SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

On February 18, 1986, President Reagan issued Executive Order 12549 (3 CFR 1986 Comp., p. 189), “Debarment and Suspension,” to establish a governmentwide debarment and suspension system covering the full range of Federal procurement and nonprocurement activities, and to establish procedures for debarment and suspension from participation in Federal nonprocurement programs. Section 4 of that Order established the Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC) to monitor implementation of that system, coordinate actions among the Federal agencies, and make recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) concerning regulatory and other changes needed to address the needs of both the procurement and nonprocurement suspension and debarment programs under a comprehensive debarment and suspension system encompassing the full range of Federal activities.

The OMB published initial guidelines for nonprocurement debarment and suspension to all Executive branch agencies on May 29, 1987 (52 FR 20360), followed by final guidelines along with the NCR on May 26, 1988 (53 FR 19160). The OMB guidelines and NCR provide uniform requirements for debarment and suspension by Executive branch agencies to protect assistance, loans, benefits and other nonprocurement activities from waste, fraud, abuse, poor performance or noncompliance similar to the system used for Federal procurement activities under Subpart 9.4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its supplements.

On January 31, 1989, the agencies amended the NCR by adding a new subpart F to implement the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (54 FR 4946).

On August 16, 1989, President George H. W. Bush issued Executive Order 12689, “Debarment and Suspension,” (3 CFR 1989 Comp., p. 235), directing agencies to reconcile technical differences existing between the procurement and nonprocurement debarment programs, and to give exclusions under either program reciprocal effect across procurement and nonprocurement activities. In 1994, Congress passed the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3327), mandating reciprocity for exclusions issued under the procurement and nonprocurement debarment programs.

On April 12, 1999, OMB asked the ISDC to review the common rule and propose amendments that would: (a) Resolve remaining unnecessary technical differences between the procurement and nonprocurement systems; (b) revise the current rule in a plain language style and format; and (c) make other improvements to the common rule consistent with the purpose of the suspension and debarment system. On October 29, 1999, the ISDC issued a final report to OMB with recommended changes to the NCR.

On January 23, 2002, thirty agencies jointly proposed amendments to the NCR and for the removal and relocation of the governmentwide provisions implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (67 FR 3265). One additional agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, proposed its amendments to those rules on July 22, 2002 (67 FR 48006).

Since publication of the above proposed rules, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with parts of many other Federal agencies, has been transferred into the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Therefore, this final rulemaking does not include a final rule for FEMA or DHS. Three agencies, Department of Treasury, Department of Justice and The Export-Import Bank of the United States, did not propose changes along with other agencies on January 23, 2002, but are adopting these rules on an interim final basis. The Department of Agriculture, although it proposed rules on January 23, has decided to issue an interim final rule for the reasons cited in its agency-specific preamble. Persons wishing to submit comments to the Department of Agriculture, Department of Treasury, Department of Justice or The Export-Import Bank of the United States may do so within sixty (60) days of the date of this publication by sending comments as described in the preambles to those rules. The remaining twenty-nine agencies are jointly issuing this rule as a final rule.

Furthermore, since publication of the proposed rule, the General Services Administration (GSA) has changed the name of the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs (List). It is now called the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). Corresponding changes have been made throughout this rule.

Comments on the Proposed Rules

We received comments on the proposed amendments to the NCR from sixteen commenters. Of those, eight are ( printed page 66536) from employees of Federal agencies; two are from state employees; and six are from professional or public organizations. We received no comments addressing the provisions related to the drug-free workplace requirements.

General Comments

Plain language format. Generally, most comments were supportive of the plain language style and format of the proposed rule, including the American Bar Association's Section on Public Contracts Law (ABA-PCL), which found the format of the proposed rule to be in a “* * * user friendly style that is well suited for non-lawyers. * * * without losing any of the precision in the standard regulation format.”

However, one commenter expressed concern that the question and answer format will make it more difficult for Government officials familiar with standard rules to find information quickly by scanning the table of contents for short titles.

While we acknowledge that the longer sentences associated with the question and answer format will make scanning the table of contents more difficult, we believe that the benefits to the regulated community far exceed any small burden that might be placed on Government officials when using the rule. We prepared the proposed rule so that information pertaining to Government officials with various responsibilities under the rule, and information pertaining to individuals and businesses subject to the rule, are grouped together under separate subparts. We believe that this will enhance everyone's ability to locate information of particular interest to them.

One commenter noted that in some places within the proposed rule the sentences are still complex. In preparing the proposed rule, there were several provisions, such as those reciting the causes for debarment and provisions related to affiliation and imputed conduct, which we did not revise or did so insubstantially. As a result, in a few places the style of the language was not fully in line with the style used in other parts of the proposed rule. Accordingly, we revised the final rule so that those provisions are less complex and more in keeping with the plain language format used elsewhere in the rule. Section 630 of the final rule, regarding imputation of conduct, is reorganized entirely in response to this and other comments regarding its lack of clarity.

Native American Tribes. One commenter noted that neither the existing NCR, nor the proposed rule specifically addresses the treatment of Native American Tribes. Issues related to the status of recognized Native American Tribes can be complex. However, tribes, like states, are expected to be responsible recipients of, and participants in, Federal nonprocurement transactions. Under this rule, Native American Tribes are accorded the same treatment as state governments with regard to the coverage and applicability. Therefore, no special distinction with respect to Native American Tribes is required.

Debarring Official Responsibilities. One commenter requested that the final rule specifically state that suspending and debarring officials may use the services of other officials in carrying out their duties. The numerous references to the suspending or debarring official within this rule do not imply that the suspending or debarring official must perform all those duties without the assistance of staff or others. The drafting committee acknowledges that it is common practice for suspending and debarring officials to use the services of assistants in carrying out their duties. Such administrative matters are more appropriately addressed through agency-specific internal guidance rather than in this rule.

Subpart A

“Participant” and “participate”. Two commenters raised concerns that the definition of “participant” in section 980 may be confused with the term “participant” as used in section 105(a) and “participate” as used in section 135. These terms in sections 105(a) and 135 are, in fact, broader in scope than the definition in section 980. We agree that section 105(a) should be clarified to identify the entire universe of potential participants, rather than only those who may presently have the status of a current “participant” as defined in section 980. Accordingly, section 105 in the final rule is amended to state that portions of the rule apply to you if you are “ * * * a person who has been, is, or may be expected to be, a * * * ” participant or principal in a covered transaction. Similarly, section 135 of the proposed rule has been amended by substituting the concept of involvement for participation to make it clear that Federal agencies may take suspension or debarment actions against any persons who may be involved in covered transactions regardless of whether they are currently a “participant” as defined under section 980. We also made changes to the imputed conduct provisions by substituting the word “person” for “participant” in section 630 for the same reason.

Subpart B

Covered transactions. One commenter suggested that Subpart B of the final rule include specific language currently contained in the existing NCR in section 110(a)(1), which notes that a nonprocurement transaction need not involve the transfer of Federal funds. We included that language in the proposed rule in the definition of nonprocurement transaction in section 970(b). Accordingly, no further amendment to Subpart B for that purpose is necessary.

