Last updated on December 2nd, 2023 at 12:30 pm
Title 2—Grants and Agreements–Volume 1
Subtitle A—Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements
PART 1—ABOUT TITLE 2 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND SUBTITLE A
Subpart A—Introduction to Title 2 of the CFR
§ 1.100 Content of this title.
This title contains—
(a) Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance to Federal agencies on government-wide policies and procedures for the award and administration of grants and agreements; and
(b) Federal agency regulations implementing that OMB guidance.
§ 1.105 Organization and subtitle content.
(a) This title is organized into two subtitles.
(b) The OMB guidance described in § 1.100(a) is published in subtitle A. Publication of the OMB guidance in the CFR does not change its nature—it is guidance and not regulation.
(c) Each Federal agency that publishes regulations implementing the OMB guidance has a chapter in subtitle B in which it issues those regulations. The Federal agency regulations in subtitle B differ in nature from the OMB guidance in subtitle A because the OMB guidance is not regulatory (Federal agency regulations in subtitle B may give regulatory effect to the OMB guidance, to the extent that the agency regulations require compliance with all or portions of the guidance).
OMB issues this subtitle. Each Federal agency that has a chapter in subtitle B of this title issues that chapter.
Subpart B—Introduction to Subtitle A
§ 1.200 Purpose of chapters I and II.
(a) Chapters I and II of subtitle A provide OMB guidance to Federal agencies that helps ensure consistent and uniform government-wide policies and procedures for management of the agencies’ grants and agreements.
(b) There are two chapters for publication of the guidance because portions of it may be revised as a result of ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify requirements for the award and administration of grants and other financial assistance (and thereby implement the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, Pub. L. 106–107).
(c) The OMB guidance in its initial form—before completion of revisions described in paragraph (b) of this section—is published in chapter II of this subtitle. When revisions to a part of the guidance are finalized, that part is published in chapter I and removed from chapter II.
§ 1.205 Applicability to grants and other funding instruments.
The types of instruments that are subject to the guidance in this subtitle vary from one portion of the guidance to another (note that each part identifies the types of instruments to which it applies). All portions of the guidance apply to grants and cooperative agreements, some portions also apply to other types of financial assistance or nonprocurement instruments, and some portions also apply to procurement contracts. For example, the:
(a) Guidance on debarment and suspension in part 180 of this subtitle applies broadly to all financial assistance and other nonprocurement transactions, and not just to grants and cooperative agreements.
(b) Cost principles in parts 220, 225 and 230 of this subtitle apply to procurement contracts, as well as to financial assistance, although those principles are implemented for procurement contracts through the Federal Acquisition Regulation in title 48 of the CFR, rather than through Federal agency regulations on grants and agreements in this title.
§ 1.210 Applicability to Federal agencies and others.
(a) This subtitle contains guidance that directly applies only to Federal agencies.
(b) The guidance in this subtitle may affect others through each Federal agency’s implementation of the guidance, portions of which may apply to—
(1) The agency’s awarding or administering officials;
(2) Non-Federal entities that receive or apply for the agency’s grants or agreements or receive subawards under those grants or agreements; or
(3) Any other entities involved in agency transactions subject to the guidance in this chapter.
§ 1.215 Relationship to previous issuances.
Although some of the guidance was organized differently within OMB circulars or other documents, much of the guidance in this subtitle existed prior to the establishment of title 2 of the CFR. Specifically:
| Guidance in * * * | On * * * | Previously was in * * * |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Chapter I, part 180 | Nonprocurement debarment and suspension | OMB guidance that conforms with the government-wide common rule (see 60 FR 33036, June 26, 1995). |
| (b) Chapter I, part 182 | Drug-free workplace requirements | OMB guidance (54 FR 4946, January 31, 1989) and a government-wide common rule (as amended at 68 FR 66534, November 26, 2003). |
| (c) Chapter II, part 200 | Uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards | OMB Circulars A–21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions” (Chapter II, part 225); A–87, “Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments” (Chapter II, part 225); A–89, “Federal Domestic Assistance Program Information”; ”; A–102 and a government-wide common rule (53 FR 8034, March 11, 1988); A–110, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations” (Chapter II, part 215); A–122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations” (Chapter II, part 230); and A–133 “Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations”. |
§ 1.220 Federal agency implementation of this subtitle.
A Federal agency that awards grants and agreements subject to the guidance in this subtitle implements the guidance in agency regulations in subtitle B of this title and/or in policy and procedural issuances, such as internal instructions to the agency’s awarding and administering officials. An applicant or recipient would see the effect of that implementation in the organization and content of the agency’s announcements of funding opportunities and in its award terms and conditions.
§ 1.230 Maintenance of this subtitle.
OMB issues guidance in this subtitle after publication in the
Subpart C—Responsibilities of OMB and Federal Agencies
§ 1.300 OMB responsibilities.
OMB is responsible for:
(a) Issuing and maintaining the guidance in this subtitle, as described in § 1.230.
(b) Interpreting the policy requirements in this subtitle.
(c) Reviewing Federal agency regulations implementing the requirements of this subtitle, as required by Executive Order 12866.
(d) Conducting broad oversight of government-wide compliance with the guidance in this subtitle.
(e) Performing other OMB functions specified in this subtitle.
§ 1.305 Federal agency responsibilities.
The head of each Federal agency that awards and administers grants and agreements subject to the guidance in this subtitle is responsible for:
(a) Implementing the guidance in this subtitle.
(b) Ensuring that the agency’s components and subcomponents comply with the agency’s implementation of the guidance.
(c) Performing other functions specified in this subtitle.
CHAPTER I—OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS
PARTS 2–24 [RESERVED]
PART 25—UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER AND SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
Subpart A—General
§ 25.100 Purposes of this part.
This part provides guidance to Federal awarding agencies to establish:
(a) The unique entity identifier as a universal identifier for Federal financial assistance applicants, as well as recipients and their direct subrecipients, and;
(b) The System for Award Management (SAM) as the repository for standard information about applicants and recipients.
§ 25.105 Types of awards to which this part applies.
This part applies to a Federal awarding agency’s grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and other types of Federal financial assistance as defined in § 25.406.
§ 25.110 Exceptions to this part.
(a) General. Through a Federal awarding agency’s implementation of the guidance in this part, this part applies to all applicants and recipients of Federal awards, other than those exempted by statute or exempted in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section that apply for or receive agency awards.
(b) Exceptions for individuals. None of the requirements in this part apply to an individual who applies for or receives Federal financial assistance as a natural person (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization he or she may own or operate in his or her name).
(c) Other exceptions. (1) Under a condition identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a Federal awarding agency may exempt an applicant or recipient from an applicable requirement to obtain a unique entity identifier and register in the SAM, or both.
(i) In that case, the Federal awarding agency must use a generic unique entity identifier in data it reports to USAspending.gov if reporting for a prime award to the recipient is required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (Pub. L. 109–282, hereafter cited as “Transparency Act”).
(ii) Federal awarding agency use of a generic unique entity identifier should be used rarely for prime award reporting because it prevents prime awardees from being able to fulfill the subaward or executive compensation reporting required by the Transparency Act.
(2) The conditions under which a Federal awarding agency may exempt an applicant or recipient are—
(i) For any applicant or recipient, if the Federal awarding agency determines that it must protect information about the entity from disclosure if it is in the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States, or to avoid jeopardizing the personal safety of the applicant or recipient’s staff or clients.
(ii) For a foreign organization or foreign public entity applying for or receiving a Federal award or subaward for a project or program performed outside the United States valued at less than $25,000, if the Federal awarding agency deems it to be impractical for the entity to comply with the requirement(s). This exemption must be determined by the Federal awarding agency on a case-by-case basis while utilizing a risk-based approach and does not apply if subawards are anticipated.
(iii) For an applicant, if the Federal awarding agency makes a determination that there are exigent circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a unique entity identifier and completing SAM registration prior to receiving a Federal award. In these instances, Federal awarding agencies must require the recipient to obtain a unique entity identifier and complete SAM registration within 30 days of the Federal award date.
(3) Federal awarding agencies’ use of generic unique entity identifier, as described in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section, should be rare. Having a generic unique entity identifier limits a recipient’s ability to use Governmentwide systems that are needed to comply with some reporting requirements.
