PART 8

REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES
AND SERVICES

8.000 Scope of part.

This part deals with the acquisition of supplies and services from or through Government supply sources.

8.001 Priorities for use of Government supply sources.

(a) Except as required by 8.002, or as otherwise provided by law, agencies shall satisfy requirements for supplies and services from or through the sources and publications listed below in descending order of priority--

(1) Supplies.

(i) Agency inventories;

(ii) Excess from other agencies (see Subpart 8.1);

(iii) Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (see Subpart 8.6);

(iv) Products available from the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (see Subpart 8.7);

(v) Wholesale supply sources, such as stock programs of the General Services Administration (GSA) (see 41 CFR 101-26.3), the Defense Logistics Agency (see 41 CFR 101-26.6), the Department of Veterans Affairs (see 41 CFR 101-26.704), and military inventory control points;

(vi) Mandatory Federal Supply Schedules (see Subpart 8.4);

(vii) Optional use Federal Supply Schedules (see Subpart 8.4); and

(viii) Commercial sources (including educational and nonprofit institutions).

(2) Services. (i) Services available from the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (see subpart 8.7);

(ii) Mandatory Federal Supply Schedules (see Subpart 8.4) and mandatory GSA term contracts for personal property rehabilitation (see 41 CFR 101-42.1);

(iii) Optional use Federal Supply Schedules (see Subpart 8.4) and optional use GSA term contracts for personal property rehabilitation (see 41 CFR 101-42.1); and

(iv) Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (see Subpart 8.6), or commercial sources (including educational and nonprofit institutions).

(b) Sources other than those listed in paragraph (a) of this section may be used as prescribed in 41 CFR 101-26.301 and in an unusual and compelling urgency as prescribed in 6.302-2 and in 41 CFR 101-25.101-5.

8.002 Use of other Government supply sources.

Agencies shall satisfy requirements for the following supplies or services from or through specified sources, as applicable:

(a) Jewel bearings and related items (see Subpart 8.2);

(b) Public utility services (see Part 41 of this title);

(c) Printing and related supplies (see Subpart 8.8);

(d) Automatic data processing and telecommunications acquisitions (see Part 39);

(e) Leased motor vehicles (see Subpart 8.11);

(f) Strategic and critical materials (e.g., metals and ores) from inventories exceeding National Defense Stockpile requirements (detailed information is available from the Defense National Stockpile Center, 1745 Jefferson Davis Highway, Crystal Square Building #4, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22202); and

(g) Helium (see Subpart 8.5--Acquisition of Helium).

SUBPART 8.1--EXCESS PERSONAL PROPERTY

8.101 Definition.

"Excess personal property" means any personal property (see 45.601) under the control of a Federal agency
that the agency head or a designee determines is not required for its needs and for the discharge of its responsibilities.

8.102 Policy.

When it is practicable to do so, agencies shall use excess personal property as the first source of supply in fulfilling their requirements and those of their cost-reimbursement contractors. Accordingly, agencies shall ensure that all personnel make positive efforts to satisfy agency requirements by obtaining and using excess personal property (including that suitable for adaptation or substitution) before initiating contracting action.

8.103 Information on available excess personal
property.

Information regarding the availability of excess personal property can be obtained through--

(a) Review of excess personal property catalogs and
bulletins issued by the General Services Administration (GSA);

(b) Personal contact with GSA or the activity holding the property;

(c) Submission of supply requirements to the regional
offices of GSA (GSA Form 1539, Request for Excess Personal Property, is available for this purpose); and

(d) Examination and inspection of reports and samples of excess personal property in GSA regional offices.

8.104 Obtaining nonreportable property.

GSA will assist agencies in meeting their requirements for supplies of the types excepted from reporting as excess by the Federal Property Management Regulations (41 CFR 101-43.312). Federal agencies requiring such supplies should contact the appropriate GSA regional office.

SUBPART 8.2--JEWEL BEARINGS AND
RELATED ITEMS

8.201 Definitions.

"Jewel bearing" means a piece of synthetic corundum (sapphire or ruby) of any shape, except a phonograph needle, that has one or more polished surfaces to provide supporting surfaces or low-friction contact areas for revolving, oscillating, or sliding parts in an instrument, mechanism, subassembly, or part. A jewel bearing may be unmounted or may be mounted into a ring or bushing. Examples are watch holes--olive, watch holes--straight, pallet stones, roller jewels (jewel pins), endstones (caps), vee (cone) jewels, instrument rings, cups, and double cups.

"Plant," as used in this subpart, means the Government- owned, contractor-operated William Langer Plant, Rolla, North Dakota.

"Related item," as used in this subpart, means a piece of synthetic corundum (sapphire or ruby), other than a jewel bearing, that (a) is made from material produced by the Verneuil flame fusion process, (b) has a geometric shape up to a maximum of 1 inch in any dimension, (c) requires extremely close tolerances and highly polished surfaces identical to those involved in manufacturing jewel bearings, and (d) is either mounted in a retaining or supporting structure or unmounted. Examples are window, nozzle, guide, knife edge, knife edge plate, insulator domed pin, slotted insulator, sphere, ring gauge, spacer, disc, valve seat, rod, vee groove, D-shaped insulator, and notched plate.

8.202 Policy.

Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, (a) jewel bearings shall be acquired from the Plant and (b) related items shall be acquired either from domestic manufacturers or from the Plant.

8.203 Procedures.

8.203-1 Contract clause and solicitation provision.

(a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.208-1, Required Sources for Jewel Bearings and Related Items, in solicitations and contracts that may involve items (or any subassembly, component, or part of such items) in the Federal supply classes and groups listed in paragraph (b) of this subsection, except for--

(1) Contract actions not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold in Part 13;

(2) Items purchased and used outside the United States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico; or

(3) Items that the contracting officer knows do not contain jewel bearings or related items (the contractor's certification required by 8.203-2 does not in itself satisfy this requirement).