Commodity Debarment. One agency raised concern about the regulation's lack of guidance with regard to “commodity” suspension and debarment referenced in sections 110(c) and 945. The ISDC notes that any resolution of the issues surrounding debarment of commodities requires thorough agency-wide consultation and possible changes to Parts 8, 9, 13, 47, 51 and 52 of the FAR. Because the comment was received after the comment period had closed and just prior to publication of this final rule, there was insufficient opportunity for the ISDC to address this issue before this rulemaking. Therefore the issues surrounding commodity suspension and debarment will be addressed at a later time. However, any agency considering a commodity debarment should fully coordinate the action in accordance with section 620.

Optional lower tier coverage. We received two comments about the language in section 220 of the proposed rule that mandates coverage of subcontracts of $25,000 or more at the first tier below a covered nonprocurement transaction. The language gives agencies an option to extend coverage to subcontracts at lower tiers.

The two comments recommended diametrically opposed changes to the proposed rule. One commenter suggested revising the rule to require agencies to cover subcontracts at all tiers and said that making lower tier coverage optional would be inconsistent with the rule's purpose as stated in section 110. The other suggested revising the rule to either: (1) Eliminate coverage of subcontracts entirely, relying on reciprocity with Federal procurement debarment and suspension actions; or (2) establish a common approach for all Federal agencies by limiting coverage to first tier subcontracts of $25,000 or more (the proposed rule's mandatory coverage).

The two comments reflect the widely varying nature of Federal programs subject to this rule. Some programs, ( printed page 66537) especially programs with awards to states as pass-through entities, have substantial program performance by subcontractors at lower tiers below covered nonprocurement transactions. Other programs, including many research programs, are performed by participants in the covered nonprocurement transactions. At least some programs of the first type may be particularly vulnerable to subcontractor malfeasance; agencies in those cases need the flexibility to extend coverage to lower tier subcontracts to adequately protect the Federal Government's interest. Many programs of the second type, however, do not share that vulnerability. Revising the rule to mandate extended coverage in all cases would increase administrative burdens and costs for those programs without commensurate benefits to the taxpayer. For this reason, the final rule includes the optional lower tier coverage in section 220 as the best way to afford adequate protection for the wide universe of Federal agency programs without imposing undue administrative burdens on agencies or participants.

Subpart C

Scope of action. One commenter recommended that proposed sections 300, 400, 420 and 445 be clarified to state that persons checking the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), formerly known as the List of Parties Excluded or Disqualified from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs, should look at the cause and treatment code to see if the listed person is ineligible under a statute or executive order as opposed to suspended or debarred under this rule. The cause and treatment code will reveal a scope of disqualification which may differ from a discretionary suspension or debarment. The EPLS includes cause and treatment codes with each listing, as well as instructions for their use, so that the user will know the nature and scope of a person's ineligibility. This is the same system as that currently in place and has worked without problems. We believe that sections 75(b), 145(b)(1) and 515 of the proposed rule already adequately address this matter. Therefore, no additional language in this regard is added to the final rule.

Participant verification of eligibility of lower tier participant. One commenter recommended that we clarify that a participant planning to enter into a covered transaction with another entity at the next lower tier must verify that the entity is not excluded or disqualified. We agree. We included a new section 300 in the final rule to more clearly state that obligation. We renumbered the remaining sections within that series to maintain the sequence of the final rule.

Participant termination of suspended or debarred principal in existing covered transactions. One agency commenter noted that the cautionary language contained in the final sentence of section 305(a) of the proposed rule (now section 310(a) of the final rule), be modified appropriately and included at the end of proposed section 310(a) (now section 315(a) of the final rule). The language under proposed rule section 305(a) emphasized that a participant exercise caution in deciding whether to terminate covered transactions, such as subcontracts or subgrants, with persons that were already in existence at the time the person was excluded. The commenting agency noted that a participant may face the same issue with regard to one of its own employees who may be subject to an exclusion while already acting as a principal under another covered transaction. Since an agency exclusion imposed under this rule does not apply to existing awards, termination options in such situations can be legally and practically complex. Before such an action is taken, the option must be carefully analyzed and weighed. We believe the same or similar concerns apply to decisions about employees who serve as principals. Accordingly, section 315(a) of this final rule has been amended to include similar cautionary language.

Participant verification of its principals' eligibility. One commenter suggested that proposed section 315 be clarified so that the reader understands that a participant need only verify that its own principals, and not those of lower tier participants, are eligible to participate in the covered transaction. Since a participant may have a transaction both above it and below it, it is possible to misconstrue this section to obligate the participant to verify the principals of those participants above and below its own organization. The language in proposed sections 315 and 325 (now sections 320 and 330 in the final rule), was intended to require participants only to verify eligibility of its own principals in its own transactions. Participants at lower tiers will verify the principals' eligibility in their transactions. Accordingly, we amended proposed section 315 (now section 320 in the final rule), to replace the phrase “any principal” in the first sentence, with the phrase “any of your principals.”

Doing business with an excluded person. The same commenter suggested that proposed section 320 (now section 325 in the final rule), be modified by replacing the phrase “If as a participant you knowingly do business with an excluded person” with “If you as a participant do business with a person when you knew or had reason to know that the person was excluded. * * * .” The commenter believes it would make the standard consistent with that found elsewhere in the rule. However, the only place in the rule that the “reason to know” standard applies is when an agency is imputing conduct from an entity to an individual for the purpose of suspension or debarment. That standard is different from the “should have known” standard, but less than the actual knowledge standard required under proposed section 320 (now section 325). When the NCR was published as a final rule in 1988, the standard of actual knowledge was adopted to support a cause for debarment under section 305(c)(2). That final rule changed the language from what had been proposed as a “known or reasonably should have known” standard. That was done to conform the nonprocurement rule to a FAR certification proposed amendments at 52 FR 28642-46 (July 31, 1987). See also discussion at 53 FR 19167 (May 26, 1988). It was determined then, and we agree now, that actual knowledge of ineligibility should be required before an agency debars a person for doing business with an excluded or disqualified person. Therefore, the standard under this section in the final rule remains unchanged.

Certification. Three of the six comments we received on this subject, including one from the ABA-PCL, supported the proposed rule's elimination of a current requirement for certifications. The ABA-PCL also noted that the problems caused by certifications could be aggravated, rather than solved, if some agencies elected to continue using certifications, and instructions were not issued to preclude each agency from separately crafting certification language that differed from the language used by the others. We agree and note that this comment should be addressed by the joint efforts of 26 Federal grant-making agencies to implement the streamlining and simplification requirements of the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999 (Pub. Law 106-107). A stated goal of those interagency efforts is to eliminate certifications or assurances that are found to be unnecessary and establish common language for others.

One of the three commenters supporting continued use of ( printed page 66538) certifications said that certifications provide the best means of obtaining accurate and updated information about a person's eligibility. That commenter noted that the Office of Federal Procurement Policy retained the suspension/debarment certification when the Clinger-Cohen amendments were implemented for Federal procurement contracts.^[1] Another comment in support of retaining certifications suggested that a certification is the best way for a participant to provide information about itself and its principals, as required by proposed rule section 330 (now section 335 in the final rule), to the Federal agency with which it is about to engage in a covered transaction.