(d) Class exceptions. OMB may allow exceptions for classes of Federal awards, applicants, and recipients subject to the requirements of this part when exceptions are not prohibited by statute.
Subpart B—Policy
§ 25.200 Requirements for notice of funding opportunities, regulations, and application instructions.
(a) Each Federal awarding agency that awards the types of Federal financial assistance defined in § 25.406 must include the requirements described in paragraph (b) of this section in each notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance containing instructions for applicants that is issued on or after August 13, 2020.
(b) The notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance must require each applicant that applies and does not have an exemption under § 25.110 to:
(1) Be registered in the SAM prior to submitting an application or plan;
(2) Maintain an active SAM registration with current information, including information on a recipient’s immediate and highest level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all predecessors that have been awarded a Federal contract or grant within the last three years, if applicable, at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal awarding agency; and
(3) Provide its unique entity identifier in each application or plan it submits to the Federal awarding agency.
(c) For purposes of this policy:
(1) The applicant meets the Federal awarding agency’s eligibility criteria and has the legal authority to apply and to receive the Federal award. For example, if a consortium applies for a Federal award to be made to the consortium as the recipient, the consortium must have a unique entity identifier. If a consortium is eligible to receive funding under a Federal awarding agency program but the agency’s policy is to make the Federal award to a lead entity for the consortium, the unique entity identifier of the lead applicant will be used.
(2) A notice of funding opportunity is any paper or electronic issuance that an agency uses to announce a funding opportunity, whether it is called a “program announcement,” “notice of funding availability,” “broad agency announcement,” “research announcement,” “solicitation,” or some other term.
(3) To remain registered in the SAM database after the initial registration, the applicant is required to review and update its information in the SAM database on an annual basis from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates to ensure it is current, accurate and complete.
§ 25.205 Effect of noncompliance with a requirement to obtain a unique entity identifier or register in the SAM.
(a) A Federal awarding agency may not make a Federal award or financial modification to an existing Federal award to an applicant or recipient until the entity has complied with the requirements described in § 25.200 to provide a valid unique entity identifier and maintain an active SAM registration with current information (other than any requirement that is not applicable because the entity is exempted under § 25.110).
(b) At the time a Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, if the intended recipient has not complied with an applicable requirement to provide a unique entity identifier or maintain an active SAM registration with current information, the Federal awarding agency:
(1) May determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal award; and
(2) May use that determination as a basis for making a Federal award to another applicant.
§ 25.210 Authority to modify agency application forms or formats.
To implement the policies in §§ 25.200 and 25.205, a Federal awarding agency may add a unique entity identifier field to information collections previously approved by OMB, without having to obtain further approval to add the field.
§ 25.215 Requirements for agency information systems.
Each Federal awarding agency that awards Federal financial assistance (as defined in § 25.406) must ensure that systems processing information related to the Federal awards, and other systems as appropriate, are able to accept and use the unique entity identifier as the universal identifier for Federal financial assistance applicants and recipients.
§ 25.220 Use of award term.
(a) To accomplish the purposes described in § 25.100, a Federal awarding agency must include in each Federal award (as defined in § 25.405) the award term in appendix A to this part.
(b) A Federal awarding agency may use different letters and numbers than those in appendix A to this part to designate the paragraphs of the Federal award term, if necessary, to conform the system of paragraph designations with the one used in other terms and conditions in the Federal awarding agency’s Federal awards.
Subpart C—Recipient Requirements of Subrecipients
§ 25.300 Requirement for recipients to ensure subrecipients have a unique entity identifier.
(a) A recipient may not make a subaward to a subrecipient unless that subrecipient has obtained and provided to the recipient a unique entity identifier. Subrecipients are not required to complete full SAM registration to obtain a unique entity identifier.
(b) A recipient must notify any potential subrecipients that the recipient cannot make a subaward unless the subrecipient has obtained a unique entity identifier as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
Subpart D—Definitions
§ 25.400 Applicant.
Applicant, for the purposes of this part, means a non-Federal entity or Federal agency that applies for Federal awards.
§ 25.401 Federal Awarding Agency.
Federal Awarding Agency has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.405 Federal Award.
Federal Award, for the purposes of this part, means an award of Federal financial assistance that a non-Federal entity or Federal agency received from a Federal awarding agency.
§ 25.406 Federal financial assistance.
(a) Federal financial assistance, for the purposes of this part, means assistance that entities received or administer in the form of:
(1) Grant;
(2) Cooperative agreements (which does not include a cooperative research and development agreement pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3710a));
(3) Loans;
(4) Loan guarantees;
(5) Subsidies;
(6) Insurance;
(7) Food commodities;
(8) Direct appropriations;
(9) Assessed or voluntary contributions; or
(10) Any other financial assistance transaction that authorizes the non-Federal entity’s expenditure of Federal funds.
(b) Federal financial assistance, for the purposes of this part, does not include:
(1) Technical assistance, which provides services in lieu of money; and
(2) A transfer of title to federally owned property provided in lieu of money, even if the award is called a grant.
§ 25.407 Recipient.
Recipient, for the purposes of this part, means a non-Federal entity or Federal agency that received a Federal award. This term also includes a non-Federal entity who administers Federal financial assistance awards on behalf of a Federal agency.
§ 25.410 System for Award Management (SAM).
System for Award Management (SAM) has the meaning given in paragraph C.1 of the award term in appendix A to this part.
§ 25.415 Unique entity identifier.
Unique entity identifier has the meaning given in paragraph C.2 of the award term in appendix A to this part.
§ 25.425 For-profit organization.
For-profit organization means a non-Federal entity organized for profit. It includes, but is not limited to:
(a) An “S corporation” incorporated under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code;
(b) A corporation incorporated under another authority;
(c) A partnership;
(d) A limited liability corporation or partnership; and
(e) A sole proprietorship.
§ 25.430 Foreign organization.
Foreign organization has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.431 Foreign public entity.
Foreign public entity has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.432 Highest level owner.
Highest level owner has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.433 Indian Tribe (or “federally recognized Indian Tribe”).
Indian Tribe (or “federally recognized Indian Tribe”) has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.440 Local government.
Local government has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.443 Non-Federal entity.
Non-Federal entity, as it is used in this part, has the meaning given in paragraph C.3 of the award term in appendix A to this part.
§ 25.445 Nonprofit organization.
Non-Federal organization, has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.447 Predecessor.
Predecessor means a non-Federal entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.
§ 25.450 State.
State has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.455 Subaward.
Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.460 Subrecipient.
Subrecipient has the meaning given in 2 CR 200.1.
§ 25.462 Subsidiary.
Subsidiary has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 25.465 Successor.
Successor means a non-Federal entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices or divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name.
Appendix A to Part 25—Award Term
Unless you are exempted from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110, you as the recipient must maintain current information in the SAM. This includes information on your immediate and highest level owner and subsidiaries, as well as on all of your predecessors that have been awarded a Federal contract or Federal financial assistance within the last three years, if applicable, until you submit the final financial report required under this Federal award or receive the final payment, whichever is later. This requires that you review and update the information at least annually after the initial registration, and more frequently if required by changes in your information or another Federal award term.
If you are authorized to make subawards under this Federal award, you:
1. Must notify potential subrecipients that no entity (see definition in paragraph C of this award term) may receive a subaward from you until the entity has provided its Unique Entity Identifier to you.
2. May not make a subaward to an entity unless the entity has provided its Unique Entity Identifier to you. Subrecipients are not required to obtain an active SAM registration, but must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier.
For purposes of this term:
1. System for Award Management (SAM) means the Federal repository into which a recipient must provide information required for the conduct of business as a recipient. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the SAM internet site (currently at https://www.sam.gov).
2. Unique Entity Identifier means the identifier assigned by SAM to uniquely identify business entities.
3. Entity includes non-Federal entities as defined at 2 CFR 200.1 and also includes all of the following, for purposes of this part:
a. A foreign organization;
b. A foreign public entity;
c. A domestic for-profit organization; and
d. A Federal agency.
4. Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
5. Subrecipient has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
PARTS 26–169 [RESERVED]
PART 170—REPORTING SUBAWARD AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Subpart A—General
§ 170.100 Purposes of this part.