(b) Federal supply classes and groups:

(1) Federal Supply Classes

6605 Navigational Instruments

6610 Flight Instruments

6615 Autopilot Mechanisms and Airborne Gyro Components

6620 Engine Instruments

6625 Electrical- and Electronic-Properties Measuring and Testing Instruments

6630 Chemical-Analysis Instruments

6635 Physical-Properties Testing Equipment

6636 Environmental Chambers and Related Equipment

6640 Laboratory Equipment and Supplies

6645 Time-Measuring Instruments

6650 Optical Instruments

6655 Geophysical and Astronomical Instruments

6660 Meteorological Instruments and Apparatus

6665 Hazard-Detecting Instruments and Apparatus

6670 Scales and Balances

6675 Drafting, Surveying, and Mapping Instruments

6680 Liquid- and Gas-Flow, Liquid-Level, and Mechanical-Motion Measuring Instruments

6685 Pressure-, Temperature-, and Humidity-Measuring and Controlling Instruments

6695 Combination and Miscellaneous Instruments

(2) Federal Supply Groups

12 Fire-Control Equipment

14 Guided Missiles

15 Aircraft, Airframe Structural Components

16 Aircraft Components and Accessories

18 Space Vehicles

23 Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles

25 Vehicular Equipment Components

42 Firefighting, Rescue, and Safety Equipment

52 Measuring Tools

58 Communications Equipment

59 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components

63 Alarm and Signal Systems

(2) Federal Supply Groups (Cont'd)

65 Medical, Dental, and Veterinary Equipment and Supplies

67 Photographic Equipment

69 Training Aids and Devices

(c) The contracting officer shall insert the solicitation provision at 52.208-2, Jewel Bearings and Related Items Certificate (see 8.203-2 following), in solicitations that contain the clause at 52.208-1, Required Sources for Jewel Bearings and Related Items, except those for research and development.

8.203-2 Offeror's certification.

(a) The provision at 52.208-2 requires the offeror to
(1) certify as to whether or not jewel bearings and/or related items will be incorporated into contract end items,
(2) accept certain purchase requirements, and (3)
attach an estimate of the jewel bearings and related items required. While failure to submit the certificate set forth in the provision with the offer does not make the offer nonresponsive, the contracting officer must obtain the certificate before award.

(b) The contracting officer shall annotate any affirmative certificate from a successful offeror with (1) the number of the contract awarded that offeror, (2) identification of the contract administration office cognizant of that contract, and (3) the date of award. The contracting officer shall forward one copy of the certificate and the attachment it calls for to the Plant and one copy of the certificate and attachment to the cognizant contract administration office. The Plant will compare the attachment with actual orders and notify the contract administration office of any serious discrepancies.

(c) The contract administration office shall review contractor records and require corrective action, if necessary, if (1) the Plant informs it of serious discrepancies between certifications and orders or (2) the contract administration office believes that there is noncompliance with the clause at 52.208-1, Required Sources for Jewel Bearings and Related Items.

8.203-3 Declination or rejection of orders.

(a) The Plant may initially decline to accept a contractor's or subcontractor's order because of the customer's current excessive and overdue indebtedness to the Plant. The Plant's declination under these circumstances is not in itself justification for (1) a waiver of the requirement to purchase from the Plant and (2) adjustment in the contract price. If the contractor or subcontractor disagrees with the Plant as to this indebtedness, the contracting officer may require the Plant to accept the order and to make shipment on a cash-on-delivery (c.o.d.) basis.

(b) Rejection of orders by the Plant--or by any other domestic manufacturer--for reasons other than those in paragraph (a) above shall not provide relief from the requirement to purchase from the Plant or other domestic manufacturer, unless the contracting officer determines that such relief is in the Government's best interest. The contracting officer shall evaluate the impact of the rejection and make an equitable adjustment in the contract price, in the delivery schedule, or in both, if one is warranted.

SUBPART 8.3--[RESERVED]

SUBPART 8.4--FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULES

8.401 General.

(a) The Federal Supply Schedule program, directed and managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), provides Federal agencies with a simplified process for obtaining commonly used supplies and services at prices associated with volume buying. Indefinite delivery contracts (including requirements contracts) are established with commercial firms to provide supplies and services at stated prices for given periods of time. The schedule contracting office issues publications, titled Federal Supply Schedules, containing the information necessary for placing delivery orders with the contractors. Ordering offices issue delivery orders directly to the schedule contractors for the required supplies or services.

(b) Ordering offices may request copies of schedules by completing GSA Form 457, FSS Publications Mailing List Application, and mailing it to the GSA Centralized Mailing List Service (7CAFL), P.O. Box 6477, Fort Worth, Texas 76115. Copies of GSA Form 457 and the GSA publication titled "Federal Supply Schedule Program Guide" may also be obtained from the above address. The "Federal Supply Schedule Program Guide," includes a listing of Federal Supply Schedules and information on the use of schedules.

8.402 Applicability.

This subpart does not apply to agencies placing orders for automatic data processing and telecommunications items or services from schedules. See Part 39 for policies and procedures for placing orders for those items or services.

8.403 [Reserved]

8.404 Using schedules.

(a) General. When agency requirements are to be satisfied through the use of Federal Supply Schedules as set forth in this Subpart 8.4, the policies and procedures of FAR Part 13 do not apply. When placing orders under a Federal Supply Schedule, ordering activities need not seek further competition, synopsize the requirement, make a separate determination of fair and reasonable pricing, or consider small business set-asides in accordance with Subpart 19.5.

(b) Optional use. (1) Ordering activities can place orders of $2,500 or less with any Federal Supply Schedule contractor. GSA has already determined the prices of items under these contracts to be fair and reasonable.