We understand and appreciate these views. However, Federal award officials can now rely on the electronic EPLS which is available worldwide on the Internet, as opposed to the printed version that could be six weeks out of date by the time some awarding officials receive them. New technology has eliminated any need to require Federal agencies to obtain suspension/debarment certifications, although the rule still makes certifications available as an option for any agency with circumstances that justify their continued use. In their agency-specific preambles accompanying the Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking, only a few agencies proposed to use certifications in their covered transactions. This suggests that many agencies see alternative methods as an opportunity to reduce burdens on participants without reducing compliance with the rule's requirements. Therefore, the final rule does not require Federal agencies to obtain certifications.

Subpart E

Identity confirmation by date of birth. The Federation of American Hospitals suggested that section 515 of the rule include a field for birth date entries on the GSA List (now called the EPLS). The Federation observed that birth dates are currently available in company employee databases and are used in other Federal programs to assist in matching identities. The ISDC has been studying the use of birth dates as a potential data entry into the EPLS to confirm the identity of individuals. The collection, use, and dissemination of personal identifier information, such as social security numbers and birth dates, is widely practiced in private and commercial settings. However, when Federal agencies desire to do so, the issue is more complex. Certain statutes designed to protect privacy must be considered. We believe that this suggestion has merit and should be considered as an enhancement to the current system at a later date.

Subpart F

Confirmation of receipt of notice by e-mail. The ABA-PCL expressed general support for expanding the options for delivery of action notices under sections 615, 725, 820 and 975. It noted that e-mail notification, unlike notification by facsimile, is still in an evolutionary stage and may lack the level of certainty that the notice reaches the intended recipient in a timely manner. It suggested that the regulation should require that e-mails be followed up by notice via regular mail, or that the respondent provide the sender with a confirmation of e-mail receipt.

While still an evolving technology, e-mail is not inferior to traditional mail or facsimile as a means to deliver notice. Even current mail with return receipt options does not guarantee that the mail reaches the intended recipient. Many return receipts are returned to the sender as undeliverable or unclaimed. Some are signed by a person whose signature is not legible. The legal system accepts, as legally sufficient, constructive notice to bring a matter to conclusion—knowing that actual receipt by the intended recipient is not guaranteed. This has been equally true in the world of suspension and debarment. Agencies are occasionally faced with claims by respondents who have been debarred that they did not see the notice or decision, or that the facsimile notice was mis-delivered. The current NCR and FAR debarment rules assume receipt if the notice is sent to the last known address. Because the rules allow any debarred person to petition for reinstatement at any time, a person who makes a case for non receipt of notice is not deprived of an opportunity to contest an action or have its status changed. Requiring duplicate mailings or other cumbersome procedures will not significantly increase the chance of actual receipt. It would only lengthen the notification process and deprive the agencies of the ability to take prompt protective action and to conduct business efficiently. Therefore, we did not change this in the final rule.

Scope of action with regard to subsidiaries. The ABA-PCL requested that proposed section 625 be amended to address uncertainty about whether an organization's suspension or debarment automatically covers wholly owned subsidiaries. The 1988 preamble to the NCR contained a detailed explanation of the treatment to be accorded all subsidiaries of a corporation with regard to the scope of a debarment or suspension. See 53 FR 19169 (May 26, 1988). The 1988 NCR, when proposed, would have included subsidiaries automatically within the scope of a suspension or debarment action taken against the parent company. As a result of comments received in 1988, the final NCR removed the term “subsidiaries” from the automatic scope of a suspension or debarment against a parent company. This was, in part, because separately incorporated entities may have different shareholder interests involved that may not be notified of the action. Also, a subsidiary corporation may receive an award in its own name. Procurement and nonprocurement award officials must rely on the EPLS to determine the eligibility status of a potential contractor or participant. There is nothing in the award process that will inform the award official that any potential contractor or participant is, or may be, a subsidiary of another excluded entity—even if all the subsidiary's stock is owned by the excluded entity. Apart from cases where a subsidiary's name may include part of the parent's name, there may be nothing in the EPLS that will cause an award official to associate the potential subsidiary contractor or participant with an excluded parent. For these reasons, the original nonprocurement suspension and debarment final rule elected to treat all subsidiaries as “affiliates.” This means that all entities with a distinct legal identity, including wholly-owned subsidiaries, must be provided with a notice of action, an opportunity to contest, and written determinations. The subsidiary will appear with its own listing to assure that the Government may effectively enforce the EPLS. Parts of a business entity that do not enjoy a separate legal standing, such as unincorporated divisions and branches, are included within the scope of the action against the entity.

Imputing conduct. One commenter observed that a technical reading of section 630 of the proposed rule does not adequately describe imputing conduct from a subsidiary to its parent company or between separate corporate or other business entities other than ( printed page 66539) those engaged in joint ventures. Paragraph (a) of that section refers to imputing conduct from individuals to organizations. Paragraph (b) addresses imputing conduct from organizations to individuals. Paragraph (c) addresses imputing conduct between businesses linked by some form of limited joint venture or agreement.

Many agencies have operated with the understanding that the phrase “or similar arrangement” contained in section 325(b)(3) of the current NCR allows agencies to impute conduct between a subsidiary and its parent company. The proposed rule did not alter the current language of the NCR. However, after reviewing the proposed language, and comments requesting that we redraft this section using plain language (see General comments on plain language format above), we revised section 630 of this final rule to make clear that, for the purpose of suspension or debarment, Federal agencies may impute misconduct from individuals to organizations, from organizations to individuals, from individuals to other individuals, and from organizations to organizations, where appropriate. Section 630(c) of the final rule covers imputing misconduct from any linked organizations, including those linked by a parent-subsidiary relationship. This revised format and style of section 630 will help eliminate ambiguity existing under the current NCR language and make it more understandable to the general public.

We also note that this rule retains the reason to know standard as the appropriate standard for imputing misconduct to individuals under section 630(b). The Circuit Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, in Novicki v. Cook, 946 F.2d 938 (D.C. Cir. 1991), noted that the reason to know standard was not defined in the FAR. Using an analysis of that standard at common law, the Court reasoned that this standard is not one of strict liability or a should have known standard that can be met merely because of an individual's position as president of a corporation. We agree with that interpretation. We also note, as did the Court, that the debarring official in that case had other information in the record, the nature of which could have reasonably supported imputation under the reason to know standard under the right circumstances. Under this rule, if a person in a position of control, influence or authority over a business activity acquires information that suggests misconduct and fails to take action to prevent the misconduct from occurring, or to mitigate the injurious consequences of the misconduct once it has occurred, imputation under the reason to know standard of section 630(b) is appropriate. If a person in authority over a business activity can be shown to have deliberately avoided acquiring information about misconduct that would otherwise reasonably be expected to come to their attention in the ordinary course of performing their duties, they may be deemed to have reason to know of the misconduct under section 630(b).

The reason to know standard of section 630(b) applies to all situations where conduct is to be imputed to an individual. It applies the same standard for imputing conduct between spouses or relatives as it does between an organization and an individual or between unrelated individuals. This section does not authorize imputing conduct from one individual to another in a business activity solely upon the existence of a family or marital relationship between two individuals. Other factors, such as age, experience in the business, education, financial capacity, and organizational or operational independence should be considered along with the relationship before determining that one individual had reason to know of the misconduct of the other. Where no other factors are present to support imputing conduct to a related individual, that individual may still be subject to action as an affiliate, if the appropriate degree of control can be established.