This part provides guidance to Federal awarding agencies on reporting Federal awards to establish requirements for recipients’ reporting of information on subawards and executive total compensation, as required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109–282), as amended by section 6202 of Public Law 110–252, hereafter referred to as “the Transparency Act”.
§ 170.105 Types of awards to which this part applies.
This part applies to Federal awarding agency’s grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and other forms of Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined in § 170.320.
§ 170.110 Exceptions to which this part applies.
(a) General. Through a Federal awarding agency’s implementation of the guidance in this part, this part applies to recipients, other than those exempted by law or excepted in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, that—
(1) Apply for or receive Federal awards; or
(2) Receive subawards under Federal awards.
(b) Exceptions. (1) None of the requirements in this part apply to an individual who applies for or receives a Federal award as a natural person (i.e., unrelated to any business or nonprofit organization he or she may own or operate in his or her name).
(2) None of the requirements regarding reporting names and total compensation of a non-Federal entity’s five most highly compensated executives apply unless in the non-Federal entity’s preceding fiscal year, it received—
(i) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenue in Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial assistance awards subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at § 170.320 (and subawards); and
(ii) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenue from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial assistance awards subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at § 170.320; and
(3) The public does not have access to information about the compensation of senior executives, unless otherwise publicly available, through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(c) Exceptions for classes of Federal awards or recipients. OMB may allow exceptions for classes of Federal awards or recipients subject to the requirements of this part when exceptions are not prohibited by statute.
Subpart B—Policy
§ 170.200 Federal awarding agency reporting requirements.
(a) Federal awarding agencies are required to publicly report Federal awards that equal or exceed the micro-purchase threshold and publish the required information on a public-facing, OMB-designated, governmentwide website and follow OMB guidance to support Transparency Act implementation.
(b) Federal awarding agencies that obtain post-award data on subaward obligations outside of this policy should take the necessary steps to ensure that their recipients are not required, due to the combination of agency-specific and Transparency Act reporting requirements, to submit the same or similar data multiple times during a given reporting period.
§ 170.210 Requirements for notices of funding opportunities, regulations, and application instructions.
(a) Each Federal awarding agency that makes awards of Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act must include the requirements described in paragraph (b) of this section in each notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance containing instructions for applicants under which Federal awards may be made that are subject to Transparency Act reporting requirements, and is issued on or after the effective date of this part.
(b) The notice of funding opportunity, regulation, or other issuance must require each non-Federal entity that applies for Federal financial assistance and that does not have an exception under § 170.110(b) to have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should they receive Federal funding.
§ 170.220 Award term.
(a) To accomplish the purposes described in § 170.100, a Federal awarding agency must include the award term in appendix A to this part in each Federal award to a recipient under which the total funding is anticipated to equal or exceed $30,000 in Federal funding.
(b) A Federal awarding agency, consistent with paragraph (a) of this section, is not required to include the award term in appendix A to this part if it determines that there is no possibility that the total amount of Federal funding under the Federal award will equal or exceed $30,000. However, the Federal awarding agency must subsequently modify the award to add the award term if changes in circumstances increase the total Federal funding under the award is anticipated to equal or exceed $30,000 during the period of performance.
Subpart C—Definitions
§ 170.300 Federal agency.
Federal agency means a Federal agency as defined at 5 U.S.C. 551(1) and further clarified by 5 U.S.C. 552(f).
§ 170.301 Federal awarding agency.
Federal awarding agency has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 170.305 Federal award.
Federal award, for the purposes of this part, means an award of Federal financial assistance that a recipient receives directly from a Federal awarding agency.
§ 170.307 Foreign organization.
Foreign organization has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 170.308 Foreign public entity.
Foreign public entity has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 170.310 Non-Federal entity.
Non-Federal entity has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1 and also includes all of the following, for the purposes of this part:
(a) A foreign organization;
(b) A foreign public entity; and
(c) A domestic or foreign for-profit organization.
§ 170.315 Executive.
Executive means officers, managing partners, or any other employees in management positions.
§ 170.320 Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act.
Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act means assistance that non-Federal entities described in § 170.105 receive or administer in the form of—
(a) Grants;
(b) Cooperative agreements (which does not include cooperative research and development agreements pursuant to the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986, as amended (15 U.S.C. 3710a));
(c) Loans;
(d) Loan guarantees;
(e) Subsidies;
(f) Insurance;
(g) Food commodities;
(h) Direct appropriations;
(i) Assessed and voluntary contributions; and
(j) Other financial assistance transactions that authorize the non-Federal entities’ expenditure of Federal funds.
(k) Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act, does not include—
(1) Technical assistance, which provides services in lieu of money;
(2) A transfer of title to federally-owned property provided in lieu of money, even if the award is called a grant;
(3) Any classified award; or
(4) Any award funded in whole or in part with Recovery funds, as defined in section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111–5).
§ 170.322 Recipient.
Recipient, for the purposes of this part, means a non-Federal entity or Federal agency that received a Federal award.
§ 170.325 Subaward.
Subaward has the meaning given in 2 CFR 200.1.
§ 170.330 Total compensation.
Total Compensation has the meaning given in paragraph e.5 of the award term in Appendix A to this part.
Appendix A to Part 170—Award Term
a. Reporting of first-tier subawards.
Applicability. Unless you are exempt as provided in paragraph d. of this award term, you must report each action that equals or exceeds $30,000 in Federal funds for a subaward to a non-Federal entity or Federal agency (see definitions in paragraph e. of this award term).
2. Where and when to report.
i. The non-Federal entity or Federal agency must report each obligating action described in paragraph a.1. of this award term to http://www.fsrs.gov.
ii. For subaward information, report no later than the end of the month following the month in which the obligation was made. (For example, if the obligation was made on November 7, 2010, the obligation must be reported by no later than December 31, 2010.)
3. What to report. You must report the information about each obligating action that the submission instructions posted at http://www.fsrs.gov specify.
b. Reporting total compensation of recipient executives for non-Federal entities.
1. Applicability and what to report. You must report total compensation for each of your five most highly compensated executives for the preceding completed fiscal year, if—
i. The total Federal funding authorized to date under this Federal award equals or exceeds $30,000 as defined in 2 CFR 170.320;
ii. in the preceding fiscal year, you received—
(A) 80 percent or more of your annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 170.320 (and subawards), and
(B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 170.320 (and subawards); and,
iii. The public does not have access to information about the compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm.)
2. Where and when to report. You must report executive total compensation described in paragraph b.1. of this award term:
i. As part of your registration profile at https://www.sam.gov.
ii. By the end of the month following the month in which this award is made, and annually thereafter.
c. Reporting of Total Compensation of Subrecipient Executives.
1. Applicability and what to report. Unless you are exempt as provided in paragraph d. of this award term, for each first-tier non-Federal entity subrecipient under this award, you shall report the names and total compensation of each of the subrecipient’s five most highly compensated executives for the subrecipient’s preceding completed fiscal year, if—
i. in the subrecipient’s preceding fiscal year, the subrecipient received—
(A) 80 percent or more of its annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts) and Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act, as defined at 2 CFR 170.320 (and subawards) and,
(B) $25,000,000 or more in annual gross revenues from Federal procurement contracts (and subcontracts), and Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act (and subawards); and
ii. The public does not have access to information about the compensation of the executives through periodic reports filed under section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)) or section 6104 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (To determine if the public has access to the compensation information, see the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission total compensation filings at http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm.)
2. Where and when to report. You must report subrecipient executive total compensation described in paragraph c.1. of this award term:
i. To the recipient.
ii. By the end of the month following the month during which you make the subaward. For example, if a subaward is obligated on any date during the month of October of a given year (i.e., between October 1 and 31), you must report any required compensation information of the subrecipient by November 30 of that year.
d. Exemptions.