(2) To reasonably ensure that a selection represents the best value and meets the agency's needs at the lowest overall cost, before placing an order of more than $2,500, an ordering activity should--

(i) Consider reasonably available information about products offered under Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts; this standard is met if the ordering activity does the following:

(A) Considers products and prices contained in any GSA MAS automated information system; or

(B) If automated information is not available, reviews at least three (3) price lists.

(ii) In selecting the best value item at the lowest overall cost (the price of the item plus administrative costs), the ordering activity may consider such factors as--

(A) Special features of one item not provided by comparable items which are required in effective program performance;

(B) Trade-in considerations;

(C) Probable life of the item selected as compared with that of a comparable item;

(D) Warranty conditions; and

(E) Maintenance availability.

(iii) Give preference to the items of small business concerns when two or more items at the same delivered price will meet an ordering activity's needs.

(3) MAS contractors will not be required to pass on to all schedule users a price reduction extended only to an individual agency for a specific order. There may be circumstances where an ordering activity finds it advantageous to request a price reduction, such as where the ordering activity finds that a schedule product is available elsewhere at a lower price, or where the quantity of an individual order clearly indicates the potential for obtaining a reduced price.

(4) Ordering activities should document orders of $2,500 or less by identifying the contractor the item was purchased from, the item purchased, and the amount paid. For orders over $2,500, MAS ordering files should be documented in accordance with internal agency practices. Agencies are encouraged to keep documentation to a minimum.

(c) Mandatory use. (1) This paragraph (c) applies only to orders against schedule contracts with mandatory users. When ordering from multiple-award schedules, mandatory users shall also follow the procedures in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(2) In the case of mandatory schedules, ordering offices shall not solicit bids, proposals, quotations, or otherwise test the market solely for the purpose of seeking alternative sources to Federal Supply Schedules.

(3) Schedules identify executive agencies required to use them as mandatory sources of supply. The single-award schedule shall be used as a primary source and the multiple-award schedule as a secondary source. Mandatory use of schedules is not a requirement if--

(i) The schedule contractor is unable to satisfy the ordering office's urgent delivery requirement;

(ii) The order is below the minimum order thresholds;

(iii) The order is above the maximum order limitation;

(iv) The consignee is located outside the area of geographical coverage stated in the schedule; and

(v) A lower price for an identical item (i.e., same make and model) is available from another source.

(4) Absence of follow-on award. Ordering offices, after any consultation required by the schedule, are not required to forego or postpone their legitimate needs pending the award or renewal of any schedule contract.

8.404-1--8.404-2 [Reserved]

8.404-3 Requests for waivers.

(a) When an ordering office that is a mandatory user under a schedule determines that items available from the schedule will not meet its specific needs, but similar items from another source will, it shall submit a request for waiver to the Commissioner, Federal Supply Service (F), GSA, Washington, DC 20406, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection. Requests shall contain the following information:

(1) A complete description of the required items, whenever possible; e.g., descriptive literature such as cuts, illustrations, drawings, and brochures that explain the characteristics and/or construction.

(2) A comparison of prices and the technical differences between the requested item and the schedule item, identifying as a minimum the--

(i) Inadequacies of the schedule item to perform required functions; and

(ii) Technical, economic, or other advantages of the item requested.

(3) Quantity required.

(4) Estimated annual usage or a statement that the requirement is nonrecurrent or unpredictable.

(b) Ordering offices shall not initiate action to acquire similar items from nonschedule sources until a request for waiver is approved, except as otherwise provided in inter-
agency agreements.

8.405 Ordering office responsibilities.

8.405-1 [Reserved]

8.405-2 Order placement.

Ordering offices may use Optional Form 347, or an agency-prescribed form, to order items from schedules and shall place orders directly with the contractor within the limitations specified in each schedule. Orders shall include, at a minimum, the following information in addition to any information required by the schedule:

(a) Complete shipping and billing addresses.

(b) Contract number and date.

(c) Agency order number.

(d) F.o.b. delivery point; i.e., origin or destination.

(e) Discount terms.

(f) Delivery time.

(g) Special item number or national stock number.

(h) Brief, complete description of each item (when ordering by model number, features and options such as color, finish, and electrical characteristics, if available, must be specified).

(i) Quantity and any variation in quantity.

(j) Number of units.

(k) Unit price.

(l) Total price of order.

(m) Points of inspection and acceptance.

(n) Other pertinent data; e.g., delivery instructions or receiving hours and size-of-truck limitation.

(o) Marking requirements.

(p) Level of preservation, packaging, and packing.

8.405-3 Inspection and acceptance.

(a) Consignees shall inspect supplies at destination except when--

(1) The schedule provides for the schedule contracting agency to perform source inspection (in this case, the schedule will indicate that mandatory source inspection is required); or

(2) A schedule item is covered by a product description, and the ordering office determines that the schedule contracting agency's inspection assistance is needed (inspection assistance may be based on the ordering volume, the complexity of items, or the past performance of the supplier).

(b) When the schedule contracting agency performs the inspection, as specified in the schedule, the ordering office will provide two copies of the order specifying source inspection to the schedule contracting agency. The schedule contracting agency will notify the ordering office of acceptance or rejection of the supplies.

(c) Material inspected at source by the schedule contracting agency, and determined to conform with the product description of the schedule, shall not be reinspected for the same purpose. The consignee shall limit inspection to quantity and condition on receipt.

(d) Unless otherwise provided in the schedule, acceptance shall be conclusive except as regards latent defects, fraud, or such gross mistakes as amount to fraud.

8.405-4 Delinquent performance.

If the contractor fails to perform on the order, the
ordering office may terminate the order for default or give the contractor further opportunity to perform by modifying the order to establish a new delivery date (obtaining consideration as necessary).