Another commenter suggested that we delete from section 630 the word “scope” to describe application of the imputed conduct provisions and we use the term only with regard to the subject matter addressed in section 625. We agree with that clarification and have revised the initial sentence in section 630 accordingly.

That commenter also suggested that the final rule substitute the words “may be” for the word “is” in the final sentence of paragraphs (a) and (c) of section 630 of the proposed rule. The commenter believed such a change would clarify that acceptance of benefits derived from the conduct in question alone does not create a conclusive presumption upon which to impute conduct. We agree that the mere acceptance of benefits alone would be an insufficient basis upon which to conclude that a person had knowledge of, approved of, or acquiesced in the conduct where evidence suggests otherwise. However, agencies under the Governmentwide debarment and suspension system have always used acceptance of benefits as one indicator of knowledge, approval or acquiescence. A suspending or debarring official, or an official conducting fact-finding in a suspension or debarment action, may weigh the fact of receipt of benefits derived from the conduct against other information available in the record to determine whether a person knew or approved of, or acquiesced in, the conduct in question. Therefore, the language in the proposed rule is accurate and remains in the final rule.

Subparts G and H

One Federal debarring official noted that the language of section 700(a) of the proposed rule generally requires adequate evidence to suspect that a cause for debarment exists as the first part of a two-part test to support a suspension. He observed that the adequate evidence test makes sense so long as the reader applies it to any ground under section 800 other than section 800(a). A cause for debarment under section 800(a) requires the matter to have already progressed to a conviction or judgment. While the language in the proposed rule has existed under the NCR for years without apparent confusion, we agree that either section 800(a) should be stated more generally such as “commission of criminal offense or liability for a civil matter” or section 700 should distinguish between suspensions based on causes under section 800(a) and those based on causes under sections 800(b) through (d). To keep the causes for debarment under the FAR and this rule consistent, we elected not to alter the language of section 800(a) in this final rule. But to improve the clarity with respect to suspensions for actions that have not yet progressed to a judgment or conviction, we divided proposed section 700(a) into two paragraphs (a) and (b). Section 700(a) of the final rule relates to suspensions based upon indictment, complaint or other adequate evidence to support criminal or civil matters that may ultimately fall under section 800(a). Section 700(b) of the final rule relates to adequate evidence of any other cause for debarment. Proposed section 700(b) becomes section 700(c) in this final rule.

Fact-finding proceedings versus presenting matters in opposition. A few commenters found proposed rule sections 740 and 835 confusing because while these sections address meetings held with the suspending or debarring official to present matters in opposition, the final sentence of each section relates to taking witness testimony and conducting cross-examination. These matters apply to fact-finding proceedings, not presentation of matters in opposition. Fact-finding proceedings are addressed in sections 745 and 840. ( printed page 66540) Therefore, we moved the language relating to witness testimony and cross-examination from sections 740 and 835 of the proposed rule to sections 745 and 840, respectively, in this final rule. In addition, in response to another agency comment, we clarified the provisions under those sections so that it is clear that fact-finding privileges of presenting witnesses, evidence and other information, or cross-examination of any witnesses, or confrontation of evidence and information presented, is equally available to respondents and the government representatives at those proceedings.

One commenter requested that we revise sections 740(b) and 845(c) to permit the suspending or debarring official to refer both disputed facts and issues of law to another official for resolution. The Governmentwide suspension and debarment provisions under the FAR and the NCR provide only for submitting material facts genuinely in dispute to another official for resolution. In some agencies, the debarring official is in the Office of General Counsel, in other cases, the General Counsel's Office may review the decision before issuance or may advise the debarring official on legal matters while the matter is pending. Each agency has the discretion to decide, and must determine for itself, how it will handle legal issues in the context of debarment or suspension actions. We believe it is in the best interest of the Government to continue that practice. Furthermore, changing the proposed language in accordance with this request would place the NCR at odds with the requirements for suspension and debarment under the FAR. Accordingly, we made no change.

One commenter suggested that the final rule clarify whether disputes over mitigating or aggravating factors would entitle a respondent to a fact-finding proceeding. The current interpretation and practice of the agencies in suspension and debarment actions under both the FAR and NCR is that a respondent is entitled to a fact-finding proceeding on material facts in genuine dispute only with regard to establishing a cause for debarment or suspension. As a practical matter, the regulation does not preclude a suspending or debarring official from using a fact-finding proceeding to address aggravating or mitigating factors in dispute if he or she finds it helpful in reaching a final decision. We left the final rule unchanged to avoid creating an appearance of differing standards for fact-finding between the NCR and the FAR.

Time limits for decision. One commenter suggested that we amend sections 755 and 870 to require that the suspending or debarring official make a final decision within 45 days of closing the official record, even in cases where fact-finding is conducted. Currently under the NCR, the 45-day time limit for the suspending or debarring official's decision only applies to cases in which no fact-finding is required. The proposed rule did not alter that requirement. However, since the suspending or debarring official does not close the record in any case until after he or she receives the needed information, including the fact-finder's findings, there is no reason for the suspending or debarring official to treat these cases differently. Accordingly, sections 755 and 870(a) have been revised to set a 45-day period for final decision in all cases, subject to extension for good cause.

Petitions for reconsideration. One commenter recommended that either section 875 or 880 incorporate a minimum six month waiting period before a debarred person may petition the debarring official for reconsideration of its period or scope of debarment. We believe there are many reasons that may justify an adjustment of the period or scope of a debarment within six months of issuance of the initial decision. For example, the debarring official may have overlooked important information in the record, or the debarred person may be able to establish present responsibility shortly after a debarment is issued. Unlike the 45-day time limit imposed upon the debarring official in rendering the initial determination, no such time limit is imposed in handling requests for reconsideration under these sections. The debarring official has significant discretion in, and control over, handling requests for reconsideration. Debarring officials can use that discretion in dealing with reconsideration requests, including frivolous requests, without minimum waiting periods. In a close case, a minimum waiting period could discourage a debarring official from imposing a debarment if a company has made an incomplete demonstration of present responsibility. In addition, it can have a harsh result on the company that addresses Government concerns promptly. Most agencies do not appear to have experienced significant problems handling reconsideration requests. Accordingly, the final rule does not include a mandatory minimum waiting period for reconsideration.

Subpart I

Define “procurement”. One commenter recommended adding a definition of the term “procurement” in Subpart I to clarify which lower tier transactions are covered transactions. The commenter suggested defining “procurement” as the acquisition of supplies and services by contract with a commercial entity, to help distinguish lower tier procurement transactions from subawards made by research institutions to collaborating research organizations.

We understand the importance of distinguishing procurement transactions, which are covered transactions at lower tiers only if they meet the criteria under section 220 of the rule, from nonprocurement transactions that are more broadly covered under section 210. Adding a definition of the term “procurement” to this rule would be warranted if confusion was prevalent among Federal agencies or participant communities about the distinction between procurement and nonprocurement. However, we do not believe this is the case. The definition of “subgrant” and “subaward” in Federal agencies’ implementation of OMB Circulars A-102 and A-110, respectively, provide an adequate basis for most agencies and participant communities to make the distinction. Specifically, a lower tier transaction is a nonprocurement transaction subject to section 210 if the transaction's purpose is to have the lower tier participant perform any part of the substantive program from the Federal agency's primary tier transaction. If it meets this criterion, the lower tier transaction is a nonprocurement transaction even if the higher tier participant calls the transaction a “contract.” In contrast, the lower tier transaction is procurement subject to section 220 if its purpose is the acquisition of goods or services needed by a performer, at any tier, of the substantive program. While we do not believe that adding a definition of “procurement” is necessary in this Governmentwide rule, any Federal agency may add clarifying language in its own rule if it judges that doing so is warranted for its programs. Also, a participant may seek guidance from the awarding Federal agency if necessary.