If, in the previous tax year, you had gross income, from all sources, under $300,000, you are exempt from the requirements to report:
i. Subawards, and
ii. The total compensation of the five most highly compensated executives of any subrecipient.
e. Definitions. For purposes of this award term:
1. Federal Agency means a Federal agency as defined at 5 U.S.C. 551(1) and further clarified by 5 U.S.C. 552(f).
2. Non-Federal entity means all of the following, as defined in 2 CFR part 25:
i. A Governmental organization, which is a State, local government, or Indian tribe;
ii. A foreign public entity;
iii. A domestic or foreign nonprofit organization; and,
iv. A domestic or foreign for-profit organization
3. Executive means officers, managing partners, or any other employees in management positions.
4. Subaward:
i. This term means a legal instrument to provide support for the performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for which you received this award and that you as the recipient award to an eligible subrecipient.
ii. The term does not include your procurement of property and services needed to carry out the project or program (for further explanation, see 2 CFR 200.331).
iii. A subaward may be provided through any legal agreement, including an agreement that you or a subrecipient considers a contract.
5. Subrecipient means a non-Federal entity or Federal agency that:
i. Receives a subaward from you (the recipient) under this award; and
ii. Is accountable to you for the use of the Federal funds provided by the subaward.
6. Total compensation means the cash and noncash dollar value earned by the executive during the recipient’s or subrecipient’s preceding fiscal year and includes the following (for more information see 17 CFR 229.402(c)(2)).
PARTS 171–174 [RESERVED]
PART 175—AWARD TERM FOR TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
§ 175.5 Purpose of this part.
This part establishes a Governmentwide award term for grants and cooperative agreements to implement the requirement in paragraph (g) of section 106 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)).
§ 175.10 Statutory requirement.
In each agency award (i.e., grant or cooperative agreement) under which funding is provided to a private entity, section 106(g) of the TVPA, as amended, requires the agency to include a condition that authorizes the agency to terminate the award, without penalty, if the recipient or a subrecipient—
(a) Engages in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect;
(b) Procures a commercial sex act during the period of time that the award is in effect; or
(c) Uses forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award.
§ 175.15 Award term.
(a) To implement the trafficking in persons requirement in section 106(g) of the TVPA, as amended, a Federal awarding agency must include the award term in paragraph (b) of this section in—
(1) A grant or cooperative agreement to a private entity, as defined in § 175.25(d); and
(2) A grant or cooperative agreement to a State, local government, Indian tribe or foreign public entity, if funding could be provided under the award to a private entity as a subrecipient.
(b) The award term that an agency must include, as described in paragraph (a) of this section, is:
I. Trafficking in persons.
a. Provisions applicable to a recipient that is a private entity.
1. You as the recipient, your employees, subrecipients under this award, and subrecipients’ employees may not—
i. Engage in severe forms of trafficking in persons during the period of time that the award is in effect;
ii. Procure a commercial sex act during the period of time that the award is in effect; or
iii. Use forced labor in the performance of the award or subawards under the award.
2. We as the Federal awarding agency may unilaterally terminate this award, without penalty, if you or a subrecipient that is a private entity —
i. Is determined to have violated a prohibition in paragraph a.1 of this award term; or
ii. Has an employee who is determined by the agency official authorized to terminate the award to have violated a prohibition in paragraph a.1 of this award term through conduct that is either—
A. Associated with performance under this award; or
B. Imputed to you or the subrecipient using the standards and due process for imputing the conduct of an individual to an organization that are provided in 2 CFR part 180, “OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement),” as implemented by our agency at [agency must insert reference here to its regulatory implementation of the OMB guidelines in 2 CFR part 180 (e.g., “2 CFR part XX”)].
b. Provision applicable to a recipient other than a private entity. We as the Federal awarding agency may unilaterally terminate this award, without penalty, if a subrecipient that is a private entity—
1. Is determined to have violated an applicable prohibition in paragraph a.1 of this award term; or
2. Has an employee who is determined by the agency official authorized to terminate the award to have violated an applicable prohibition in paragraph a.1 of this award term through conduct that is either—
i. Associated with performance under this award; or
ii. Imputed to the subrecipient using the standards and due process for imputing the conduct of an individual to an organization that are provided in 2 CFR part 180, “OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement),” as implemented by our agency at [agency must insert reference here to its regulatory implementation of the OMB guidelines in 2 CFR part 180 (e.g., “2 CFR part XX”)].
c. Provisions applicable to any recipient.
1. You must inform us immediately of any information you receive from any source alleging a violation of a prohibition in paragraph a.1 of this award term.
2. Our right to terminate unilaterally that is described in paragraph a.2 or b of this section:
i. Implements section 106(g) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (22 U.S.C. 7104(g)), and
ii. Is in addition to all other remedies for noncompliance that are available to us under this award.
3. You must include the requirements of paragraph a.1 of this award term in any subaward you make to a private entity.
d. Definitions. For purposes of this award term:
1. “Employee” means either:
i. An individual employed by you or a subrecipient who is engaged in the performance of the project or program under this award; or
ii. Another person engaged in the performance of the project or program under this award and not compensated by you including, but not limited to, a volunteer or individual whose services are contributed by a third party as an in-kind contribution toward cost sharing or matching requirements.
2. “Forced labor” means labor obtained by any of the following methods: the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
3. “Private entity”:
i. Means any entity other than a State, local government, Indian tribe, or foreign public entity, as those terms are defined in 2 CFR 175.25.
ii. Includes:
A. A nonprofit organization, including any nonprofit institution of higher education, hospital, or tribal organization other than one included in the definition of Indian tribe at 2 CFR 175.25(b).
B. A for-profit organization.
4. “Severe forms of trafficking in persons,” “commercial sex act,” and “coercion” have the meanings given at section 103 of the TVPA, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7102).
(c) An agency may use different letters and numbers to designate the paragraphs of the award term in paragraph (b) of this section, if necessary, to conform the system of paragraph designations with the one used in other terms and conditions in the agency’s awards.
§ 175.20 Referral.
An agency official should inform the agency’s suspending or debarring official if he or she terminates an award based on a violation of a prohibition contained in the award term under § 175.15.
§ 175.25 Definitions.
Terms used in this part are defined as follows:
(a) Foreign public entity means:
(1) A foreign government or foreign governmental entity;
(2) A public international organization, which is an organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities as an international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288–288f);
(3) An entity owned (in whole or in part) or controlled by a foreign government; and
(4) Any other entity consisting wholly or partially of one or more foreign governments or foreign governmental entities.
(b) Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaskan Native village or regional or village corporation (as defined in, or established under, the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.)) that is recognized by the United States as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
(c) Local government means a:
(1) County;
(2) Borough;
(3) Municipality;
(4) City;
(5) Town;
(6) Township;
(7) Parish;
(8) Local public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937;
(9) Special district;
(10) School district;
(11) Intrastate district;
(12) Council of governments, whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law; and
(13) Any other instrumentality of a local government.
(d) Private entity. (1) This term means any entity other than a State, local government, Indian tribe, or foreign public entity.
(2) This term includes:
(i) A nonprofit organization, including any nonprofit institution of higher education, hospital, or tribal organization other than one included in the definition of Indian tribe in paragraph (b) of this section.
(ii) A for-profit organization.
(e) State, consistent with the definition in section 103 of the TVPA, as amended (22 U.S.C. 7102), means:
(1) Any State of the United States;
(2) The District of Columbia;
(3) Any agency or instrumentality of a State other than a local government or State-controlled institution of higher education;
(4) The Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands; and
(5) The United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and a territory or possession of the United States.
PART 176—AWARD TERMS FOR ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS THAT INCLUDE FUNDS UNDER THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009, PUBLIC LAW 111–5
§ 176.10 Purpose of this part.
This part establishes Federal Governmentwide award terms for financial assistance awards, namely, grants, cooperative agreements, and loans, to implement the cross-cutting requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111–5 (Recovery Act). These requirements are cross-cutting in that they apply to more than one agency’s awards.
§ 176.20 Agency responsibilities (general).
(a) In any assistance award funded in whole or in part by the Recovery Act, the award official shall indicate that the award is being made under the Recovery Act, and indicate what projects and/or activities are being funded under the Recovery Act. This requirement applies whenever Recovery Act funds are used, regardless of the assistance type.
(b) To maximize transparency of Recovery Act funds required for reporting by the assistance recipient, the award official shall consider structuring assistance awards to allow for separately tracking Recovery Act funds.
(c) Award officials shall ensure that recipients comply with the Recovery Act requirements of Subpart A. If the recipient fails to comply with the reporting requirements or other award terms, the award official or other authorized agency action official shall take the appropriate enforcement or termination action in accordance with 2 CFR 215.62 or the agency’s implementation of the OMB Circular A–102 grants management common rule. OMB Circular A–102 is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a102/a102.html.
