Government-Owned Contractor-Operated Vehicle Fleet Management and Reporting

AGENCY:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ACTION:

Interim rule.

SUMMARY:

This interim rule revises the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) by requiring contractors to collect data and report on usage of Government-owned contractor-operated vehicles, including Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicles.

DATES:

Effective Date: This interim rule is effective July 22, 2003.

Comment Date: Interested parties should submit comments to NASA at the address below on or before September 22, 2003 to be considered in formulation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments to Patrick Flynn, NASA, Office of Procurement, Contract Management Division (Code HK), Washington, DC 20546 or via the Internet at Patrick.Flynn@nasa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Patrick Flynn, NASA, Office of Procurement, Contract Management Division (Code HK); (202) 358-0460; e-mail: Patrick.Flynn@nasa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

In Executive Order 13149, “Greening the Government Through Federal Fleet and Transportation Efficiency”, section 505 requires Federal agencies to ensure that all Government-owned contractor-operated vehicles comply with all applicable goals and other requirements of the order. Section 302(c) requires agencies to collect data and report on performance in meeting the goals of the order, in accordance with requirements and guidance from the Department of Energy. In July 2000, the Department of Energy prepared the Guidance Document for Federal Agencies, as required by Executive Order 13149. Section 2-3 requires agencies to report data on Government-owned motor vehicle usage, using DOE's Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST). FAST is accessed through http://fastweb.inel.gov/. Information required for FAST reporting must be obtained from contractors who have been authorized to obtain vehicles and related services pursuant to FAR paragraph 11.101(b)(1) and the new NFS 1811.101(b)(1) added under this interim rule.

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 interim rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

NASA certifies that this interim 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 fewer than 100 contracts awarded to both large and small businesses are affected.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 104-13) applies because the changes contain recordkeeping or information collection requirements. The Office of Management and Budget approved this reporting requirement under OMB control number 2700-0106.

D. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule

In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 418(d), NASA has determined that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule. The basis for this determination is that contractual reporting requirements contained in this interim rule are needed to ensure consistent reporting and an accurate baseline of Government vehicles beginning October 1, 2003. However, pursuant to Pub. L. 98-577 and FAR 1.501, NASA will consider public comments received in response to this interim rule in the formation of the final rule.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1801, 1811, 1823, 1851, and 1852

• Government Procurement

Accordingly, 48 CFR Parts 1801, 1811, 1823, 1851, and 1852 are amended as follows:

1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Parts 1801, 1811, 1823, 1851, and 1852 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(1).

PART 1801—FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM

2. Amend the table in paragraph (1) of section 1801.106 by adding in numerical sequence the following NFS Segment and OMB Control Number:

PART 1811—DESCRIBING AGENCY NEEDS

3. Amend section 1811.101 by adding paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:

PART 1823—ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENCY, RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

4. Add sections 1823.270 and 1823.271 to read as follows:

PART 1851—USE OF GOVERNMENT SOURCES BY CONTRACTORS

5. Revise section 1851.202 to read as follows:

6. Add section 1851.205 to read as follows:

PART 1852—SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

8. Add section 1852.223-76 to read as follows: