SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

This final rule amends the FAR to clarify the prescriptions at FAR 29.401 for use of FAR clauses 52.229-3, Federal, State, and Local Taxes; 52.229-4, Federal, State, and Local Taxes (State and Local Adjustments). In addition, the rule deletes the clause at 52.229-5, Taxes—Contracts Performed in U.S. Possessions or Puerto Rico, and moves the definition of “local taxes” from the clause at 52.229-5 to the clauses at 52.229-3 and 52.229-4, and updates the definition by adding U.S. territories and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which are no longer considered possessions of the United States.

DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 67 FR 38552, June 4, 2002. Two sources ( printed page 13205) submitted comments in response to the proposed rule. The first respondent recommended adding the word “contingency” in 29.401-3(b) for clarity. The Councils adopted the intent of the respondent's recommendation for paragraph (b) for clarity and consistency with the clause language at 52.229-4(c). Another commenter recommended that the FAR be further amended to address payment of property tax on equipment rented or leased by the Government. That comment was outside the scope of the case and no action was taken.

This is not a significant regulatory action, and therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certify that this final rule will not 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 merely clarifies existing language.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the FAR do not impose information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 29 and 52 as set forth below:

1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 29 and 52 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c).

2. In section 29.305, revise paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:

3. Revise the heading and text of section 29.401-3 to read as follows:

4. Remove sections 29.401-4 and 29.401-5, and redesignate section 29.401-6 as 29.401-4.

5. Amend section 52.229-3 as follows:

a. Revise the date of the clause;

b. Revise paragraph (a) introductory text; and

c. In paragraph (a), amend the definitions “Contract date”, “All applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties”, “After-imposed Federal tax”, and “After-relieved Federal tax” by removing “, as used in this clause,” and placing these definitions in alphabetical order; and add, in alphabetical order, the definition “Local taxes”.

The revised and added text read as follows:

6. Amend section 52.229-4 as follows:

(a) Revise the section and clause headings; and the introductory paragraph;

(b) Revise paragraph (a) introductory text;

(c) In paragraph (a), place the definitions “Contract date”, “All applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties”, “After-imposed tax”, “After-relieved tax”, and “Excepted tax” in alphabetical order and amend by removing “, as used in this clause;” and add, in alphabetical order, the definition “Local taxes”.

The revised and added text read as follows:

7. Remove and reserve section 52.229-5.

8. Amend section 52.229-10 as follows: a. Amend the introductory text by removing “29.401-6(b)” and adding “29.401-4(b)” in its place; b. Revise the date of the clause; and c. Amend paragraph (h) by removing “29.401-6(b)(1)” and adding “29.401-4(b)(1)” in its place.

The revised text reads as follows:

68 FR 13204