8.405-5 Termination for default.

(a)(1) An ordering office may terminate any one or more orders for default in accordance with Part 49, Termination of Contracts. The schedule contracting office shall be notified of all cases where an ordering office has declared a Federal Supply Schedule contractor in default or fraud is suspected.

(2) Should the contractor claim that the failure was excusable, the ordering office shall promptly refer the matter to the schedule contracting office. In the absence of a decision by the schedule contracting office (or by the head of the schedule contracting agency, on appeal) excusing the failure, the ordering office may charge the contractor with excess costs resulting from repurchase.

(3) Any repurchase shall be made at as reasonable
a price as possible considering the quality required by the Government, delivery requirement, and administrative expenses. Copies of all repurchase orders, except the copy furnished to the contractor or any other commercial concern, shall include the notation "Repurchase against the account of _____________ [insert contractor's name] under Delivery Order ________________ [insert number] under Contract _____________ [insert number]".

(4) When excess costs are anticipated, the ordering office may withhold funds due the contractor as offset security. Ordering offices shall minimize excess costs to be charged against the contractor and collect or setoff any excess costs owed.

(5) If an ordering office is unable to collect excess costs, it shall take the following actions:

(i) Notify the schedule contracting office within 60 days after final payment to the replacement contractor. The notice shall include the following information about the defaulted order:

(A) Name and address of the contractor.

(B) Schedule, contract, and order number.

(C) National stock or special item number(s), and a brief description of the item(s).

(D) Cost of schedule items involved.

(E) Excess costs to be collected.

(F) Other pertinent data.

(ii) In addition to the above, the notice shall include the following information about the replacement contract:

(A) Name and address of the contractor.

(B) Item repurchase cost.

(C) Repurchase order number and date of payment.

(D) Contract number, if any.

(E) Other pertinent data.

(b) Only the schedule contracting officer may terminate for default any or all items covered by the schedule contract. When notified of default action by the schedule contracting officer with respect to defaulted items, ordering offices shall--

(1) Refuse to accept further performance by the contractor;

(2) Not place further orders with the contractor;

(3) Repurchase against the contractor in default from sources designated by the schedule contracting officer; or

(4) Proceed as otherwise directed by the schedule contracting officer.

(c) All actions taken regarding terminations for default shall comply with the applicable requirements in Part 49.

8.405-6 Termination for convenience.

(a) Ordering offices may terminate individual orders for the convenience of the Government. Only the schedule contracting officer may terminate any or all items covered by the schedule contract for the convenience of the Government.

(b) Before terminating orders for convenience, the ordering office shall endeavor to enter into a "no cost" cancellation agreement with the contractor.

(c) All actions taken regarding terminations for convenience shall comply with the applicable requirements in Part 49.

8.405-7 Disputes.

The ordering office shall refer all unresolved disputes under orders to the schedule contracting office for action under the Disputes clause of the contract.

SUBPART 8.5--ACQUISITION OF HELIUM

8.500 Scope of subpart.

This subpart implements the requirements of the Helium Act (50 U.S.C. 167a, et seq.) concerning the acquisition of liquid or gaseous helium by Federal agencies or by Government contractors or subcontractors for use in the performance of a Government contract (also see 30 CFR parts 601 and 602).

8.501 Definitions.

"Bureau helium" distributor means a private helium distributor which has established and maintains eligibility to distribute helium purchased from the Bureau of Mines, as specified in 30 CFR 602.

"Bureau of Mines," as used in this subpart, means the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Helium Field Operations, located at 801 South Fillmore Street, Amarillo, TX 79101-3545.

"Helium requirement forecast" means an estimate by the contractor or subcontractor of the amount of helium required for performance of the contract or subcontract.

"Major helium requirement" means a helium requirement during a calendar month of 5,000 or more standard cubic feet (measured at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute pressure and 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature), including liquid helium gaseous equivalent. In any month in which the major requirement threshold is met, all helium purchased during that month is considered part of the major helium requirement.

8.502 Policy.

To the extent that supplies are readily available, all major helium requirements purchased by a Government agency or used in the performance of a Government contract shall be purchased from the Bureau of Mines. This requirement may be satisfied as follows:

(a) By ordering against a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract (for contractor use and authorization procedures, see subpart 51.1).

(b) For requirements not covered by a Federal Supply Schedule contract, by purchasing from--

(1) The Bureau of Mines; or

(2) A Bureau helium distributor. A copy of the "List by Shipping Points of Private Distributors Eligible to Sell Helium to Federal Agencies" may be obtained from the Bureau of Mines.

8.503 Exception.

The requirements of this subpart do not apply to contracts or subcontracts in which the helium was acquired by the contractor prior to award of the contract or subcontract.

8.504 Procedures.

(a) Upon receipt of the helium requirement forecast, point of contact, and telephone number from the contractor, the contracting officer shall forward this information, along with a copy of the contract, to the Bureau of Mines.

(b) Upon notification by the Bureau of Mines of an apparent discrepancy between helium sales data and the contractor's helium requirement forecast, the contracting officer shall determine appropriate action and inform the Bureau of Mines.

8.505 Contract clause.

The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.208-8, Helium Requirement Forecast and Required Sources for Helium, in solicitations and contracts if it is anticipated that performance of the contract involves a major helium requirement.

SUBPART 8.6--ACQUISITION FROM FEDERAL PRISON INDUSTRIES, INC.

8.601 General.

(a) Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI), also referred to as UNICOR, is a self-supporting, wholly owned Government corporation of the District of Columbia

(b) FPI provides training and employment for prisoners confined in Federal penal and correctional institutions through the sale of its supplies and services to Government agencies (18 U.S.C. 4121-4128).