(d) The award official shall make the recipient’s failure to comply with the reporting requirements a part of the recipient’s performance record.
§ 176.30 Definitions.
As used in this part—
Award means any grant, cooperative agreement or loan made with Recovery Act funds. Award official means a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate financial assistance awards and make related determinations and findings.
Classified or “classified information” means any knowledge that can be communicated or any documentary material, regardless of its physical form or characteristics, that—
(1)(i) Is owned by, is produced by or for, or is under the control of the United States Government; or
(ii) Has been classified by the Department of Energy as privately generated restricted data following the procedures in 10 CFR 1045.21; and
(2) Must be protected against unauthorized disclosure according to Executive Order 12958, Classified National Security Information, April 17, 1995, or classified in accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
Recipient means any entity other than an individual that receives Recovery Act funds in the form of a grant, cooperative agreement or loan directly from the Federal Government.
Recovery funds or Recovery Act funds are funds made available through the appropriations of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111–5.
Subaward means—
(1) A legal instrument to provide support for the performance of any portion of the substantive project or program for which the recipient received this award and that the recipient awards to an eligible subrecipient;
(2) The term does not include the recipient’s procurement of property and services needed to carry out the project or program (for further explanation, see §____.210 of the attachment to OMB Circular A–133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations”). OMB Circular A–133 is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133/a133.html.
(3) A subaward may be provided through any legal agreement, including an agreement that the recipient or a subrecipient considers a contract.
Subcontract means a legal instrument used by a recipient for procurement of property and services needed to carry out the project or program.
Subrecipient or Subawardee means a non-Federal entity that expends Federal awards received from a pass-through entity to carry out a Federal program, but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of such a program. A subrecipient may also be a recipient of other Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency. Guidance on distinguishing between a subrecipient and a vendor is provided in §____.210 of OMB Circular A–133.
Subpart A—Reporting and Registration Requirements Under Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
§ 176.40 Procedure.
The award official shall insert the standard award term in this subpart in all awards funded in whole or in part with Recovery Act funds, except for those that are classified, awarded to individuals, or awarded under mandatory and entitlement programs, except as specifically required by OMB, or expressly exempted from the reporting requirement in the Recovery Act.
§ 176.50 Award term—Reporting and registration requirements under section 1512 of the Recovery Act.
Agencies are responsible for ensuring that their recipients report information required under the Recovery Act in a timely manner. The following award term shall be used by agencies to implement the recipient reporting and registration requirements in section 1512:
(a) This award requires the recipient to complete projects or activities which are funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) and to report on use of Recovery Act funds provided through this award. Information from these reports will be made available to the public.
(b) The reports are due no later than ten calendar days after each calendar quarter in which the recipient receives the assistance award funded in whole or in part by the Recovery Act.
(c) Recipients and their first-tier recipients must maintain current registrations in the System of Award Management (http://www.ccr.gov) at all times during which they have active federal awards funded with Recovery Act funds. A Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (http://www.dnb.com) is one of the requirements for registration in the System of Award Management.
(d) The recipient shall report the information described in section 1512(c) of the Recovery Act using the reporting instructions and data elements that will be provided online at http://www.FederalReporting.gov and ensure that any information that is pre-filled is corrected or updated as needed.
Subpart B—Buy American Requirement Under Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
§ 176.60 Statutory requirement.
Section 1605 of the Recovery Act prohibits use of recovery funds for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States. The law requires that this prohibition be applied in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international agreements, and it provides for waiver under three circumstances:
(a) Iron, steel, or relevant manufactured goods are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality;
(b) Inclusion of iron, steel, or manufactured goods produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent; or
(c) Applying the domestic preference would be inconsistent with the public interest.
§ 176.70 Policy.
Except as provided in § 176.80 or § 176.90—
(a) None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Recovery Act may be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work (see definitions at §§ 176.140 and 176.160) unless—
(1) The public building or public work is located in the United States; and
(2) All of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced or manufactured in the United States.
(i) Production in the United States of the iron or steel used in the project requires that all manufacturing processes must take place in the United States, except metallurgical processes involving refinement of steel additives. These requirements do not apply to iron or steel used as components or subcomponents of manufactured goods used in the project.
(ii) There is no requirement with regard to the origin of components or subcomponents in manufactured goods used in the project, as long as the manufacturing occurs in the United States.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply where the Recovery Act requires the application of alternative Buy American requirements for iron, steel, and manufactured goods.
§ 176.80 Exceptions.
(a) When one of the following exceptions applies in a case or category of cases, the award official may allow the recipient to use foreign iron, steel and/or manufactured goods in the project without regard to the restrictions of section 1605 of the Recovery Act:
(1) Nonavailability. The head of the Federal department or agency may determine that the iron, steel or relevant manufactured good is not produced or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality. The determinations of nonavailability of the articles listed at 48 CFR 25.104(a) and the procedures at 48 CFR 25.103(b)(1) also apply if any of those articles are manufactured goods needed in the project.
(2) Unreasonable cost. The head of the Federal department or agency may determine that the cost of domestic iron, steel, or relevant manufactured goods will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent in accordance with § 176.110.
(3) Inconsistent with public interest. The head of the Federal department or agency may determine that application of the restrictions of section 1605 of the Recovery Act would be inconsistent with the public interest.
(b) When a determination is made for any of the reasons stated in this section that certain foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods may be used—
(1) The award official shall list the excepted materials in the award; and
(2) The head of the Federal department or agency shall publish a notice in the
(i) The title “Buy American Exception under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009”;
(ii) The dollar value and brief description of the project; and
(iii) A detailed written justification as to why the restriction is being waived.
§ 176.90 Acquisitions covered under international agreements.
Section 1605(d) of the Recovery Act provides that the Buy American requirement in section 1605 shall be applied in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international agreements.
(a) The Buy American requirement set out in § 176.70 shall not be applied where the iron, steel, or manufactured goods used in the project are from a Party to an international agreement, listed in paragraph (b) of this section, and the recipient is required under an international agreement, described in the appendix to this subpart, to treat the goods and services of that Party the same as domestic goods and services. As of January 1, 2010, this obligation shall only apply to projects with an estimated value of $7,804,000 or more and projects that are not specifically excluded from the application of those agreements.
(b) The international agreements that obligate recipients that are covered under an international agreement to treat the goods and services of a Party the same as domestic goods and services and the respective Parties to the agreements are:
(1) The World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom);
(2) The following Free Trade Agreements:
(i) Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua);
(ii) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (Canada and Mexico);
(iii) United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement;
(iv) United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement;
(v) United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement;
(vi) United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement;
(vii) United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement;
(viii) United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement;
(ix) United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement; and
(x) United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
(3) United States-European Communities Exchange of Letters (May 15, 1995): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom; and
(4) Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Government Procurement.
§ 176.100 Timely determination concerning the inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act.
(a) The head of the Federal department or agency involved may make a determination regarding inapplicability of section 1605 to a particular case or to a category of cases.
(b) Before Recovery Act funds are awarded by the Federal agency or obligated by the recipient for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work, an applicant or recipient may request from the award official a determination concerning the inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act for specifically identified items.
(c) The time for submitting the request and the information and supporting data that must be included in the request are to be specified in the agency’s and recipient’s request for applications and/or proposals, and as appropriate, in other written communications. The content of those communications should be consistent with the notice in § 176.150 or § 176.170, whichever applies.
(d) The award official must evaluate all requests based on the information provided and may supplement this information with other readily available information.
(e) In making a determination based on the increased cost to the project of using domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods, the award official must compare the total estimated cost of the project using foreign iron, steel and/or relevant manufactured goods to the estimated cost if all domestic iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods were used. If use of domestic iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods would increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent, then the award official shall determine that the cost of the domestic iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods is unreasonable.
§ 176.110 Evaluating proposals of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods.
(a) If the award official receives a request for an exception based on the cost of certain domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods being unreasonable, in accordance with § 176.80, then the award official shall apply evaluation factors to the proposal to use such foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods as follows:
(1) Use an evaluation factor of 25 percent, applied to the total estimated cost of the project, if the foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods are to be used in the project based on an exception for unreasonable cost requested by the applicant.
