Revise and Streamline VA Acquisition Regulation To Adhere to Federal Acquisition Regulation Principles (VAAR Case 2014-V002)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final the proposed amendments to VA regulations. This rulemaking prescribes five new Economic Price Adjustment clauses for firm-fixed-price contracts, identifies VA's task-order and delivery-order ombudsman, clarifies the nature and use of consignment agreements, adds policy coverage on bond premium adjustments and insurance under fixed-price contracts, and provides for indemnification of contractors for medical research or development contracts. This document adopts the proposed rule published on March 13, 2017, as a final rule with five technical non-substantive changes.