Conviction. One commenter requested clarification of the term “entry” of judgment as it relates to the definition of “conviction” in section 925. Under Rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, a conviction is not final until the entry of a final order. Therefore, a criminal conviction does not exist to ( printed page 66541) support a cause for debarment under section 800(a) until the court signs the Judgment, Commitment or Probation Order (or its equivalent). The proposed rule sought to address this definition so that agencies would be free to conclude debarment proceedings where a defendant enters a guilty plea or a guilty verdict is returned but judgment is withheld, delayed, or diverted pursuant to an alternative sentence or disposition. Accordingly, the proposed rule expanded the definition to focus on the practical reality of the criminal proceeding's conclusion, rather than the technical requirement that a judgment be “entered.”

While acknowledging the legitimacy of the Government's desire to finalize debarment proceedings in criminal matters concluded under special terms without the benefit of a formal entry of judgment, the ABA-PCL expressed concern that the proposed definition, as written, is so broad that it would capture dispositions that are not the functional equivalent of a finding or pronouncement of guilt. It observed that the contexts for such alternate dispositions vary from case to case, and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and that failure to add some boundaries to the expanded definition might discourage resolution of some cases in a way that is beneficial to the Government and the affected person. The ABA-PCL suggested that the phrase “or any other resolution” in the proposed definition be subject to some limitation reflective of an admission or finding of guilt before being treated as a ground for debarment. We believe the ABA-PCL's concern is appropriate. Accordingly, the definition of “conviction” in the final rule is revised to provide that an alternative disposition to a criminal entry of a judgment will be treated as the functional equivalent of a judgment if it occurs with the participation of the court; or in a case that involves only an agreement with the prosecutor, if it occurs in the context of an admission of guilt. In making this assessment, the debarring official should consider the entire context of the disposition or resolution, including the nature of the obligations imposed on or accepted by the person, and any official statements made regarding the alternate disposition. Where a person is suspended upon commencement of criminal proceedings which are later held in abeyance to satisfy the terms of an alternative disposition, and the alternative disposition does not qualify as the functional equivalent of a conviction, the suspension may continue until the criminal matter is concluded under NCR section 760(a).

Person. The ABA-PCL also questioned whether it is practical to continue including a “unit of government” within the definition of person for the purpose of taking suspension or debarment actions. The commenter notes that units of government often have a unique status in Federal agency programs that make their suspension or debarment impractical. We acknowledge that there is often a unique relationship between the governmental organizations that might dissuade a Federal agency from choosing to debar a governmental body from Federal nonprocurement transactions. However, that is not true for all Federal transactions, or for all units of government. Federal suspending and debarring officials have sufficient discretion and options available when dealing with units of government or their employees that allow the official to consider all relevant factors. We do not believe that the Federal Government's interest in protecting its nonprocurement programs would be enhanced by eliminating all units of government from the definition of “person.” Such an approach would, in effect, create an exemption from coverage and create a void of oversight and accountability for many special bodies of government that receive Federal funds and benefits. Therefore, the definition of “person” remains unchanged in the final rule.

Principal. The ABA-PCL also expressed concern that the definition of the term “principal” in proposed section 995(b)(3) is so broad as to potentially result in making it impossible for an individual to find employment in their given field. Proposed section 995(b)(3) includes any person who “occupies a technical or professional position capable of influencing the development or outcome of an activity that affects a covered transaction.” The ABA-PCL suggests that this should be narrowed to cover an employee who “occupies a technical or professional position capable of directly and substantially influencing the development or outcome of an activity required under a covered transaction.” We agree that the definition of “principal” in proposed section 995(b)(3) should be narrowed in an effort to cover critical non-supervisory/managerial positions. However, use of the term “directly” may confuse the reader to believe that the exclusion will apply only to positions that are charged as a direct cost to the covered transaction. As noted in the 1988 preamble to the NCR, the Government rejects the direct/indirect cost analysis as being a valid basis upon which to apply the exclusion. In addition, the ABA-PCL's suggested phrase “required under a covered transaction” could be read to require that the product or service must be specifically mentioned in the award, agreement or transaction. It is the intent of this rule to cover any important service or product that is required to perform the award, whether or not it is directly specified in it. Accordingly, we altered the definition of “principal” in section 995(b)(3) of the final rule to apply to any person who “* * * Occupies a technical or professional position capable of substantially influencing the development or outcome of an activity required to perform the covered transaction.” (Emphasis added.)

Fundamental concepts that still apply under this rule. In addition to addressing the comments raised during the comment period in this rulemaking, we identified important concepts that were addressed in the preamble to the original NCR, or that evolved since its publication, that still apply under this final rule. They are being restated here to preserve them and to provide useful guidance on the interpretation and application of this rule.

Protection not punishment. Suspension and debarment are administrative actions taken to protect the Government's business interests. It should not be used to punish persons for past misconduct or to coerce a respondent to resolve other criminal, civil or administrative matters. While suspension and debarment will frequently occur as a result of, or at the same time as other proceedings, and may even be highly dependent upon the resolution of those other proceedings, suspension and debarment are not alternatives for using traditional means of resolving matters in the appropriate forum. Notwithstanding this precaution, the suspending and debarring official may resolve any matter otherwise appropriate for suspension or debarment under the terms of a comprehensive or global agreement that addresses criminal, civil, enforcement, audit, contract dispute, or other proceeding collateral to it when in the best interest of the Government to do so.

It is important for suspending and debarring officials to use balance and sound business judgment in ascertaining whether to use suspension and debarment to address a matter. Where other administrative remedies are available, such as disallowing costs or recovery of sums by set-off, filing of civil claims, or various contractual or ( printed page 66542) audit options exist, the suspending or debarring official should consider whether those remedies may be more appropriate under the circumstances, or whether to await the outcome of those procedures before using the suspension or debarment option.

Covered transactions and principals. While much of the NCR is drafted in terms of an “award” being made by the Government or a participant, it is important to note that the concept of covered transactions is much broader than relationships or benefits that are conferred through traditional vehicles such as grants, cooperative agreements, direct loans, or contracts and subcontracts under them. Loan guarantees, technical assistance, approvals, some licenses and other privileges or events, not necessarily involving an award of money, are covered transactions. Where money is part of the equation, the direct or indirect nature of a participant's cost does not govern whether the transaction is a “covered transaction.” This is because many critical services, such as professional fees for legal, accounting, engineering and other services may be charged as an indirect cost to the nonprocurement transaction, but the services of that individual or entity are still critical to performance. For example, an accountant or accounting firm that is debarred for misconduct may be ineligible to perform audit services for a grantee under a covered transaction even though the accounting services are to be charged by the participant as an indirect cost to its grant.

Even where a participant provides services under a covered transaction that is being serviced by a volunteer who has been suspended or debarred, the prohibition on the participant's use of that volunteer in the capacity of a principal will apply to the covered transaction.