(2) Total evaluated cost = project cost estimate + (.25 × project cost estimate, if paragraph (a)(1) of this section applies).
(b) Applicants or recipients also may submit alternate proposals based on use of equivalent domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods to avoid possible denial of Recovery Act funding for the proposal if the Federal Government determines that an exception permitting use of the foreign item(s) does not apply.
(c) If the award official makes an award to an applicant that proposed foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods not listed in the applicable notice in the request for applications or proposals, then the award official must add the excepted materials to the list in the award term.
§ 176.120 Determinations on late requests.
(a) If a recipient requests a determination regarding the inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act after obligating Recovery Act funds for a project for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair (late request), the recipient must explain why it could not request the determination before making the obligation or why the need for such determination otherwise was not reasonably foreseeable. If the award official concludes that the recipient should have made the request before making the obligation, the award official may deny the request.
(b) The award official must base evaluation of any late request for a determination regarding the inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act on information required by § 176.150(c) and (d) or § 176.170(c) and (d) and/or other readily available information.
(c) If a determination, under § 176.80 is made after Recovery Act funds were obligated for a project for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair that an exception to section 1605 of the Recovery Act applies, the award official must amend the award to allow use of the foreign iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods. When the basis of the exception is nonavailability or public interest, the amended award shall reflect adjustment of the award amount, redistribution of budgeted funds, and/or other appropriate actions taken to cover costs associated with acquiring or using the foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods. When the basis for the exception is the unreasonable cost of domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods the award official shall adjust the award amount or the budget, as appropriate, by at least the differential established in § 176.110(a).
§ 176.130 Noncompliance.
The award official must—
(a) Review allegations of violations of section 1605 of the Recovery Act;
(b) Unless fraud is suspected, notify the recipient of the apparent unauthorized use of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods and request a reply, to include proposed corrective action; and
(c) If the review reveals that a recipient or subrecipient has used foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods without authorization, take appropriate action, including one or more of the following:
(1) Process a determination concerning the inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act in accordance with § 176.120.
(2) Consider requiring the removal and replacement of the unauthorized foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods.
(3) If removal and replacement of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods used in a public building or a public work would be impracticable, cause undue delay, or otherwise be detrimental to the interests of the Federal Government, the award official may determine in writing that the foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods need not be removed and replaced. A determination to retain foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods does not constitute a determination that an exception to section 1605 of the Recovery Act applies, and this should be stated in the determination. Further, a determination to retain foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods does not affect the Federal Government’s right to reduce the amount of the award by the cost of the steel, iron, or manufactured goods that are used in the project or to take enforcement or termination action in accordance with the agency’s grants management regulations.
(4) If the noncompliance is sufficiently serious, consider exercising appropriate remedies, such as withholding cash payments pending correction of the deficiency, suspending or terminating the award, and withholding further awards for the project. Also consider preparing and forwarding a report to the agency suspending or debarring official in accordance with the agency’s debarment rule implementing 2 CFR part 180. If the noncompliance appears to be fraudulent, refer the matter to other appropriate agency officials, such as the officer responsible for criminal investigation.
§ 176.140 Award term—Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods—Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
When awarding Recovery Act funds for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work that does not involve iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods covered under international agreements, the agency shall use the award term described in the following paragraphs:
(a) Definitions. As used in this award term and condition—
(1) Manufactured good means a good brought to the construction site for incorporation into the building or work that has been—
(i) Processed into a specific form and shape; or
(ii) Combined with other raw material to create a material that has different properties than the properties of the individual raw materials.
(2) Public building and public work means a public building of, and a public work of, a governmental entity (the United States; the District of Columbia; commonwealths, territories, and minor outlying islands of the United States; State and local governments; and multi-State, regional, or interstate entities which have governmental functions). These buildings and works may include, without limitation, bridges, dams, plants, highways, parkways, streets, subways, tunnels, sewers, mains, power lines, pumping stations, heavy generators, railways, airports, terminals, docks, piers, wharves, ways, lighthouses, buoys, jetties, breakwaters, levees, and canals, and the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of such buildings and works.
(3) Steel means an alloy that includes at least 50 percent iron, between .02 and 2 percent carbon, and may include other elements.
(b) Domestic preference. (1) This award term and condition implements Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) (Pub. L. 111–5), by requiring that all iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section and condition.
(2) This requirement does not apply to the material listed by the Federal Government as follows:
[Award official to list applicable excepted materials or indicate “none”]
(3) The award official may add other iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods to the list in paragraph (b)(2) of this section and condition if the Federal Government determines that—
(i) The cost of the domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods would be unreasonable. The cost of domestic iron, steel, or manufactured goods used in the project is unreasonable when the cumulative cost of such material will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent;
(ii) The iron, steel, and/or manufactured good is not produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities and of a satisfactory quality; or
(iii) The application of the restriction of section 1605 of the Recovery Act would be inconsistent with the public interest.
(c) Request for determination of inapplicability of Section 1605 of the Recovery Act. (1)(i) Any recipient request to use foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section shall include adequate information for Federal Government evaluation of the request, including—
(A) A description of the foreign and domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods;
(B) Unit of measure;
(C) Quantity;
(D) Cost;
(E) Time of delivery or availability;
(F) Location of the project;
(G) Name and address of the proposed supplier; and
(H) A detailed justification of the reason for use of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods cited in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(ii) A request based on unreasonable cost shall include a reasonable survey of the market and a completed cost comparison table in the format in paragraph (d) of this section.
(iii) The cost of iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods material shall include all delivery costs to the construction site and any applicable duty.
(iv) Any recipient request for a determination submitted after Recovery Act funds have been obligated for a project for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair shall explain why the recipient could not reasonably foresee the need for such determination and could not have requested the determination before the funds were obligated. If the recipient does not submit a satisfactory explanation, the award official need not make a determination.
(2) If the Federal Government determines after funds have been obligated for a project for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair that an exception to section 1605 of the Recovery Act applies, the award official will amend the award to allow use of the foreign iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods. When the basis for the exception is nonavailability or public interest, the amended award shall reflect adjustment of the award amount, redistribution of budgeted funds, and/or other actions taken to cover costs associated with acquiring or using the foreign iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods. When the basis for the exception is the unreasonable cost of the domestic iron, steel, or manufactured goods, the award official shall adjust the award amount or redistribute budgeted funds by at least the differential established in 2 CFR 176.110(a).
(3) Unless the Federal Government determines that an exception to section 1605 of the Recovery Act applies, use of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods is noncompliant with section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
(d) Data. To permit evaluation of requests under paragraph (b) of this section based on unreasonable cost, the Recipient shall include the following information and any applicable supporting data based on the survey of suppliers:
Foreign and Domestic Items Cost Comparison
| Description | Unit of measure | Quantity | Cost (dollars)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Domestic steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Foreign steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Domestic steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
§ 176.150 Notice of Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods—Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
When requesting applications or proposals for Recovery Act programs or activities that may involve construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work, and do not involve iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods covered under international agreements, the agency shall use the notice described in the following paragraphs in their solicitations:
(a) Definitions. Manufactured good, public building and public work, and steel, as used in this notice, are defined in the 2 CFR 176.140.
(b) Requests for determinations of inapplicability. A prospective applicant requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111–5) (Recovery Act) should submit the request to the award official in time to allow a determination before submission of applications or proposals. The prospective applicant shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by paragraphs at 2 CFR 176.140(c) and (d) in the request. If an applicant has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of 1605 of the Recovery Act before submitting its application or proposal, or has not received a response to a previous request, the applicant shall include the information and supporting data in the application or proposal.
(c) Evaluation of project proposals. If the Federal Government determines that an exception based on unreasonable cost of domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods applies, the Federal Government will evaluate a project requesting exception to the requirements of section 1605 of the Recovery Act by adding to the estimated total cost of the project 25 percent of the project cost, if foreign iron, steel, or manufactured goods are used in the project based on unreasonable cost of comparable manufactured domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods.
(d) Alternate project proposals. (1) When a project proposal includes foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods not listed by the Federal Government at 2 CFR 176.140(b)(2), the applicant also may submit an alternate proposal based on use of equivalent domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods.