(c) FPI diversifies its supplies and services to prevent private industry from experiencing unfair competition from prison workshops or activities.

8.602 Policy.

(a) Agencies shall purchase required supplies of the classes listed in the Schedule of Products made in Federal Penal and Correctional Institutions (referred to in this subpart as "the Schedule") at prices not to exceed current market prices, using the procedures in this subpart.

(b) Subject to the priorities in 8.001 and 8.603, agencies are encouraged to use the facilities of FPI to the maximum extent practicable in purchasing (1) supplies that are not listed in the Schedule, but that are of a type manufactured in Federal penal and correctional institutions, and (2) services that are listed in the Schedule.

(c) If a supply not listed in the Schedule is of a type normally produced by Federal penal and correctional institutions, agencies are encouraged to suggest that FPI consider the feasibility of adding the item to its Schedule.

8.603 Purchase priorities.

(a) FPI and nonprofit agencies participating in the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program (see Subpart 8.7) may produce identical supplies or services. When this occurs, ordering offices shall purchase supplies and services in the following priorities:

(1) Supplies. (i) Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (41 U.S.C. 48).

(ii) JWOD participating nonprofit agencies.

(iii) Commercial sources.

(2) Services. (i) JWOD participating nonprofit agencies.

(ii) Federal Prison Industries, Inc., or commercial sources.

(b) Supplies and services manufactured or performed by FPI are in strict conformity with Federal Specifications. These supplies and services are listed in the Schedule. Copies of the Schedule are available from Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20534.

8.604 Ordering procedures.

(a) Contracting officers shall order (1) less-than-carload lots of common-use items (Schedule A of the Schedule) from the regional warehouses of GSA, unless it is more practical and economical to purchase directly from FPI, and (2) carload lots of common-use items, and other items listed in the Schedule, from FPI.

(b) Contracting officers shall prepare orders to FPI using the procedures in the Schedule.

(c) When the contracting officer believes that the FPI
price exceeds the market price, the matter may be referred
to the cognizant product division identified in the Schedule or to the FPI Washington office for resolution.

8.605 Clearances.

(a) Clearance is required from FPI before supplies on the Schedule are acquired from other sources, except when the conditions in 8.606 apply. FPI clearances ordinarily are of the following types:

(1) General or blanket clearances issued when classes of articles or services are not available from FPI.

(2) Formal clearances issued in response to requests from offices desiring to acquire, from other sources, supplies listed in the Schedule and not covered by a general clearance. Requests should be addressed to Federal Prison Industries, Inc., Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20534.

(b) Purchases from other sources because of a lower price are not normally authorized, and clearances will not be issued on this basis except as a result of action taken to resolve questions of price under 8.604(c).

(c) Disputes regarding price, quality, character, or suitability of supplies produced by FPI are subject to arbitration as specified in 18 U.S.C. 4124. The statute provides that the arbitration shall be conducted by a board consisting of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Administrator of General Services, and the President, or their representatives. The decisions of the board are final and binding on all parties.

8.606 Exceptions.

FPI clearances are not required when--

(a) Public exigency requires immediate delivery or performance;

(b) Suitable used or excess supplies are available;

(c) Purchases are made from GSA of less-than-carload lots of common-use items stocked by GSA (see Schedule A of the Schedule);

(d) The supplies are acquired and used outside the United States; or

(e) Orders are for listed items totaling $25 or less that require delivery within 10 days.

SUBPART 8.7--ACQUISITION FROM NONPROFIT AGENCIES EMPLOYING PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED

8.700 Scope of subpart.

This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures for implementing the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c), referred to in this subpart as "the JWOD Act," and the rules of the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (41 CFR Chapter 51).

8.701 Definitions.

"Allocation," as used in this subpart, means an action taken by a central nonprofit agency to designate the JWOD participating nonprofit agencies that will furnish definite quantities of supplies or perform specific services upon receipt of orders from ordering offices.

"Central nonprofit agency," as used in this subpart, means National Industries for the Blind (NIB), which has been designated to represent people who are blind; or NISH, which has been designated to represent JWOD participating nonprofit agencies serving people with severe disabilities other than blindness.

"Committee", as used in this subpart, means the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled.

"Government" or "entity of the Government" means any entity of the legislative or judicial branch, any executive agency, military department, Government corporation, or independent establishment, the U.S. Postal Service, or any nonappropriated-fund instrumentality of the Armed Forces.

"Ordering office" means any activity in an entity of the Government that places orders for the purchase of supplies or services under the JWOD Program.

"Procurement List," as used in this subpart, means a list of supplies (including military resale commodities) and services that the Committee has determined are suitable for purchase by the Government under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act.

"Nonprofit agency serving people who are blind" or "nonprofit agency serving people with other severe disabilities" (referred to jointly as JWOD participating nonprofit agencies) means a qualified nonprofit agency employing people who are blind or have other severe disabilities approved by the Committee to furnish a commodity or a service to the Government under the Act.

8.702 General.

The Committee is an independent Government activity with members appointed by the President of the United States. It is responsible for--

(a) Determining those supplies and services to be purchased by all entities of the Government from JWOD participating nonprofit agencies;

(b) Establishing prices for the supplies and services; and

(c) Establishing rules and regulations to implement the JWOD Act.

8.703 Procurement List.

The Committee maintains a Procurement List of all supplies and services required to be purchased from JWOD participating nonprofit agencies. Questions concerning whether a supply item or service is on the Procurement List should be referred to the Committee offices at the following address and telephone number:

Committee for Purchase from People

Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled

Crystal Square 3, Room 403

1735 Jefferson Davis Highway

Arlington, VA 22202-3461

(703) 603-7740

Many items on the Procurement List are identified in the General Services Administration (GSA) Supply Catalog and GSA's Customer Service Center Catalogs with a black square and the words "NIB/NISH Mandatory Source," and in similar catalogs issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). GSA, DLA, and VA are central supply agencies from which other Federal agencies are required to purchase certain supply items on the Procurement List.

