83_FR_42991 83 FR 42826 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification of DFARS Clause “Transportation of Supplies by Sea” (DFARS Case 2018-D028)

83 FR 42826 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification of DFARS Clause “Transportation of Supplies by Sea” (DFARS Case 2018-D028)

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Defense Acquisition Regulations System

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 165 (August 24, 2018)

Page Range42826-42828
FR Document2018-18246

DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to modify the text of an existing DFARS clause to include the text of another DFARS clause, in order to streamline instructions to contractors regarding notifications of transportation of supplies by sea.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 165 (Friday, August 24, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 165 (Friday, August 24, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42826-42828]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18246]


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

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System

48 CFR Parts 212, 247, and 252

[Docket DARS-2018-0040]
RIN 0750-AJ94


Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modification 
of DFARS Clause ``Transportation of Supplies by Sea'' (DFARS Case 2018-
D028)

AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition 
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to modify the text of an existing DFARS 
clause to include the text of another DFARS clause, in order to 
streamline instructions to contractors regarding notifications of 
transportation of supplies by sea.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to 
the address shown below on or before October 23, 2018, to be considered 
in the formation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2018-D028, using 
any of the following methods:
    [cir] Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Search for ``DFARS Case 2018-D028''. Select ``Submit a Comment Now'' 
and follow the instructions provided to submit a comment. Please 
include ``DFARS Case 2018-D028'' on any attached document. O Email: 
osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include DFARS Case 2018-D028 in the subject line of 
the message.
    [cir] Fax: 571-372-6094.
    [cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Carrie 
Moore, OUSD(A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, 
Washington, DC 20301-3060.
    Comments received generally will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 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. Carrie Moore, telephone 571-372-
6093.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    This rule proposes to modify DFARS clause 252.247-7023, 
Transportation of Supplies By Sea, to include the instructions 
currently specified in DFARS clause 252.247-7024, Notification of 
Supplies By Sea. Combining these clauses will result in DFARS clause 
252.247-7024 being removed.

II. Discussion and Analysis

    DFARS provision 252.247-7022, Representation of Extent of 
Transportation By Sea, is included in solicitations and requires an 
offeror to represent with its offer whether it anticipates that 
supplies will or will not be transported by sea in the performance of 
the contract.
    DFARS clause 252.247-7023 is included in all contracts, except for 
those that directly purchase ocean transportation services, and 
provides contractors with terms and conditions that apply when 
transporting supplies by sea under the contract.
    DFARS clause 252.247-7024, Notification of Transportation of

[[Page 42827]]

Supplies By Sea, is included in contracts when the contractor indicated 
in DFARS provision 252.247-7022 that it did not anticipate transporting 
supplies by sea. The clause requires the contractor to notify the 
Government in the event that, during performance of the contract, the 
contractor learns that supplies will be transported by sea, and 
requires the contractor to comply with the terms and conditions in 
DFARS clause 252.247-7023.
    Since DFARS clause 252.247-7023 is included in all contracts, and 
DFARS clause 252.247-7024 is associated with the requirements of 
252.247-7023, the text of the two clauses can be combined to help 
minimize the number of clauses contained in the contract, while still 
maintaining the intent of both clauses.
    The modification of this DFARS text supports a recommendation from 
the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force. On February 24, 2017, the 
President signed Executive Order (E.O.) 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory 
Reform Agenda, which established a Federal policy ``to alleviate 
unnecessary regulatory burdens'' on the American people. In accordance 
with E.O. 13777, DoD established a Regulatory Reform Task Force to 
review and validate DoD regulations, including the DFARS. The DoD Task 
Force reviewed the requirements of DFARS clause 252.247-7023 and 
252.247-7024 and determined that the clauses could be combined.
    A public notice of the establishment of the DFARS Subgroup to the 
DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force, for the purpose of reviewing DFARS 
provisions and clauses, was published in the Federal Register at 82 FR 
35741 on August 1, 2017, and requested public input. Two respondents 
submitted a public comment on these clauses summarized as follows:
    Comment: Both respondents recommended DoD remove these clauses, as 
they are based on the requirements of the Cargo Preference Act of 1904 
(10 U.S.C. 2631), which was written at a time before many modern forms 
of cargo transportation were invented and overly burdens the DoD supply 
chain to use US-flag ships. The respondents also suggested that DoD 
follow the less burdensome Cargo Preference Act of 1954 (46 U.S.C. 
1241(b)).
    Response: DoD must comply with the requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2631. 
Currently, 10 U.S.C. 2631 requires 100 percent of all items for or 
owned by DoD that require transportation by sea be carried exclusively 
on U.S. flag vessels. This cargo policy helps retain and encourage a 
privately owned and operated U.S.-flag merchant marine, which benefits 
the U.S. in terms of trade and in times of emergency. It is not in the 
Government's best interests to rescind 10 U.S.C. 2631. In the event 
that a U.S.-flag vessel is not available for timely shipment or the 
freight charges are excessive or unreasonable, the clause permits the 
contractor to submit a request to use a foreign-flag vessel to the 
contracting officer. For this reason, DoD does not concur that the DoD 
supply chain is necessarily overburdened by this Act.

III. 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 create any new provisions or clauses. This rule 
merely consolidates existing instructions regarding notifications of 
transportation of supplies by sea in a single DFARS clause.

IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and E.O. 13563, 
Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
The Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), has determined that this is not a 
significant regulatory action as defined under section 3(f) of E.O. 
12866 and, therefore, was not subject to review under section 6(b). 
This rule is not a major rule as defined at 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

V. Executive Order 13771

    This proposed rule is not expected to be an E.O. 13771, Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs, regulatory action, because 
this proposed rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.

VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD does not expect this proposed rule to have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
because the rule is not creating any new requirements or changing any 
existing requirements for contractors. However, an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis has been performed and is summarized as follows:
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing to modify DFARS clause 
252.247-7023, Transportation of Supplies By Sea, to include the 
instructions currently specified in DFARS clause 252.247-7024, 
Notification of Supplies By Sea. Combining these clauses will result in 
DFARS clause 252.247-7024 being removed.
    The objective of this proposed rule is to streamline the 
instructions to contractors pertaining to the transportation of 
supplies by sea. The combination of these DFARS clauses supports a 
recommendation from the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force under 
Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs.
    Based on data available in the Federal Procurement Data System for 
fiscal year 2016, DoD awarded approximately 83,000 contract actions 
that included DFARS clause 252.247-7023 to 22,000 unique entities, of 
which approximately 39,000 awards (47 percent) were made to 15,000 
unique small businesses entities (68 percent).
    This proposed rule does not include any new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements for small businesses.
    This rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other 
Federal rules.
    There are no known significant alternative approaches to the 
proposed rule that would meet the proposed objectives.
    DoD invites comments from small business concerns and other 
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small 
entities. DoD will also consider comments from small entities 
concerning the existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such 
comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (DFARS Case 2018-D028) 
in correspondence.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35) does apply; 
however, these changes to the DFARS do not impose additional 
information collection requirements to the paperwork burden previously 
approved under OMB Control Number 0704-0245, titled: Defense Federal 
Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 247, Transportation and 
Related Clauses.

[[Page 42828]]

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 212, 247, and 252

    Government procurement.

Jennifer Lee Hawes,
Regulatory Control Officer, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 212, 247, and 252 are proposed to be 
amended as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 212, 247, and 252 continues 
to read as follows:

    Authority:  41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.

PART 212--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS


212.301  [Amended]

0
2. Amend section 212.301 by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (f)(xix)(D);
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(xix)(E) through (H) as paragraphs 
(f)(xix)(D) through (G), respectively;
0
c. In the newly redesignated paragraph (f)(xix)(D), removing 
``247.574(d)'' and adding ``247.574(c)'' in its place;
0
d. In the newly redesignated paragraph (f)(xix)(E), removing 
``247.574(e)'' and adding ``247.574(d)'' in its place;
0
e. In the newly redesignated paragraph (f)(xix)(F), removing 
``247.574(f)'' and adding ``247.574(e)'' in its place; and
0
f. In the newly redesignated paragraph (f)(xix)(G), removing ``U.S'' 
and adding ``U.S.'' in its place.

PART 247--TRANSPORTATION


247.574  [Amended]

0
3. Amend section 247.574 by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (c); and
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (d) through (f) as paragraphs (c) through 
(e), respectively.