(2) If an alternate proposal is submitted, the applicant shall submit a separate cost comparison table prepared in accordance with 2 CFR 176.140(c) and (d) for the proposal that is based on the use of any foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods for which the Federal Government has not yet determined an exception applies.
(3) If the Federal Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with 2 CFR 176.140(b) does not apply, the Federal Government will evaluate only those proposals based on use of the equivalent domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods, and the applicant shall be required to furnish such domestic items.
§ 176.160 Award term—Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods (covered under International Agreements)—Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
When awarding Recovery Act funds for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work that involves iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods materials covered under international agreements, the agency shall use the award term described in the following paragraphs:
(a) Definitions. As used in this award term and condition—
Designated country—(1) A World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement country (Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom;
(2) A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) country (Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Peru, or Singapore);
(3) A United States-European Communities Exchange of Letters (May 15, 1995) country: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom; or
(4) An Agreement between Canada and the United States of America on Government Procurement country (Canada).
Designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods—(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a designated country; or
(2) In the case of a manufactured good that consist in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in a designated country into a new and different manufactured good distinct from the materials from which it was transformed.
Domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured good—(1) Is wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of the United States; or
(2) In the case of a manufactured good that consists in whole or in part of materials from another country, has been substantially transformed in the United States into a new and different manufactured good distinct from the materials from which it was transformed. There is no requirement with regard to the origin of components or subcomponents in manufactured goods or products, as long as the manufacture of the goods occurs in the United States.
Foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured good means iron, steel and/or manufactured good that is not domestic or designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured good.
Manufactured good means a good brought to the construction site for incorporation into the building or work that has been—
(1) Processed into a specific form and shape; or
(2) Combined with other raw material to create a material that has different properties than the properties of the individual raw materials.
Public building and public work means a public building of, and a public work of, a governmental entity (the United States; the District of Columbia; commonwealths, territories, and minor outlying islands of the United States; State and local governments; and multi-State, regional, or interstate entities which have governmental functions). These buildings and works may include, without limitation, bridges, dams, plants, highways, parkways, streets, subways, tunnels, sewers, mains, power lines, pumping stations, heavy generators, railways, airports, terminals, docks, piers, wharves, ways, lighthouses, buoys, jetties, breakwaters, levees, and canals, and the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of such buildings and works.
Steel means an alloy that includes at least 50 percent iron, between .02 and 2 percent carbon, and may include other elements.
(b) Iron, steel, and manufactured goods. (1) The award term and condition described in this section implements—
(i) Section 1605(a) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111–5) (Recovery Act), by requiring that all iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States; and
(ii) Section 1605(d), which requires application of the Buy American requirement in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international agreements. The restrictions of section 1605 of the Recovery Act do not apply to designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods. The Buy American requirement in section 1605 shall not be applied where the iron, steel or manufactured goods used in the project are from a Party to an international agreement that obligates the recipient to treat the goods and services of that Party the same as domestic goods and services. As of January 1, 2010, this obligation shall only apply to projects with an estimated value of $7,804,000 or more.
(2) The recipient shall use only domestic or designated country iron, steel, and manufactured goods in performing the work funded in whole or part with this award, except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section.
(3) The requirement in paragraph (b)(2) of this section does not apply to the iron, steel, and manufactured goods listed by the Federal Government as follows:
[Award official to list applicable excepted materials or indicate “none”]
(4) The award official may add other iron, steel, and manufactured goods to the list in paragraph (b)(3) of this section if the Federal Government determines that—
(i) The cost of domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods would be unreasonable. The cost of domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods used in the project is unreasonable when the cumulative cost of such material will increase the overall cost of the project by more than 25 percent;
(ii) The iron, steel, and/or manufactured good is not produced, or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of a satisfactory quality; or
(iii) The application of the restriction of section 1605 of the Recovery Act would be inconsistent with the public interest.
(c) Request for determination of inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act or the Buy American Act. (1)(i) Any recipient request to use foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section shall include adequate information for Federal Government evaluation of the request, including—
(A) A description of the foreign and domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods;
(B) Unit of measure;
(C) Quantity;
(D) Cost;
(E) Time of delivery or availability;
(F) Location of the project;
(G) Name and address of the proposed supplier; and
(H) A detailed justification of the reason for use of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods cited in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section.
(ii) A request based on unreasonable cost shall include a reasonable survey of the market and a completed cost comparison table in the format in paragraph (d) of this section.
(iii) The cost of iron, steel, or manufactured goods shall include all delivery costs to the construction site and any applicable duty.
(iv) Any recipient request for a determination submitted after Recovery Act funds have been obligated for a project for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair shall explain why the recipient could not reasonably foresee the need for such determination and could not have requested the determination before the funds were obligated. If the recipient does not submit a satisfactory explanation, the award official need not make a determination.
(2) If the Federal Government determines after funds have been obligated for a project for construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair that an exception to section 1605 of the Recovery Act applies, the award official will amend the award to allow use of the foreign iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods. When the basis for the exception is nonavailability or public interest, the amended award shall reflect adjustment of the award amount, redistribution of budgeted funds, and/or other appropriate actions taken to cover costs associated with acquiring or using the foreign iron, steel, and/or relevant manufactured goods.. When the basis for the exception is the unreasonable cost of the domestic iron, steel, or manufactured goods, the award official shall adjust the award amount or redistribute budgeted funds, as appropriate, by at least the differential established in 2 CFR 176.110(a).
(3) Unless the Federal Government determines that an exception to section 1605 of the Recovery Act applies, use of foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods other than designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods is noncompliant with the applicable Act.
(d) Data. To permit evaluation of requests under paragraph (b) of this section based on unreasonable cost, the applicant shall include the following information and any applicable supporting data based on the survey of suppliers:
Foreign and Domestic Items Cost Comparison
| Description | Unit of measure | Quantity | Cost (dollars)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Domestic steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Foreign steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Domestic steel, iron, or manufactured good | _____ | _____ | _____ |
§ 176.170 Notice of Required Use of American Iron, Steel, and Manufactured Goods (covered under International Agreements)—Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
When requesting applications or proposals for Recovery Act programs or activities that may involve construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work, and involve iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods covered under international agreements, the agency shall use the notice described in the following paragraphs in the solicitation:
(a) Definitions. Designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods, foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured good, manufactured good, public building and public work, and steel, as used in this provision, are defined in 2 CFR 176.160(a).
(b) Requests for determinations of inapplicability. A prospective applicant requesting a determination regarding the inapplicability of section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111–5) (Recovery Act) should submit the request to the award official in time to allow a determination before submission of applications or proposals. The prospective applicant shall include the information and applicable supporting data required by 2 CFR 176.160 (c) and (d) in the request. If an applicant has not requested a determination regarding the inapplicability of section 1605 of the Recovery Act before submitting its application or proposal, or has not received a response to a previous request, the applicant shall include the information and supporting data in the application or proposal.
(c) Evaluation of project proposals. If the Federal Government determines that an exception based on unreasonable cost of domestic iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods applies, the Federal Government will evaluate a project requesting exception to the requirements of section 1605 of the Recovery Act by adding to the estimated total cost of the project 25 percent of the project cost if foreign iron, steel, or manufactured goods are used based on unreasonable cost of comparable domestic iron, steel, or manufactured goods.
(d) Alternate project proposals. (1) When a project proposal includes foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods, other than designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods, that are not listed by the Federal Government in this Buy American notice in the request for applications or proposals, the applicant may submit an alternate proposal based on use of equivalent domestic or designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods.
(2) If an alternate proposal is submitted, the applicant shall submit a separate cost comparison table prepared in accordance with paragraphs 2 CFR 176.160(c) and (d) for the proposal that is based on the use of any foreign iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods for which the Federal Government has not yet determined an exception applies.
(3) If the Federal Government determines that a particular exception requested in accordance with 2 CFR 176.160(b) does not apply, the Federal Government will evaluate only those proposals based on use of the equivalent domestic or designated country iron, steel, and/or manufactured goods, and the applicant shall be required to furnish such domestic or designated country items.
