Federal Acquisition Regulation; Contract Award Implementation

This final rule is issued pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 to (1) identify new Federal Procurement Data System reporting requirements, (2) expand the reasons for establishing or maintaining alternative sources of supplies or services, (3) allow acquisition of expert services to support litigation by other than full and open competition and provide an exception to synopsis requirements, (4) clarify procedures for award to a source identified in a statute, (5) clarify approval authority for use of other than full and open competition, (6) revise procedures for use of source selection evaluation factors in solicitations, for conducting written or oral discussions, and for providing postaward notices and debriefing to offerors, (7) require a determination that an option is likely to be exercised before providing for evaluation of sealed bid options, (8) allow nonprofit agencies for the blind or severely disabled to use Government supply sources in performing certain Javits-Wagner-O'Day contracts, and (9) make procedures for award without discussion the same for Department of Defense and civilian agencies. This regulatory action was subject to Office of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993.