PART 252--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
4. Amend section 252.247-7023 by:
0
a. In the clause heading, removing the date ``(APR 2014)'' and adding 
``(DATE)'' in its place;
0
b. Redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (i);
0
c. Adding a new paragraph (h); and
0
d. In the newly redesignated paragraphs (i)(1) and (2), removing 
``paragraph (h)'' and adding ``paragraph (i)'' in both places;
0
e. In Alternate I:
0
i. In the clause heading, removing the date of ``(APR 2014)'' and 
adding ``(DATE)'' in its place;
0
ii. Redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (i);
0
iii. Adding a new paragraph (h); and
0
iv. In the newly redesignated paragraphs (i)(1) and (2), removing 
``paragraph (h)'' and adding ``paragraph (i)'' in both places;
0
f. In Alternate II--
0
i. In the clause heading, removing the date of ``(APR 2014)'' and 
adding ``(DATE)'' in its place;
0
ii. Redesignating paragraph (h) as paragraph (i);
0
iii. Adding a new paragraph (h); and
0
iv. In the newly redesignated paragraphs (i)(1) and (2), removing 
``paragraph (h)'' and adding ``paragraph (i)'' in both places.
    The additions read as follows:


252.247-7023  Transportation of Supplies by Sea.

* * * * *
    (h) If the Contractor has indicated by the response to the 
solicitation provision, Representation of Extent of Transportation by 
Sea, that it did not anticipate transporting by sea any supplies; 
however, after the award of this contract, the Contractor learns that 
supplies will be transported by sea, the Contractor--
    (1) Shall notify the Contracting Officer of that fact; and
    (2) Hereby agrees to comply with all the terms and conditions of 
this clause.
* * * * *
    Alternate I. * * *
* * * * *
    (h) If the Contractor has indicated by the response to the 
solicitation provision, Representation of Extent of Transportation by 
Sea, that it did not anticipate transporting by sea any supplies; 
however, after the award of this contract, the Contractor learns that 
supplies will be transported by sea, the Contractor--
    (1) Shall notify the Contracting Officer of that fact; and
    (2) Hereby agrees to comply with all the terms and conditions of 
this clause.
* * * * *
    Alternate II. * * *
* * * * *
    (h) If the Contractor has indicated by the response to the 
solicitation provision, Representation of Extent of Transportation by 
Sea, that it did not anticipate transporting by sea any supplies, but 
the contractor learns after the award of the contract that supplies 
will be transported by sea, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting 
Officer of that fact.
* * * * *


252.247-7024  [Removed and Reserved]

0
4. Remove and reserve section 252.247-7024.


252.247-7025  [Amended]

0
5. Amend section 252.247-7025, in the introductory text, by removing 
``247.574(d)'' and adding ``247.574(c)'' in its place.


252.247-7026  [Amended]

0
6. Amend section 252.247-7026, in the introductory text, by removing 
``247.574(e)'' and adding ``247.574(d)'' in its place.


252.247-7027  [Amended]

0
7. Amend section 252.247-7027, in the introductory text, by removing 
``247.574(f)'' and adding ``247.574(e)'' in its place.

[FR Doc. 2018-18246 Filed 8-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P