Where the NCR is otherwise silent, each agency may describe in its own rule those special transactions it regards as “covered transactions,” and the services that when performed on behalf of a participant are those of a “principal.” Failure to do so may limit the agency's ability to apply the person's exclusion to or within the transaction.

Jurisdiction to debar versus the effect of debarment. It is important to separate the questions: “Who may an agency suspend or debar?” and “What is the excluded person suspended or debarred from?” The definition of “person” in section 985 and the authority stated under section 135 of this rule answer the first question. An agency may suspend or debar any individual or entity that may reasonably be expected to be involved in a covered transaction. The authority to take action against any person that may be “ * * * reasonably expected to be involved in a covered transaction,” is not intended to operate as a limitation on an agency's ability to protect itself. On the contrary, this rule gives agencies broad authority to take action to protect public programs against any individual or entity that presents a rational business risk to the Government's nonprocurement programs. The answer to the second question is that the suspended or debarred person is excluded from being a principal or participant in any nonprocurement covered transaction that is not exempt from coverage under the NCR (see section 215). Federal agencies can freely enter into exempt transactions without checking the EPLS, collecting certifications or assurances, or conditioning the award upon non-debarment or suspension. Transactions that are exempt from coverage include entitlements such as certain social security, disability, or welfare benefits, etc. Exempt transactions also include benefits a person receives that are incidental in nature, such as benefits flowing to sellers of a primary residence when the sale is financed by an FHA loan, or benefits that occur as a result of normal government operations, such as insurance on deposits in Federal banks, use of the postal services, and public use of national parks and recreation areas. It is important for agencies to distinguish when a beneficiary of a transaction is an intended beneficiary (not necessarily the principal or primary beneficiary) and when a person is an incidental beneficiary.

An agency is not precluded from suspending or debarring any person just because that person happens to be a participant in one of these non-covered transactions. Indeed, an agency may even suspend or debar that person for misconduct that occurs during performance of one of those exempt or non-covered transactions, e.g., engaging in mail fraud, or violating an environmental permit.

Serious violations of health, safety and environmental laws and regulations. Although the causes for debarment do not specifically identify by name various violations that threaten the health and safety of workers or threaten the environment, serious violations of these laws and regulations have always been subject to suspension or debarment under several provisions, including section 305(a)(4) and/or (d) of the NCR (now section 800(a)(4) and/or (d)). Any violation of law, regulation or agreement; or any conduct, failure to perform or other event that seriously threatens a Federal nonprocurement or procurement activity, is subject to potential suspension and debarment under this rule. On December 27, 2001, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council issued a final rule (see 66 FR 66986-66990), revoking the December 20, 2000 amendments to the FAR that included, among other things, a contractor's health, safety and environmental record in the contract officer's pre-award responsibility review. In so doing, the FAR Council acknowledged that the Governmentwide suspension and debarment system is the most effective and appropriate forum to address serious concerns about a contractor's or participant's responsibility for violations of this nature.

Transactions in foreign countries. The prohibitions against using suspended or debarred persons in covered transactions applies equally to transactions entered into by Federal agencies or participants in foreign countries. So long as the transaction is one involving U.S. Executive branch resources or benefits, the protection afforded by the exclusion applies no matter where the covered transaction occurs. The state or country of incorporation, registration, or principal place of business of an excluded entity is irrelevant to its coverage. The prohibition would not apply, however, if the transaction is exempt because it is an award to a foreign government entity as described in section 215(a).

Lead agency. Lead agency is not a jurisdictional concept. It is an administrative procedure employed by the Federal agencies to bring efficiency, focus and coordination of resources to bear on any matter which may touch the interests and expertise of several agencies. A respondent has no right to have any particular agency act as lead agency in a suspension or debarment action. While section 620 of this rule allows for agencies to coordinate their interests and select a lead agency, failure to do so does not invalidate the actions of the agency that handles the matter. The ISDC, under its authority in sections 4 and 5 of E.O. 12549, uses flexible and informal procedures to coordinate actions and assist in selecting a lead agency.

Submission of applications, bids and proposals versus award. Questions often arise as to an excluded person's eligibility to submit a bid, application or proposal for or under a covered transaction where the bidder, applicant or offeror expects its suspension or ( printed page 66543) debarment to end prior to the award date. The NCR, like the FAR, precludes awards to excluded persons. Since eligibility for award is determined at that time, in most procurement and nonprocurement transactions, agencies often accept bids, applications or proposals subject to an eligibility determination on the date of award. However, this rule does not require that agencies do so. Each agency must determine for itself whether to accept or consider bids, applications or offers submitted by an excluded person when there is a possibility that an exclusion may end or be removed before the date of award. There may be little danger in considering these submissions where it is clear from the EPLS that a debarment will end on a date certain. However, where a suspension is in place, or the debarred person is anticipating a favorable ruling on a petition for early reinstatement prior to award, caution is advised. In any event, it is the prerogative of the awarding agency to decide whether and under what conditions it will accept or consider bids, applications or proposals under these circumstances.

What constitutes a new “award?” Once a person is excluded under this rule, it is important to note that the exclusion applies to awards or transactions entered into on or after the date of the exclusion. Because of the varying types of agreements and contracts that may exist, it is not always easy to determine whether a transaction is part of an existing award or if it is a new award subject to the exclusion. As a rule of thumb, if the transaction in question requires the approval of the party awarding the transaction or conferring the benefit, the transaction is a new award, and subject to the prohibition on using excluded persons. If the transaction is part of a larger agreement and the legal obligation and authority to provide goods or services are already in place, the transaction may be regarded as a preexisting transaction. No-cost time extensions under existing awards can be treated as part of the existing award at the option of the agency granting it.

Evidence of misconduct versus mere suspicion. Suspension or debarment may not be imposed upon mere suspicion of misconduct. While the procedures under this rule do not require suspending or debarring officials to follow formal rules of evidence in making decisions, they require that certain standards of proof of misconduct be met in order to suspend or debar a person. These standards (adequate evidence for suspension and preponderance of the evidence for debarment) require that the suspending or debarring official base his or her decision on an appropriate quality of information, according to the circumstances at hand, so as to preclude suspending or debarring a person on the basis of empty speculation or on mere suspicion of wrongdoing.

Suspension, adequate evidence and immediate need. The standard for suspension is a two part test. First, the suspending official must have adequate evidence that a cause for debarment exists. Second, the suspending official must conclude that immediate action is necessary to protect Federal interests. In a criminal case, the adequate evidence test is met by the presence of an indictment or information. Suspensions based upon evidence other than an indictment are common during the course of an investigation when the information available to the suspending official is sufficient to support a reasonable belief that an act or omission has occurred. In some cases, evidence may be made available to the suspending official that is sensitive to an ongoing investigation. The suspending official may have to review the evidence in camera and be unable to disclose the evidence to a suspended respondent. In such cases, it is important that the suspension notice contain enough information so that the respondent can make a meaningful presentation of matters in opposition, since a fact-finding proceeding is likely to be denied to resolve material facts in dispute. In any event, the record must contain the evidence that was considered in issuing the suspension.

