13.201 by revising
                                                  Administrator of the United States                      paragraph (g) to read as follows:                      18.001    Definition.
                                                  Agency for International Development                    13.201    General.                                     *     *     *     *     *
                                                  to facilitate provision of international                                                                         (b) To facilitate the defense against or
                                                  disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C.               *       *    *     *    *                              recovery from cyber, nuclear, biological,
                                                  2292 et seq.; or to support response to                    (g)(1) For acquisitions of supplies or              chemical, or radiological attack against
                                                  an emergency or major disaster (42                      services that, as determined by the head               the United States;
                                                  U.S.C. 5122), as described in                           of the agency, are to be used to support                 (c) In support of a request from the
                                                  13.201(g)(1), except for construction                   a contingency operation; to facilitate                 Secretary of State or the Administrator
                                                  subject to 40 U.S.C. chapter 31,                        defense against or recovery from cyber,                of the United States Agency for
                                                  subchapter IV, Wage Rate Requirements                   nuclear, biological, chemical, or                      International Development to facilitate
                                                  (Construction) (41 U.S.C. 1903)—                        radiological attack; to support a request              the provision of international disaster
                                                     (i) $20,000 in the case of any contract              from the Secretary of State or the                     assistance; or
                                                  to be awarded and performed, or                         Administrator of the United States                     *     *     *     *     *
                                                  purchase to be made, inside the United                  Agency for International Development                   ■ 8. Revise section 18.202 to read as
                                                  States; and                                             to facilitate provision of international               follows:
                                                     (ii) $30,000 in the case of any contract             disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C.
                                                                                                          2292 et seq.; or to support response to                18.202 Defense or recovery from certain
                                                  to be awarded and performed, or                                                                                events.
                                                  purchase to be made, outside the United                 an emergency or major disaster (42
                                                                                                          U.S.C. 5122), the micro-purchase                         (a) Micro-purchase threshold. The
                                                  States.
                                                                                                          threshold is—                                          threshold increases when the head of
                                                  *       *    *     *    *                                                                                      the agency determines the supplies or
                                                                                                             (i) $20,000 in the case of any contract
                                                     Simplified acquisition threshold                                                                            services are to be used to facilitate
                                                                                                          to be awarded and performed, or
                                                  means $150,000 (41 U.S.C. 134), except                                                                         defense against or recovery from cyber,
                                                                                                          purchase to be made, inside the United
                                                  for—                                                                                                           nuclear, biological, chemical, or
                                                                                                          States; and
                                                     (1) Acquisitions of supplies or                                                                             radiological attack; to facilitate
                                                                                                             (ii) $30,000 in the case of any contract
                                                  services that, as determined by the head                                                                       provision of international disaster
                                                                                                          to be awarded and performed, or
                                                  of the agency, are to be used to support                                                                       assistance; or to support response to an
                                                                                                          purchase to be made, outside the United
                                                  a contingency operation; to facilitate                                                                         emergency or major disaster. (See
                                                                                                          States.
                                                  defense against or recovery from cyber,                                                                        2.101.)
                                                  nuclear, biological, chemical, or                          (2) Purchases using this authority                    (b) Simplified acquisition threshold.
                                                  radiological attack; to support a request               must have a clear and direct                           The threshold increases when the head
                                                  from the Secretary of State or the                      relationship to the support of a                       of the agency determines the supplies or
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                                                  Administrator of the United States                      contingency operation; or the defense                  services are to be used to facilitate
                                                  Agency for International Development                    against or recovery from cyber, nuclear,               defense against or recovery from cyber,
                                                  to facilitate provision of international                biological, chemical, or radiological                  nuclear, biological, chemical, or
                                                  disaster assistance pursuant to 22 U.S.C.               attack; international disaster assistance;             radiological attack; to facilitate
                                                  2292 et seq.; or to support response to                 or an emergency or major disaster.                     provision of international disaster
                                                  an emergency or major disaster (42                      *       *    *     *    *                              assistance; or to support response to an
                                                  U.S.C. 5122), (41 U.S.C. 1903), the term                ■ 6. Amend section 13.500 by revising                  emergency or major disaster. (See
                                                  means—                                                  paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:                   2.101.)


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                                                  29740                    Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 123 / Tuesday, June 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                     (c) Treating certain items as                        biological, chemical, or radiological                  ■ 10. Amend section 26.202 by
                                                  commercial. Contracting officers may                    attack; to facilitate provision of                     designating the undesignated paragraph
                                                  treat any acquisition of supplies or                    international disaster assistance; or to               as paragraph (a) and adding paragraph
                                                  services as an acquisition of commercial                support response to an emergency or                    (b) to read as follows:
                                                  items if the head of the agency                         major disaster. (See 13.500(c).)
                                                  determines the acquisition is to be used                                                                       26.202    Local area preference.
                                                  to facilitate the defense against or                    PART 26—OTHER SOCIOECONOMIC                            *      *    *    *     *
                                                  recovery from cyber, nuclear, biological,               PROGRAMS                                                  (b) When using the authority under
                                                  chemical, or radiological attack. (See                                                                         the Stafford Act, see the definitions of
                                                  12.102(f)(1) and 13.500(c)(2).)                         ■ 9. Revise the heading for subpart 26.2               ‘‘micro-purchase threshold’’ and
                                                     (d) Simplified procedures for certain                to read as follows:                                    ‘‘simplified acquisition threshold’’ in
                                                  commercial items. The threshold limits                                                                         2.101 for the authority to use an
                                                  authorized for use of this authority may                Subpart 26.2—Major Disaster or                         increased micro-purchase threshold and
                                                  be increased when it is determined the                  Emergency Assistance Activities                        simplified acquisition threshold.
                                                  acquisition is to facilitate defense                                                                           [FR Doc. 2018–13730 Filed 6–25–18; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                          *      *      *       *      *
                                                  against or recovery from cyber, nuclear,                                                                       BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P
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Document Created: 2018-06-26 00:52:29
Document Modified: 2018-06-26 00:52:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesInterested parties should submit written comments to the
ContactMs. Camara Francis, Procurement Analyst, at 202-550-0935 for clarification of content. For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division at 202-501-4755. Please cite ``FAR Case 2017- 009''.
FR Citation83 FR 29736 
RIN Number9000-AN45
CFR Citation48 CFR 10
48 CFR 12
48 CFR 13
48 CFR 18
48 CFR 26
48 CFR 2

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