                                                  42826                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                     (d) * * *                                            performance of the contract is a                      notifications of transportation of
                                                     (1) No photovoltaic devices will be                  domestic photovoltaic device;                         supplies by sea.
                                                  utilized in performance of the contract,                   (ii) The offeror certifies that each               DATES: Comments on the proposed rule
                                                  or such photovoltaic devices have an                    photovoltaic device to be utilized in                 should be submitted in writing to the
                                                  estimated value that does not exceed the                performance of the contract is a Free                 address shown below on or before
                                                  micro-purchase threshold.                               Trade Agreement country photovoltaic                  October 23, 2018, to be considered in
                                                     (2) If more than the micro-purchase                  device (other than a Bahrainian,                      the formation of a final rule.
                                                  threshold but less than $25,000—                        Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian                     ADDRESSES: Submit comments
                                                  *       *    *     *     *                              photovoltaic device) or a qualifying                  identified by DFARS Case 2018–D028,
                                                     (3) If $25,000 or more but less than                 country photovoltaic device [Offeror to               using any of the following methods:
                                                  $80,317—                                                specify country of origin lllll]; or                     Æ Federal eRulemaking Portal:
                                                     (i) The offeror certifies that each                     (iii) The offered foreign photovoltaic             http://www.regulations.gov. Search for
                                                  photovoltaic device to be utilized in                   devices (other than those from countries              ‘‘DFARS Case 2018–D028’’. Select
                                                  performance of the contract is a                        listed in paragraph (d)(5)(ii) of this                ‘‘Submit a Comment Now’’ and follow
                                                  domestic photovoltaic device;                           provision) are the product of                         the instructions provided to submit a
                                                     (ii) The offeror certifies that each                 lllll. [Offeror to specify country                    comment. Please include ‘‘DFARS Case
                                                  photovoltaic device to be utilized in                   of origin, if known, and provide                      2018–D028’’ on any attached document.
                                                  performance of the contract is a                        documentation that the cost of a                      O Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include
                                                  Canadian photovoltaic device or a                       domestic photovoltaic device would be                 DFARS Case 2018–D028 in the subject
                                                  qualifying country photovoltaic device                  unreasonable in comparison to the cost                line of the message.
                                                  [Offeror to specify country of origin                   of the proposed foreign photovoltaic                     Æ Fax: 571–372–6094.
                                                  lllll]; or                                              device, i.e. that the price of the foreign               Æ Mail: Defense Acquisition
                                                     (iii) The foreign (other than Canadian               photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is                Regulations System, Attn: Carrie Moore,
                                                  or qualifying country) photovoltaic                     less than the price of a comparable                   OUSD(A&S)DPC/DARS, Room 3B941,
                                                  devices to be utilized in performance of                domestic photovoltaic device.]                        3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC
                                                  the contract are the product of                            (6) If $180,000 or more, the Offeror               20301–3060.
                                                  lllll. [Offeror to specify country                      certifies that each photovoltaic device to               Comments received generally will be
                                                  of origin, if known, and provide                        be used in performance of the contract                posted without change to http://
                                                  documentation that the cost of a                        is—                                                   www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                  domestic photovoltaic device would be                      (i) A U.S.-made photovoltaic device;               personal information provided. To
                                                  unreasonable in comparison to the cost                  or                                                    confirm receipt of your comment(s),
                                                  of the proposed foreign photovoltaic                       (ii) A designated country photovoltaic             please check www.regulations.gov,
                                                  device, i.e. that the price of the foreign              device or a qualifying country                        approximately two to three days after
                                                  photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is                  photovoltaic device. [Offeror to specify              submission to verify posting (except
                                                  less than the price of a comparable                     country of origin lllll.]                             allow 30 days for posting of comments
                                                  domestic photovoltaic device.]                                                                                submitted by mail).
                                                     (4) If $80,317 or more but less than                 (End of provision)                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
                                                  $100,000—                                               [FR Doc. 2018–18240 Filed 8–23–18; 8:45 am]           Carrie Moore, telephone 571–372–6093.
                                                     (i) The offeror certifies that each                  BILLING CODE 5001–06–P                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                  photovoltaic device to be utilized in
                                                  performance of the contract is a                                                                              I. Background
                                                  domestic photovoltaic device;                           DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE                                    This rule proposes to modify DFARS
                                                     (ii) The offeror certifies that each                                                                       clause 252.247–7023, Transportation of
                                                  photovoltaic device to be utilized in                   Defense Acquisition Regulations                       Supplies By Sea, to include the
                                                  performance of the contract is a Free                   System                                                instructions currently specified in
                                                  Trade Agreement country photovoltaic                                                                          DFARS clause 252.247–7024,
                                                  device (other than a Bahrainian, Korean,                48 CFR Parts 212, 247, and 252                        Notification of Supplies By Sea.
                                                  Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian                                                                             Combining these clauses will result in
                                                  photovoltaic device) or a qualifying                    [Docket DARS–2018–0040]
                                                                                                                                                                DFARS clause 252.247–7024 being
                                                  country photovoltaic device [Offeror to                 RIN 0750–AJ94                                         removed.
                                                  specify country of origin lllll]; or
                                                     (iii) The offered foreign photovoltaic                                                                     II. Discussion and Analysis
                                                                                                          Defense Federal Acquisition
                                                  devices (other than those from countries                Regulation Supplement: Modification                      DFARS provision 252.247–7022,
                                                  listed in paragraph (d)(4)(ii) of this                  of DFARS Clause ‘‘Transportation of                   Representation of Extent of
                                                  provision) are the product of                           Supplies by Sea’’ (DFARS Case 2018–                   Transportation By Sea, is included in
                                                  lllll. [Offeror to specify country                      D028)                                                 solicitations and requires an offeror to
                                                  of origin, if known, and provide                                                                              represent with its offer whether it
                                                  documentation that the cost of a                        AGENCY:  Defense Acquisition                          anticipates that supplies will or will not
                                                  domestic photovoltaic device would be                   Regulations System, Department of                     be transported by sea in the
                                                  unreasonable in comparison to the cost                  Defense (DoD).                                        performance of the contract.
                                                  of the proposed foreign photovoltaic                                                                             DFARS clause 252.247–7023 is
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                          ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                  device, i.e. that the price of the foreign                                                                    included in all contracts, except for
                                                  photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is                  SUMMARY:   DoD is proposing to amend                  those that directly purchase ocean
                                                  less than the price of a comparable                     the Defense Federal Acquisition                       transportation services, and provides
                                                  domestic photovoltaic device.]                          Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to                      contractors with terms and conditions
                                                     (5) If $100,000 or more but less than                modify the text of an existing DFARS                  that apply when transporting supplies
                                                  $180,000—                                               clause to include the text of another                 by sea under the contract.
                                                     (i) The offeror certifies that each                  DFARS clause, in order to streamline                     DFARS clause 252.247–7024,
                                                  photovoltaic device to be utilized in                   instructions to contractors regarding                 Notification of Transportation of