8.704 Purchase priorities.

(a) The JWOD Act requires the Government to purchase supplies or services on the Procurement List, at prices established by the Committee, from JWOD participating nonprofit agencies if they are available within the period required. When identical supplies or services are on the Procurement List and the Schedule of Products issued by Federal Prison Industries, Inc., ordering offices shall purchase supplies and services in the following priorities:

(1) Supplies:

(i) Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (41 U.S.C. 48).

(ii) JWOD participating nonprofit agencies.

(iii) Commercial sources.

(2) Services:

(i) JWOD participating nonprofit agencies.

(ii) Federal Prison Industries, Inc., or commercial sources.

(b) No other provision of the FAR shall be construed as permitting an exception to the mandatory purchase of items on the Procurement List.

(c) The Procurement List identifies those supplies for which the ordering office must obtain a formal clearance (8.605) from Federal Prison Industries, Inc., before making any purchases from JWOD participating nonprofit agencies.

8.705 Procedures.

8.705-1 General.

(a) Ordering offices shall obtain supplies and services on the Procurement List from the central nonprofit agency or its designated JWOD participating nonprofit agencies, except that supplies identified on the Procurement List as available from DLA, GSA, or VA supply distribution facilities shall be obtained through DLA, GSA, or VA procedures. If a distribution facility cannot provide the supplies, it shall inform the ordering office, which shall then order from the JWOD participating nonprofit agency designated by the Committee.

(b) Supply distribution facilities in DLA and GSA shall obtain supplies on the Procurement List from the central nonprofit agency identified or its designated JWOD participating nonprofit agency.

8.705-2 Direct-order process.

Central nonprofit agencies may authorize ordering offices to transmit orders for specific supplies or services directly to a JWOD participating nonprofit agency. The written authorization remains valid until it is revoked by the central nonprofit agency or the Committee. The central nonprofit agency shall specify the normal delivery or performance lead time required by the nonprofit agency. The ordering office shall reflect this lead time in its orders.

8.705-3 Allocation process.

(a) When the direct order process has not been authorized, the ordering office shall submit a letter request for allocation (requesting the designation of the JWOD participating nonprofit agency to produce the supplies or perform the service) to the central nonprofit agency designated in the Procurement List. Ordering offices shall request allocations in sufficient time for a reply, for orders to be placed, and for the nonprofit agency to produce the supplies or provide the service within the required delivery or performance schedule.

(b) The ordering office's request to the central nonprofit agency for allocation shall include the following information:

(1) For supplies--Item name, stock number, latest specification, quantity, unit price, date delivery is required, and destination to which delivery is to be made.

(2) For services--Type and location of service required, latest specification, work to be performed, estimated volume, and required date or dates for completion.

(3) Other requirements; e.g., packing, marking, as necessary.

(c) When an allocation is received, the ordering office shall promptly issue an order to the specified JWOD participating nonprofit agency or to the central nonprofit agency, as instructed by the allocation. If the issuance of an order is to be delayed for more than 15 days beyond receipt of the allocation, or canceled, the ordering office shall advise the central nonprofit agency immediately.

(d) Ordering offices may issue orders without limitation as to dollar amount and shall record them upon issuance as obligations. Each order shall include, as a minimum, the information contained in the request for allocation.
Ordering offices shall also include additional instructions necessary for performance under the order; e.g., on the
handling of Government-furnished property, reports required, and notification of shipment.

8.705-4 Compliance with orders.

(a) The central nonprofit agency shall inform the ordering office of changes in lead time experienced by its JWOD participating nonprofit agencies to minimize requests for extension once the ordering office places an order.

(b) The ordering office shall grant a request by a central nonprofit agency or JWOD participating nonprofit agency for revision in the delivery or completion schedule, if feasible. If extension of the delivery or completion date is not feasible, the ordering office shall notify the appropriate central nonprofit agency and request that it reallocate the order, or grant a purchase exception authorizing acquisition from commercial sources.

(c) When a JWOD participating nonprofit agency fails to perform under the terms of an order, the ordering office shall make every effort to resolve the noncompliance with the nonprofit agency involved and to negotiate an adjustment before taking action to cancel the order. If the problem cannot be resolved with the nonprofit agency, the ordering office shall refer the matter for resolution first to the central nonprofit agency and then, if necessary, to the Committee.

(d) When, after complying with 8.705-4(c), the ordering office determines that it must cancel an order, it shall notify the central nonprofit agency and, if practical, request a reallocation of the order. When the central nonprofit agency cannot reallocate the order, it shall grant a purchase exception permitting use of commercial sources, subject to approval by the Committee when the value of the purchase exception is $25,000 or more.

8.706 Purchase exceptions.

(a) Ordering offices may acquire supplies or services on the Procurement List from commercial sources only if the acquisition is specifically authorized in a purchase exception granted by the designated central nonprofit agency.

(b) The central nonprofit agency shall promptly grant purchase exceptions when--

(1) The JWOD participating nonprofit agencies cannot provide the supplies or services within the time required, and commercial sources can provide them significantly sooner in the quantities required; or

(2) The quantity required cannot be produced or provided economically by the JWOD participating
nonprofit agencies.

(c) The central nonprofit agency granting the exception shall specify the quantity and delivery or performance period covered by the exception.

(d) When a purchase exception is granted, the contracting officer shall--

(1) Initiate purchase action within 15 days following the date of the exception or any extension granted by the central nonprofit agency; and

(2) Provide a copy of the solicitation to the central nonprofit agency when it is issued.

(e) The Committee may also grant a purchase exception, under any circumstances it considers appropriate.

