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AGENCIES:

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

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to implement Section 812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Pub. L. 107-314). Section 812 extends the test of the special simplified procedures for purchases of commercial items greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, but not exceeding $5,000,000, until January 1, 2004.

DATES:

Effective Date: January 1, 2003.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to Start Printed Page 80321status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Victoria Moss, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-4764. Please cite FAC 2001-11, FAR case 2002-028.

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

This final rule amends FAR Subpart 13.5 to implement Section 812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (Pub. L. 107-314). Section 812 amends Section 4202(e) of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (Divisions D and E of Pub. L. 104-106; 110 Stat. 654; 10 U.S.C. 2304 note) to extend through January 1, 2004, the expiration of the test of special simplified procedures for purchases of commercial items greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, but not exceeding $5,000,000.

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 Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to this rule. This final rule does not constitute a significant FAR revision within the meaning of FAR 1.501 and Public Law 98-577, and publication for public comments is not required. However, the Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR Part 13 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 2001-11, FAR case 2002-028), in correspondence.

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.

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List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 13

• Government procurement

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Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR part 13 as set forth below:

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PART 13—SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES

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1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 13 continues to read as follows:

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

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2. Amend section 13.500 by removing from the first sentence of paragraph (d) “January 1, 2003” and adding “January 1, 2004” in its place.

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