                                             VerDate Sep<11>2014   19:08 Aug 23, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00022   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\24AUP1.SGM   24AUP1


                                                                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2018 / Proposed Rules                                         42827

                                                  Supplies By Sea, is included in                         which benefits the U.S. in terms of trade             analysis has been performed and is
                                                  contracts when the contractor indicated                 and in times of emergency. It is not in               summarized as follows:
                                                  in DFARS provision 252.247–7022 that                    the Government’s best interests to                       The Department of Defense (DoD) is
                                                  it did not anticipate transporting                      rescind 10 U.S.C. 2631. In the event that             proposing to modify DFARS clause
                                                  supplies by sea. The clause requires the                a U.S.-flag vessel is not available for               252.247–7023, Transportation of
                                                  contractor to notify the Government in                  timely shipment or the freight charges                Supplies By Sea, to include the
                                                  the event that, during performance of                   are excessive or unreasonable, the                    instructions currently specified in
                                                  the contract, the contractor learns that                clause permits the contractor to submit               DFARS clause 252.247–7024,
                                                  supplies will be transported by sea, and                a request to use a foreign-flag vessel to             Notification of Supplies By Sea.
                                                  requires the contractor to comply with                  the contracting officer. For this reason,             Combining these clauses will result in
                                                  the terms and conditions in DFARS                       DoD does not concur that the DoD                      DFARS clause 252.247–7024 being
                                                  clause 252.247–7023.                                    supply chain is necessarily                           removed.
                                                     Since DFARS clause 252.247–7023 is                   overburdened by this Act.
                                                  included in all contracts, and DFARS                                                                             The objective of this proposed rule is
                                                  clause 252.247–7024 is associated with                  III. Applicability to Contracts at or                 to streamline the instructions to
                                                  the requirements of 252.247–7023, the                   Below the Simplified Acquisition                      contractors pertaining to the
                                                  text of the two clauses can be combined                 Threshold and for Commercial Items,                   transportation of supplies by sea. The
                                                  to help minimize the number of clauses                  including Commercially Available Off-                 combination of these DFARS clauses
                                                  contained in the contract, while still                  the-Shelf Items                                       supports a recommendation from the
                                                  maintaining the intent of both clauses.                    This rule does not create any new                  DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force
                                                     The modification of this DFARS text                  provisions or clauses. This rule merely               under Executive Order 13771, Reducing
                                                  supports a recommendation from the                      consolidates existing instructions                    Regulation and Controlling Regulatory
                                                  DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force. On                    regarding notifications of transportation             Costs.
                                                  February 24, 2017, the President signed                 of supplies by sea in a single DFARS                     Based on data available in the Federal
                                                  Executive Order (E.O.) 13777, Enforcing                 clause.                                               Procurement Data System for fiscal year
                                                  the Regulatory Reform Agenda, which                                                                           2016, DoD awarded approximately
                                                  established a Federal policy ‘‘to                       IV. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
                                                                                                                                                                83,000 contract actions that included
                                                  alleviate unnecessary regulatory                           E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and                DFARS clause 252.247–7023 to 22,000
                                                  burdens’’ on the American people. In                    Review, and E.O. 13563, Improving                     unique entities, of which approximately
                                                  accordance with E.O. 13777, DoD                         Regulation and Regulatory Review,                     39,000 awards (47 percent) were made
                                                  established a Regulatory Reform Task                    direct agencies to assess all costs and               to 15,000 unique small businesses
                                                  Force to review and validate DoD                        benefits of available regulatory                      entities (68 percent).
                                                  regulations, including the DFARS. The                   alternatives and, if regulation is
                                                  DoD Task Force reviewed the                             necessary, to select regulatory                          This proposed rule does not include
                                                  requirements of DFARS clause 252.247–                   approaches that maximize net benefits                 any new reporting, recordkeeping, or
