Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation; Rewrite of Regulations Governing Management and Operating Contracts

The Department of Energy (DOE) amends its Acquisition Regulation to streamline the policies, procedures, provisions and clauses that are applicable to its management and operating contracts. This rulemaking eliminates coverage that is obsolete or that duplicates the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and retains only coverage that either implements or supplements the FAR for the award and administration of the Department's management and operating contracts. The rule also adds five new clauses and amends several existing clauses to promote uniform application of the Department's award and administration policies for management and operating contracts. Also, this final rule amends the Department's Acquisition Regulation regarding management and operating contract cost principles by adopting the Federal Acquisition Regulation cost principles, with some supplemental material. Finally, the Department is making technical and administrative changes.