Even in cases where an indictment is present, the suspending official must determine that immediate action is necessary to protect Federal interests before imposing a suspension. As noted in the preamble to the proposed changes to this rule, the determination of “immediate need” does not require that the suspending official issue a separate finding. As stated by the court in Coleman American Moving Services, Inc. v. Weinberger, 716 F. Supp. 1405 (M.D. Ala. 1989), immediate need is a conclusion that a suspending official may draw from inferences made from the facts and circumstances present. In cases of serious crimes such as fraud against the Government, or criminal activity that threatens the health and safety of individuals, immediate need may be obvious. In other cases, however, a suspending official's determination of immediate need may not be as clear. It is, therefore, important that the suspending official's record be sufficient for a reviewing court to ascertain why immediate action was deemed prudent. In this regard the term “immediate” does not connote that future misconduct, loss, or injury is probable. A suspending official may conclude that immediate action is needed based on what a reasonably prudent business person would be expected to do given the risk potential under the circumstances.

It is also important to note that the standard of evidence for issuing a suspension does not change merely because the respondent contests the action and is able to marshal some information that conflicts with information the Government has provided to the suspending official. In cases where an investigation is still underway, particularly when fact-finding is not to be conducted at the request of the prosecuting officials, the suspending official must be careful not to apply the debarment standard of preponderance of the evidence when deciding whether to continue the suspension. To do so would place the Government at a disadvantage and bring the suspension decision out of context with its goal of temporary protection pending the outcome of an investigation or legal proceedings. Unless the respondent is able to nullify the evidentiary basis for the suspension without regard to resolving disputed material facts, the Government's evidence may remain adequate to support the action. However, a respondent may still attempt to have a suspension removed by addressing the Government's immediate interests that are at risk. If the respondent can demonstrate that the respondent has taken protective action to eliminate, or reduce to an acceptable level, the Government's risk pending completion of the investigation or legal proceedings, the suspending official may terminate a suspension even though there is adequate evidence to support a suspension.

Impact Analysis—Executive Order 12866

The participating agencies have examined the economic implications of this final rule as required by Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review.” Executive Order 12866 directs agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 12866 classifies a rule as significant if it meets any one of a number of specified conditions, ( printed page 66544) including: Having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million, adversely affecting a sector of the economy in a material way, adversely affecting competition, or adversely affecting jobs. A regulation is also considered a significant regulatory action if it raises novel legal or policy issues.

Although the participating agencies have determined that this final rule does not meet the economic significance threshold of $100 million effect on the economy in any one year under Section 3(f)(1), the Office of Management and Budget has reviewed this final rule as a significant regulatory action under the Executive Order.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)) requires that, for each rule with a “significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,” an analysis must be prepared describing the rule's impact on small entities and identifying any significant alternatives to the rule that would minimize the economic impact on small entities.

The participating agencies certify that this rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule addresses Federal agency procedures for suspension and debarment. It clarifies current requirements under the Nonprocurement Common Rule for Debarment and Suspension by reorganizing information and presenting that information in a plain language, question-and-answer format.

C. Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995

The Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) requires agencies to prepare several analytic statements before proposing any rule that may result in annual expenditures of $100 million by State, local, Indian Tribal governments or the private sector. Since this rule does not result in expenditures of this magnitude, the participating agencies certify that such statements are not necessary.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

The participating agencies certify that this rule does not impose additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996

This rule is not a major rule as defined by section 251 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, (5 U.S.C. 804). This rule will not: Result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; result in an increase in cost or prices; or have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to compete with foreign-based companies in domestic and export markets.

F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

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

Text of the Final Common Rules

The text of the final common rules appear below:

1. [Part/Subpart]_is revised to read as follows:

( printed page 66557)

2. [Part/Subpart] is added to read as follows:

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

5 CFR Part 970

RIN 3206-AJ31

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Sections 3017.765 and 3017.890 supplement the procedures in the common rule for contesting the decision of the suspending or debarring official by allowing for a further appeal of the decision of the suspending or debarring official, made in response to a contested suspension or debarment, to an administrative law judge (“ALJ”) of the Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). While at present adopting those provisions as they were proposed on January 23, 2002, USDA seeks further comment on whether these provisions are necessary or add substantive value to the suspension and debarment process.

These provisions originally were included in the current USDA nonprocurement suspension and debarment regulation (7 CFR 3017.515) because it was thought that the courts would give more deference to the findings of an ALJ than to those of an executive branch agency's suspending or debarring official. That has not been the experience of USDA, and in fact the decisions of other executive agencies without appeal from decisions made by the suspending or debarring official under the contest provision in the common rule have withstood judicial scrutiny. Accordingly, since the common rule does not require appeal to an ALJ, USDA is considering removing sections 3017.765 and 3017.890 in the final rule in order to eliminate an unnecessary, time-consuming, and costly stage of litigation.

Section 3017.935(b) and 3017.1010(b) of the proposed rule would have authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to delegate the authority to be the debarring or suspending official, respectively, to the Administrators of USDA program agencies, who further would have been authorized to redelegate that authority except for the authority to make a final debarment or suspension decision. The proposed rule, if adopted as final, would have had the effect of repealing the authority in the current rule in 7 CFR 3017.105 authorizing the Chief of the Forest Service to redelegate the authority to make final debarment or suspension decisions to the Deputy Chief or an Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System. In the interim final rule, USDA is revising the text of sections 3017.935(b) and 3017.1010(b) to preserve the authority of the Chief of the Forest Service to redelegate his authority to the Deputy Chief or an Associate Deputy Chief. Since this is a rule of internal agency management, notice and comment for this change is ( printed page 66563) not required. The text is also revised to reflect the delegation to the head of an organizational unit of the Department, instead of an administrator, because not all organizational units of the Department are headed by an administrator. Some additional changes to the proposed rule language are made in this interim final rule to improve grammar and conform to the plain English model of regulatory drafting.

For the reasons stated in the common preamble, the United States Department of Agriculture amends 7 CFR chapter XXX, as follows:

1. Part 3017 is revised to read as set forth in instruction 1 at the end of the common preamble.

2. Part 3017 is further amended as set forth below:

a. “[Agency noun]” is removed and “Department of Agriculture” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

b. “[Agency adjective]” is removed and “Department of Agriculture” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

c. “[Agency head or designee]” is removed and “the Secretary of Agriculture or designee” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

3. Section 3017.50 is further amended by adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (c) to read as follows:

4. Section 3017.215 is further amended by adding paragraphs (h) through (p) to read as follows:

5. Section 3017.220 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

6. Section 3017.440 is added to read as follows:

7. Section 3017.755 is further amended by adding a sentence at the end to read as follows:

8. Section 3017.765 is added to subpart G to read as follows:

9. Section 3017.800 is further amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:

10. Section 3017.870 is further amended by adding a sentence at the end of paragraph (a) to read as follows:

11. Section 3017.890 is added to subpart H to read as follows:

12. Section 3017.935 is further amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:

13. Section 3017.1010 is further amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:

14. Part 3021 is added to read as set forth in instruction 2 at the end of the common preamble.

15. Part 3021 is further amended as set forth below:

a. “[Agency noun]” is removed and “Department of Agriculture” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

b. “[Agency adjective]” is removed and “Department of Agriculture” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

c. “[Agency head or designee]” is removed and “the Secretary of Agriculture or designee” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

d. “[Agency head]” is removed and “the Secretary of Agriculture” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

16. Section 3021.510(c) is further amended by removing “[CFR citation for the Federal Agency's regulations implementing Executive Order 12549 and Executive Order 12689]” and adding “7 CFR part 3017” in its place.