                                                  7023 and 252.247–7024 and determined                    (including potential economic,                        other compliance requirements for small
                                                  that the clauses could be combined.                     environmental, public health and safety               businesses.
                                                     A public notice of the establishment                 effects, distributive impacts, and                       This rule does not duplicate, overlap,
                                                  of the DFARS Subgroup to the DoD                        equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the                    or conflict with any other Federal rules.
                                                  Regulatory Reform Task Force, for the                   importance of quantifying both costs                     There are no known significant
                                                  purpose of reviewing DFARS provisions                   and benefits, of reducing costs, of                   alternative approaches to the proposed
                                                  and clauses, was published in the                       harmonizing rules, and of promoting                   rule that would meet the proposed
                                                  Federal Register at 82 FR 35741 on                      flexibility. The Office of Management                 objectives.
                                                  August 1, 2017, and requested public                    and Budget, Office of Information and
                                                  input. Two respondents submitted a                                                                               DoD invites comments from small
                                                                                                          Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), has                        business concerns and other interested
                                                  public comment on these clauses                         determined that this is not a significant
                                                  summarized as follows:                                                                                        parties on the expected impact of this
                                                                                                          regulatory action as defined under                    rule on small entities. DoD will also
                                                     Comment: Both respondents                            section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 and, therefore,
                                                  recommended DoD remove these                                                                                  consider comments from small entities
                                                                                                          was not subject to review under section               concerning the existing regulations in
                                                  clauses, as they are based on the                       6(b). This rule is not a major rule as
                                                  requirements of the Cargo Preference                                                                          subparts affected by this rule in
                                                                                                          defined at 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                           accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested
                                                  Act of 1904 (10 U.S.C. 2631), which was
                                                  written at a time before many modern                    V. Executive Order 13771                              parties must submit such comments
                                                  forms of cargo transportation were                        This proposed rule is not expected to               separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610
                                                  invented and overly burdens the DoD                     be an E.O. 13771, Reducing Regulation                 (DFARS Case 2018–D028) in
                                                  supply chain to use US-flag ships. The                  and Controlling Regulatory Costs,                     correspondence.
                                                  respondents also suggested that DoD                     regulatory action, because this proposed              VI. Paperwork Reduction Act
                                                  follow the less burdensome Cargo                        rule is not significant under E.O. 12866.
                                                  Preference Act of 1954 (46 U.S.C.                                                                                The Paperwork Reduction Act (44
                                                  1241(b)).                                               VI. Regulatory Flexibility Act                        U.S.C. chapter 35) does apply; however,
                                                     Response: DoD must comply with the                      DoD does not expect this proposed                  these changes to the DFARS do not
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  requirements of 10 U.S.C. 2631.                         rule to have a significant economic                   impose additional information
                                                  Currently, 10 U.S.C. 2631 requires 100                  impact on a substantial number of small               collection requirements to the
                                                  percent of all items for or owned by DoD                entities within the meaning of the                    paperwork burden previously approved
                                                  that require transportation by sea be                   Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601              under OMB Control Number 0704–0245,
                                                  carried exclusively on U.S. flag vessels.               et seq., because the rule is not creating             titled: Defense Federal Acquisition
                                                  This cargo policy helps retain and                      any new requirements or changing any                  Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part
                                                  encourage a privately owned and                         existing requirements for contractors.                247, Transportation and Related
                                                  operated U.S.-flag merchant marine,                     However, an initial regulatory flexibility            Clauses.