8.707 Prices.

(a) The prices of items on the Procurement List are fair market prices established by the Committee. All prices for supplies ordered under this subpart are f.o.b. origin.

(b) Prices for supplies are normally adjusted semiannually. Prices for services are normally adjusted annually.

(c) The Committee may request the agency responsible for acquiring the supplies or service to assist it in establishing or revising the fair market price. The Committee has the authority to establish prices without prior coordination with the responsible contracting office.

(d) Price changes shall normally apply to all orders received by the JWOD participating nonprofit agency on or after the effective date of the change. In special cases, after considering the views of the ordering office, the Committee may make price changes applicable to orders received by the JWOD participating nonprofit agency prior to the effective date of the change.

(e) If an ordering office desires packing, packaging, or marking of supplies other than the standard pack as provided on the Procurement List, any difference in costs shall be included as a separate item on the nonprofit agency's invoice. The ordering office shall reimburse the nonprofit agency for these costs.

(f) Ordering offices may make recommendations to the Committee at any time for price revisions for supplies and services on the Procurement List.

8.708 Shipping.

(a) Delivery is accomplished when a shipment is placed
aboard the vehicle of the initial carrier. The time of delivery is the date shipment is released to and accepted by the initial carrier.

(b) Shipment is normally under Government bills of lading. However, for small orders, ordering offices may specify other shipment methods.

(c) When shipments are under Government bills of lading, the bills of lading may accompany orders or be otherwise furnished promptly. Failure of an ordering office to furnish bills of lading or to designate a method of transportation may result in an excusable delay in delivery.

(d) JWOD participating nonprofit agencies shall include transportation costs for small shipments paid by the nonprofit agencies as an item on the invoice. The ordering office shall reimburse the nonprofit agencies for these costs.

8.709 Payments.

The ordering office shall make payments for supplies or services on the Procurement List within 30 days after shipment or after receipt of a proper invoice or voucher.

8.710 Quality of merchandise.

Supplies and services provided by JWOD participating nonprofit agencies shall comply with the applicable Government specifications and standards cited in the order. When no specifications or standards exist--

(a) Supplies shall be of the highest quality and equal to similar items available on the commercial market; and

(b) Services shall conform to good commercial practices.

8.711 Quality complaints.

(a) When the quality of supplies or services received is unsatisfactory, the using activity shall take the following actions:

(1) For supplies received from DLA supply centers, GSA supply distribution facilities, or Department of Veterans Affairs distribution division, notify the supplying agency.

(2) For supplies or services received from JWOD participating nonprofit agencies, address complaints to the individual nonprofit agency involved, with a copy to the appropriate central nonprofit agency.

(b) When quality problems cannot be resolved by the JWOD participating nonprofit agency and the ordering office, the ordering office shall first contact the central nonprofit agency and then, if necessary, the Committee for resolution.

8.712 Specification changes.

(a) The contracting activity shall notify the JWOD participating nonprofit agency and appropriate central nonprofit agency of any change in specifications or descriptions. In the absence of such written notification, the JWOD participating nonprofit agency shall furnish the supplies or services under the specification or description cited in the order.

(b) The contracting activity shall provide 90-days advance notification to the Committee and the central nonprofit agency on actions that affect supplies on the Procurement List and shall permit them to comment before action is taken, particularly when it involves--

(1) Changes that require new national stock numbers or item designations;

(2) Deleting items from the supply system;

(3) Standardization; or

(4) Developing new items to replace items on the Procurement List.

(c) For services, the contracting activity shall notify the JWOD participating nonprofit agency and central nonprofit agency concerned at least 90 days prior to the date that any changes in the scope of work or other conditions will be required.

(d) When, in order to meet its emergency needs, a contracting activity is unable to give the 90-day notification required in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the contracting activity shall, at the time it places the order or change notice, inform the JWOD participating nonprofit agency and the central nonprofit agency in writing of the reasons that it cannot meet the 90-day notification requirement.

8.713 Optional acquisition of supplies and services.

(a) Ordering offices may acquire supplies and services not included on the Procurement List from a JWOD participating nonprofit agency that is the low responsive, responsible offeror under a solicitation issued by other authorized acquisition methods.

(b) Ordering offices should forward solicitations to JWOD participating nonprofit agencies that may be qualified to provide the supplies or services required.

8.714 Communications with the central nonprofit
agencies and the Committee.

(a) The addresses of the central nonprofit agencies are:

(1) National Industries for the Blind

1901 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200

Alexandria, VA 22311-1727

(703) 998-0770; and

(2) NISH

2235 Cedar Lane

Vienna, VA 22182-5200

(703) 560-6800

(b) Any matter requiring referral to the Committee shall be addressed to the Executive Director of the Committee at 1735 Jefferson-Davis Highway, Crystal Square 3, Suite 403, Arlington, VA 22202-3461.

8.715 Replacement commodities.

When a commodity on the Procurement List is replaced by another commodity which has not been previously acquired, and a qualified JWOD participating nonprofit agency can furnish the replacement commodity in accordance with the Government's quality standards and delivery schedules and at a fair market price, the replacement commodity is automatically on the Procurement List and shall be acquired from the JWOD participating nonprofit agency designated by the Committee. The commodity being replaced shall continue to be included on the Procurement List until there is no longer a requirement for that commodity.

SUBPART 8.8--ACQUISITION OF PRINTING AND RELATED SUPPLIES

8.800 Scope of subpart.

This subpart provides policy for the acquisition of Government printing and related supplies.

8.801 Definitions.

"Government printing" means printing, binding, and blankbook work for the use of an executive department, independent agency, or establishment of the Government.

"Related supplies," as used in this subpart, means supplies that are used and equipment that is usable in printing and binding operations.