17. Section 3021.605(a)(2) is further amended by removing “[Agency-specific CFR citation]” and adding “ 7 CFR part 3016” in its place.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 606, 607 and 1036

RIN 1991-AB56

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Cynthia G. Yee, 202-586-1140; cynthia.yee@hq.doe.gov.

For the reason stated in the common preamble, and under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. and 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq., the Department of Energy amends 10 CFR Chapters II and X, as follows.

1. Part 606 is added to subchapter H to read as set forth in instruction 1 at the end of the common preamble.

2. Part 606 is further amended as set forth below.

a. “[Agency noun]” is removed and “Department of Energy” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

b. “[Agency adjective]” is removed and “DOE” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

c. “[Agency head or designee]” is removed and “Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions” are added in its place wherever it occurs.

3. Section 606.440 is added to read as follows:

4. Section 606.746 is added to read as follows:

5. Section 606.836 is added to read as follows:

6. Section 606.910 is further amended by adding a definition for Department of Energy in alphabetical order to read as follows:

7. Section 606.935 is further amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:

8. Section 606.1010 is further amended by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:

9. Part 607 is added to subchapter H to read as set forth in instruction 2 at the end of the common preamble.

10. Part 607 is further amended as set forth below.

a. “[Agency noun]” is removed and “Department of Energy” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

b. “[Agency adjective]” is removed and “DOE” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

c. “[Agency head or designee]” is removed and “Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, DOE, for DOE actions, and Director, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management, NNSA, for NNSA actions” are added in its place wherever it occurs.

d. “[Agency head]” is removed and “Secretary of Energy” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

11. Section 607.510(c) is further amended by removing “[CFR citation for the Federal agency's regulations implementing Executive order 12549 and Executive Order 12689]” and adding “10 CFR Part 606” in its place.

12. Section 607.605(a)(2) is further amended by removing “[Agency-specific CFR citation]” and adding “ 10 CFR Part 600” in its place.

13. Section 607.645 is further amended by adding the definition for Department of Energy in alphabetical order to read as follows:

14. Part 1036 is removed.

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

12 CFR Part 413

RIN 3048-ZA03

ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to Howard Schweitzer, Assistant General Counsel for Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, 811 Vermont Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20571, or to howard.schweitzer@exim.gov.

( printed page 66610)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Department of Education (ED) did not receive any comments on its adoption of the common rule. We adopt as the final suspension and debarment regulation of ED the common rule as proposed by ED in its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (January 23, 2002 (67 FR 3326-333)).

Generally, in the NPRM ED made changes and additions to the common rule to ensure that ED's programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), were protected as they have been in the past under ED's adoption of the original common rule. See the NPRM at 67 FR 3326 for a complete description of the ED changes to the Common Rule. The Secretary also chose to adopt the common rule so that procurement transactions below a nonprocurement transaction are covered under ED programs at any tier if the transaction equals or exceeds $25,000 or requires consent of the Department. The Secretary has also clarified some of the common rule definitions in the context of the HEA.

Because this final rule reorganizes part 85 of title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), some of the cross references to this part in parts 668 and 682 of the CFR are obsolete. Therefore, the Secretary makes conforming amendments to parts 668 and 682 of the CFR so they refer to the proper provisions in part 85.

Electronic Access to This Document

You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/​legislation/​FedRegister.

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

Note:

The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register . Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the CFR is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/​nara/​index.html (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.032 Federal Family Education Loan Program)

For the reasons stated in the common preamble and in the specific preamble of the Department of Education (ED), the Secretary amends title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations by adding part 84, revising part 85, and amending parts 668 and 682 to read as follows:

1. Part 84 is added to read as set forth in instruction 2 at the end of the common preamble.

2. Part 84 is further amended as follows:

a. “[Agency noun]” is removed and “Department of Education” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

b. “[Agency adjective]” is removed and “ED” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

c. “[Agency head or designee]” is removed and “ED Deciding Official” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

d. “[Agency head]” is removed and “ED Deciding Official” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

3. Section 84.510(c) is further amended by removing “[CFR citation for the Federal Agency's regulations implementing Executive Order 12549 and Executive Order 12689]” and adding “34 CFR part 85” in its place.

4. Section 84.605(a)(2) is further amended by removing “[Agency-specific CFR citation]” and adding “ 34 CFR part 85” in its place.

5. Each section in part 84 is further amended by adding to the end of each section the following authority citation to read:

( printed page 66611) Authority: E.O.s 12549 and 12689; 20 U.S.C. 1082, 1094, 1221e-3 and 3474; and Sec. 2455, Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243 at 3327.

6. Part 85 is revised to read as provided in instruction 1 at the end of the common preamble:

7. Part 85 is further amended as follows:

a. “[Agency noun]” is removed and “Department of Education” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

b. “[Agency adjective]” is removed and “ED” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

c. “[Agency head or designee]” is removed and “ED Deciding Official” is added in its place wherever it occurs.

d. Each section in part 85 is further amended by adding to the end of each section the following authority citation to read:

Authority: E.O. 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp., p. 189); E.O 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235); 20 U.S.C. 1082, 1094, 1221e-3 and 3474; and Sec. 2455, Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3243 at 3327.

8. Section 85.220 is further amended by adding new paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows.

9. Section 85.310 is further amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

10. Section 85.315 is further amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

11. Section 85.415 is further amended by adding a new paragraph (c) to read as follows.

12. Subpart D of part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.440 to read as follows:

13. Subpart F of part 85 is further amended by adding a new § 85.611 to read as follows:

14. Subpart F of Part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.612 to read as follows:

15. Subpart G is amended by adding a new § 85.711, to read as follows:

16. Subpart H is amended by adding a new § 85.811 to read as follows:

17. Subpart I of part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.942 to read as follows:

18. Subpart I of part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.952 to read as follows:

19. Section 85.995 is further amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:

20. Subpart I of part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.1016 to read as follows:

21. Subpart I of part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.1017 to read as follows:

22. Subpart I of part 85 is further amended by adding § 85.1018 to read as follows:

23. The appendix to part 85 is amended by removing and reserving the Covered Transaction Chart and by adding a Covered Transactions for ED Chart to read as follows.

Appendix to Part 85—Covered Transactions for ED Covered Transactions—[Reserved]

( printed page 66615)

24. The authority citation for part 668 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002, 1003, 1085, 1088, 1091, 1092, 1094, 1099c, and 1099c-1, unless otherwise noted.

25. Amend § 668.82 as follows:

a. In paragraph (e)(1)(i)(B), by removing the words “Cause exists under 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405” and adding, in their place, the words “Cause exists under 34 CFR 85.700 or 85.800”.

b. In paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2)(i), by removing the citation “ 34 CFR 85.201(c)” and adding, in its place, the citation “34 CFR 85.612(d)”.

26. The authority citation for part 682 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1071 to 1087-2, unless otherwise noted.

27. Amend § 682.416(d)(1)(ii)(B) by removing the words “cause under 34 CFR 85.305 or 85.405” and adding, in their place, the words “cause under 34 CFR 85.700 or 85.800.”

28. Amend § 682.705 by removing paragraph (a)(3).

NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION

36 CFR Parts 1209 and 1212

RIN 3095-AB04