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                                                  42828                   Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 165 / Friday, August 24, 2018 / Proposed Rules

                                                  List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 212,                   ■  ii. Redesignating paragraph (h) as                 252.247–7024      [Removed and Reserved]
                                                  247, and 252                                            paragraph (i);                                        ■ 4. Remove and reserve section
                                                      Government procurement.                             ■ iii. Adding a new paragraph (h); and                252.247–7024.
                                                                                                          ■ iv. In the newly redesignated
                                                  Jennifer Lee Hawes,                                                                                           252.247–7025      [Amended]
                                                                                                          paragraphs (i)(1) and (2), removing
                                                  Regulatory Control Officer, Defense                     ‘‘paragraph (h)’’ and adding ‘‘paragraph              ■  5. Amend section 252.247–7025, in
                                                  Acquisition Regulations System.                         (i)’’ in both places;                                 the introductory text, by removing
                                                                                                                                                                ‘‘247.574(d)’’ and adding ‘‘247.574(c)’’
                                                    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 212, 247, and                 ■ f. In Alternate II—
                                                                                                                                                                in its place.
                                                  252 are proposed to be amended as                       ■ i. In the clause heading, removing the
                                                  follows:                                                date of ‘‘(APR 2014)’’ and adding                     252.247–7026      [Amended]
                                                  ■ 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR                  ‘‘(DATE)’’ in its place;                              ■  6. Amend section 252.247–7026, in
                                                  parts 212, 247, and 252 continues to                    ■ ii. Redesignating paragraph (h) as                  the introductory text, by removing
                                                  read as follows:                                        paragraph (i);                                        ‘‘247.574(e)’’ and adding ‘‘247.574(d)’’
                                                    Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR                  ■ iii. Adding a new paragraph (h); and                in its place.
                                                  chapter 1.                                              ■ iv. In the newly redesignated
                                                                                                                                                                252.247–7027      [Amended]
                                                                                                          paragraphs (i)(1) and (2), removing
                                                  PART 212—ACQUISITION OF                                                                                       ■  7. Amend section 252.247–7027, in
                                                                                                          ‘‘paragraph (h)’’ and adding ‘‘paragraph
                                                  COMMERCIAL ITEMS                                                                                              the introductory text, by removing
                                                                                                          (i)’’ in both places.
                                                                                                                                                                ‘‘247.574(f)’’ and adding ‘‘247.574(e)’’ in
                                                  212.301    [Amended]                                       The additions read as follows:                     its place.
                                                  ■  2. Amend section 212.301 by:                         252.247–7023       Transportation of Supplies         [FR Doc. 2018–18246 Filed 8–23–18; 8:45 am]
                                                  ■  a. Removing paragraph (f)(xix)(D);                   by Sea.                                               BILLING CODE 5001–06–P
                                                  ■  b. Redesignating paragraphs (f)(xix)(E)              *     *      *    *    *
                                                  through (H) as paragraphs (f)(xix)(D)                     (h) If the Contractor has indicated by
                                                  through (G), respectively;                              the response to the solicitation                      DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
                                                  ■ c. In the newly redesignated                          provision, Representation of Extent of
                                                  paragraph (f)(xix)(D), removing                         Transportation by Sea, that it did not                Defense Acquisition Regulations
                                                  ‘‘247.574(d)’’ and adding ‘‘247.574(c)’’                anticipate transporting by sea any                    System
                                                  in its place;                                           supplies; however, after the award of
                                                  ■ d. In the newly redesignated                          this contract, the Contractor learns that             48 CFR Parts 225 and 252
                                                  paragraph (f)(xix)(E), removing                         supplies will be transported by sea, the              [Docket DARS–2018–0004]
                                                  ‘‘247.574(e)’’ and adding ‘‘247.574(d)’’                Contractor—
                                                  in its place;                                                                                                 RIN 0750–AJ22
                                                                                                            (1) Shall notify the Contracting Officer
                                                  ■ e. In the newly redesignated
                                                                                                          of that fact; and                                     Defense Federal Acquisition
                                                  paragraph (f)(xix)(F), removing
                                                                                                            (2) Hereby agrees to comply with all                Regulation Supplement: Restrictions
                                                  ‘‘247.574(f)’’ and adding ‘‘247.574(e)’’ in