8.802 Policy.

(a) Government printing must be done by or through the Government Printing Office (GPO) (44 U.S.C. 501), unless--

(1) The GPO cannot provide the printing service (44 U.S.C. 504);

(2) The printing is done in field printing plants operated by an executive agency (44 U.S.C. 501(2));

(3) The printing is acquired by an executive agency from allotments for contract field printing (44 U.S.C. 501(2)); or

(4) The printing is specifically authorized by statute to be done other than by the GPO.

(b) The head of each agency shall designate a central printing authority; that central printing authority may serve as the liaison with the Congressional Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) and the Public Printer on matters related to printing. Contracting officers shall obtain approval from their designated central printing authority before contracting in any manner, whether directly or through contracts for supplies or services, for the items defined in 8.801 and for composition, platemaking, presswork, binding, and micrographics (when used as a substitute for printing).

(c) (1) Further, 44 U.S.C. 1121 provides that the Public Printer may acquire and furnish paper and envelopes (excluding envelopes printed in the course of manufacture) in common use by two or more Government departments, establishments, or services within the District of Columbia, and provides for reimbursement of the Public Printer from available appropriations or funds. Paper and envelopes that are furnished by the Public Printer may not be acquired in any other manner.

(2) Paper and envelopes for use by Executive agencies outside the District of Columbia and stocked by GSA shall be requisitioned from GSA in accordance with the procedures listed in Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR) Subpart 101-26.3.

SUBPARTS 8.9 AND 8.10--[RESERVED]

SUBPART 8.11--LEASING OF MOTOR VEHICLES

8.1100 Scope of subpart.

This subpart covers the procedures for the leasing, from commercial concerns, of motor vehicles that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and applicable State motor vehicle safety regulations. It does not apply to motor vehicles leased outside the United States.

8.1101 Definitions.

"Leasing," as used in this subpart, means the acquisition of motor vehicles, other than by purchase from private or commercial sources, and includes the synonyms "hire" and "rent."

"Motor vehicle" means an item of equipment, mounted on wheels and designed for highway and/or land use, that (a) derives power from a self-contained power unit or (b) is designed to be towed by and used in conjunction with self-propelled equipment.

8.1102 Presolicitation requirements.

(a) Except as specified in 8.1102(b), before preparing solicitations for leasing of motor vehicles, contracting officers shall obtain from the requiring activity a written certification that--

(1) The vehicles requested are of maximum fuel efficiency and minimum body size, engine size, and equipment (if any) necessary to fulfill operational needs, and meet prescribed fuel economy standards;

(2) The head of the requiring agency, or a designee, has certified that the requested passenger automobiles (sedans and station wagons) larger than Type IA, IB, or II (small, subcompact, or compact) are essential to the agency's mission;

(3) Internal approvals have been received; and

(4) The General Services Administration has advised that it cannot furnish the vehicles.

(b) With respect to requirements for leasing motor vehicles for a period of less than 60 days, the contracting officer need not obtain the certification specified in 8.1102(a)--

(1) If the requirement is for type 1A, 1B, or II vehicles, which are by definition fuel efficient; or

(2) If the requirement is for passenger vehicles larger than 1A, 1B, or II, and the agency has established procedures for advance approval, on a case-by-case basis, of such requirements.

(c) Generally, solicitations shall not be limited to current-year production models. However, with the prior approval of the head of the contracting office, solicitations may be limited to current models on the basis of overall economy.

8.1103 Contract requirements.

Contracting officers shall include the following items in each contract for leasing motor vehicles:

(a) Scope of contract.

(b) Method of computing payments.

(c) A listing of the number and type of vehicles required, and the equipment and accessories to be provided with each vehicle.

(d) Responsibilities of the contractor or the Government for furnishing gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, and similar items.

(e) Unless it is determined that it will be more economical for the Government to perform the work, a statement that the contractor shall perform all maintenance on the vehicles.

(f) A statement as to the applicability of pertinent State
and local laws and regulations, and the responsibility of each party for compliance with them.

(g) Responsibilities of the contractor or the Government for emergency repairs and services.

8.1104 Contract clauses.

The contracting officer shall insert the following clauses in solicitations and contracts for leasing of motor vehicles, unless the motor vehicles are leased in foreign countries:

(a) The clause at 52.208-4, Vehicle Lease Payments.

(b) The clause at 52.208-5, Condition of Leased Vehicles.

(c) The clause at 52.208-6, Marking of Leased Vehicles.

(d) A clause substantially the same as the clause at
52.208-7, Tagging of Leased Vehicles, for vehicles leased over 60 days (see 41 CFR 101-38.6).

(e) The provisions and clauses prescribed elsewhere in the FAR for solicitations and contracts for supplies when a fixed-price contract is contemplated, but excluding--

(1) The clause at 52.211-16, Variation in Quantity;

(2) The clause at 52.232-1, Payments;

(3) The clause at 52.222-20, Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act; and

(4) The clause at 52.246-16, Responsibility for Supplies.

(FAC 90-29) 8-1FAC 90--29 JULY 3, 1995

8.104 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

8-XFAC 90--29 JULY 3, 1995

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 8.404

8-X

8.404-3 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

8-X (FAC 90-29)FAC 90--29 JULY 3, 1995

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 8.405-5

8-X

8.405-6 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

8-X (FAC 90-29)FAC 90--23 FEBRUARY 27, 1995

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 8.700

8-XFAC 90--23 FEBRUARY 27, 1995

8.701 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

8-XFAC 90--29 JULY 3, 1995

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 8.706

8-X

8.707 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

8-X (FAC 90-29)FAC 90--23 FEBRUARY 27, 1995

PART 8--REQUIRED SOURCES OF SUPPLIES AND SERVICES 8.1100

(FAC 90-32) 8-XFAC 90--32 OCTOBER 1, 1995

8.1101 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

8-X