                                                                                                          the terms and conditions of this clause.              on Acquisitions From Foreign Sources
                                                  its place; and
                                                                                                          *     *      *    *    *                              (DFARS Case 2017–D011)
                                                  ■ f. In the newly redesignated paragraph
                                                  (f)(xix)(G), removing ‘‘U.S’’ and adding                  Alternate I. * * *                                  AGENCY:  Defense Acquisition
                                                  ‘‘U.S.’’ in its place.                                  *     *      *    *    *                              Regulations System, Department of
                                                                                                            (h) If the Contractor has indicated by              Defense (DoD).
                                                  PART 247—TRANSPORTATION                                 the response to the solicitation                      ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                  247.574    [Amended]                                    provision, Representation of Extent of
                                                                                                          Transportation by Sea, that it did not                SUMMARY:   DoD is proposing to amend
                                                  ■ 3. Amend section 247.574 by:                                                                                the Defense Federal Acquisition
                                                                                                          anticipate transporting by sea any
                                                  ■ a. Removing paragraph (c); and                                                                              Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to
                                                                                                          supplies; however, after the award of
                                                  ■ b. Redesignating paragraphs (d)                                                                             implement sections of the National
                                                                                                          this contract, the Contractor learns that
                                                  through (f) as paragraphs (c) through (e),                                                                    Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
                                                                                                          supplies will be transported by sea, the
                                                  respectively.                                                                                                 Year 2017 to apply domestic source
                                                                                                          Contractor—
                                                                                                            (1) Shall notify the Contracting Officer            requirements to acquisitions at or below
                                                  PART 252—SOLICITATION                                                                                         the simplified acquisition threshold
                                                  PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT                                 of that fact; and
                                                                                                            (2) Hereby agrees to comply with all                when acquiring athletic footwear to be
                                                  CLAUSES                                                                                                       furnished to enlisted members of the
                                                                                                          the terms and conditions of this clause.
                                                  ■  4. Amend section 252.247–7023 by:                                                                          Armed Forces upon their initial entry
                                                                                                          *     *      *    *    *                              into the Armed Forces, and add
                                                  ■  a. In the clause heading, removing the
                                                                                                            Alternate II. * * *                                 Australia and the United Kingdom to
                                                  date ‘‘(APR 2014)’’ and adding
                                                  ‘‘(DATE)’’ in its place;                                *     *      *    *    *                              the definition of the ‘‘National
                                                  ■ b. Redesignating paragraph (h) as                       (h) If the Contractor has indicated by              Technology and Industrial Base.’’
                                                  paragraph (i);                                          the response to the solicitation                      DATES: Comments on the proposed rule
                                                  ■ c. Adding a new paragraph (h); and                    provision, Representation of Extent of                should be submitted in writing to the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                  ■ d. In the newly redesignated                          Transportation by Sea, that it did not                address shown below on or before
                                                  paragraphs (i)(1) and (2), removing                     anticipate transporting by sea any                    October 23, 2018, to be considered in
                                                  ‘‘paragraph (h)’’ and adding ‘‘paragraph                supplies, but the contractor learns after             the formation of a final rule.
                                                  (i)’’ in both places;                                   the award of the contract that supplies               ADDRESSES: Submit comments
                                                  ■ e. In Alternate I:                                    will be transported by sea, the                       identified by DFARS Case 2017–D011,
                                                  ■ i. In the clause heading, removing the                Contractor shall notify the Contracting               using any of the following methods:
                                                  date of ‘‘(APR 2014)’’ and adding                       Officer of that fact.                                   Æ Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                  ‘‘(DATE)’’ in its place;                                *     *      *    *    *                              www.regulations.gov. Search for


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Document Created: 2018-08-24 04:14:29
Document Modified: 2018-08-24 04:14:29
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.
DatesComments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to
ContactMs. Carrie Moore, telephone 571-372- 6093.
FR Citation83 FR 42826 
RIN Number0750-AJ94
CFR Citation48 CFR 212
48 CFR 247
48 CFR 252

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