Appendix to Subpart B of 2 CFR Part 176—U.S. States, Other Sub-Federal Entities, and Other Entities Subject to U.S. Obligations Under International Agreements (as of February 16, 2010)
| States | Entities covered | Exclusions | Relevant international agreements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. | |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Arkansas | Executive branch agencies, including universities but excluding the Office of Fish and Game | Construction services | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. |
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| California | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. | |
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Colorado | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. | |
| —DR-CAFTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Connecticut | —Department of Administrative Services —Department of Transportation. —Department of Public Works. —Constituent Units of Higher Education | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |
| Delaware | —Administrative Services (Central Procurement Agency). —State Universities. —State Colleges. | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA (except Honduras). —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Florida | Executive branch agencies | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. |
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Georgia | —Department of Administrative Services | Beef; compost; mulch | —U.S.-Australia FTA. |
| —Georgia Technology Authority | |||
| Hawaii | Department of Accounting and General Services | Software developed in the State; construction | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA (except Honduras). |
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Idaho | Central Procurement Agency (including all colleges and universities subject to central purchasing oversight) | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA (except Honduras). —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Illinois | —Department of Central Management Services | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. |
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. —U.S.-EC. | |||
| Exchange of Letters (applies to EC Member States for procurement not covered by WTO GPA and only where the State considers out-of-State suppliers). | |||
| Iowa | —Department of General Services —Department of Transportation. —Board of Regents’ Institutions (universities) | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Kansas | Executive branch agencies | Construction services; automobiles; aircraft | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Kentucky | Division of Purchases, Finance and Administration Cabinet | Construction projects | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. |
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Louisiana | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. | |
| —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Maine | —Department of Administrative and Financial Services —Bureau of General Services (covering State government agencies and school construction) — Department of Transportation. | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Maryland | —Office of the Treasury —Department of the Environment. —Department of General Services. —Department of Housing and Community Development. —Department of Human Resources. —Department of Licensing and Regulation. —Department of Natural Resources. —Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. —Department of Personnel. —Department of Transportation. | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Massachusetts | —Executive Office for Administration and Finance | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |
| —Executive Office of Communities and Development | —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | ||
| —Executive Office of Consumer Affairs | |||
| —Executive Office of Economic Affairs | |||
| —Executive Office of Education | |||
| —Executive Office of Elder Affairs | |||
| —Executive Office of Environmental Affairs | |||
| —Executive Office of Health and Human Service | |||
| —Executive Office of Labor | |||
| —Executive Office of Public Safety | |||
| —Executive Office of Transportation and Construction | |||
| Michigan | Department of Management and Budget | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Minnesota | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. | |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Mississippi | Department of Finance and Administration | Services | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. |
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Missouri | —Office of Administration | —WTO GPA. | |
| —Division of Purchasing and Materials Management | —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | ||
| Montana | Executive branch agencies | Goods | —WTO GPA. |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Nebraska | Central Procurement Agency | —WTO GPA. | |
| —DR-CAFTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| New Hampshire | Central Procurement Agency | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts), motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| New York | —State agencies —State university system. —Public authorities and public benefit corporations, with the exception of those entities with multi-State mandates. | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal; transit cars, buses and related equipment | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Peru TPA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| North Dakota | —U.S.-EC Exchange of Letters (applies to EC Member States and only where the State considers out-of-State suppliers). | ||
| Oklahoma | Department of Central Services and all State agencies and departments subject to the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act | Construction services; construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Peru TPA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Oregon | Department of Administrative Services | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA (except Honduras). | |
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Pennsylvania | Executive branch agencies, including: —Governor’s Office. —Department of the Auditor General. —Treasury Department. —Department of Agriculture. | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| —Department of Banking | |||
| —Pennsylvania Securities Commission | |||
| —Department of Health | |||
| —Department of Transportation | |||
| —Insurance Department | |||
| —Department of Aging | |||
| —Department of Correction | |||
| —Department of Labor and Industry | |||
| —Department of Military Affairs | |||
| —Office of Attorney General | |||
| —Department of General Services | |||
| —Department of Education | |||
| —Public Utility Commission | |||
| —Department of Revenue | |||
| —Department of State | |||
| —Pennsylvania State Police | |||
| —Department of Public Welfare | |||
| —Fish Commission | |||
| —Game Commission | |||
| —Department of Commerce | |||
| —Board of Probation and Parole | |||
| —Liquor Control Board | |||
| —Milk Marketing Board | |||
| —Lieutenant Governor’s Office | |||
| —Department of Community Affairs | |||
| —Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission | |||
| —Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency | |||
| —State Civil Service Commission | |||
| —Pennsylvania Public Television Network | |||
| —Department of Environmental Resources | |||
| —State Tax Equalization Board | |||
| —Department of Public Welfare | |||
| —State Employees’ Retirement System | |||
| —Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Board | |||
| —Public School Employees’ Retirement System | |||
| —Pennsylvania Crime Commission | |||
| —Executive Offices | |||
| Rhode Island | Executive branch agencies | Boats, automobiles, buses and related equipment | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA (except Honduras). —U.S.-Australia FTA. |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| South Dakota | Central Procuring Agency (including universities and penal institutions) | Beef | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Tennessee | Executive branch agencies | Services; construction | —WTO GPA-U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Texas | Texas Building and Procurement Commission | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Utah | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA (except Honduras). | |
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Vermont | Executive branch agencies | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. | |
| —U.S.-Australia FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Washington | Executive branch agencies, including: —General Administration. —Department of Transportation. —State Universities. | Fuel; paper products; boats; ships; and vessels | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| West Virginia | —U.S.-EC Exchange of Letters (applies to EC Member States and only where the State considers out-of-State suppliers). | ||
| Wisconsin | Executive branch agencies, including: —Department of Administration. —State Correctional Institutions. —Department of Development. —Educational Communications Board. —Department of Employment Relations. —State Historical Society. —Department of Health and Social Services. —Insurance Commissioner. —Department of Justice. —Lottery Board. —Department of Natural Resources. —Administration for Public Instruction. —Racing Board. —Department of Revenue. —State Fair Park Board. —Department of Transportation. —State University System. | —WTO GPA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |
| Wyoming | —Procurement Services Division —Wyoming Department of Transportation. —University of Wyoming. | Construction-grade steel (including requirements on subcontracts); motor vehicles; coal | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Morocco FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. |
| Other sub-federal entities | Entities covered | Exclusions | Relevant international agreements |
| Puerto Rico | —Department of State —Department of Justice. | Construction services | —DR-CAFTA. —U.S.-Peru TPA. |
| —Department of the Treasury. | —Department of Economic Development and Commerce | ||
| —Department of Labor and Human Resources | |||
| —Department of Natural and Environmental Resources | |||
| —Department of Consumer Affairs | |||
| —Department of Sports and Recreation | |||
| Port Authority of New York and New Jersey | Restrictions attached to Federal funds for airport projects; maintenance, repair and operating materials and supplies | —WTO GPA (except Canada). —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |
| Port of Baltimore | Restrictions attached to Federal funds for airport projects | —WTO GPA (except Canada). —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |
| New York Power Authority | Restrictions attached to Federal funds for airport projects; conditions specified for the State of New York | —WTO GPA (except Canada). —U.S.-Chile FTA. —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |
| Massachusetts Port Authority | U.S.-EC Exchange of Letters (applies to EC Member States and only where the Port Authority considers out-of-State suppliers). | ||
| Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, and San Antonio | U.S.-EC Exchange of Letters (only applies to EC Member States and where the city considers out-of-city suppliers). | ||
| Other entities | Entities covered | Exclusions | Relevant international agreements |
| Rural Utilities Service (waiver of Buy American restriction on financing for all power generation projects) | Any recipient | —WTO GPA. —DR-CAFTA. —NAFTA. —U.S.-Australia FTA. —U.S.-Bahrain FTA. | |
| —U.S.-Chile FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Morocco FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Oman FTA. | |||
| —U.S.-Peru TPA. | |||
| —U.S.-Singapore FTA. | |||
| Rural Utilities Service (waiver of Buy American restriction on financing for telecommunications projects) | Any recipient | —NAFTA. —U.S.-Israel FTA. | |
| U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Services, | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. | |
| U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. | |
| U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. | |
| U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. | |
| U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development, | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. | |
| U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing, | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. | |
| U.S. Environmental Protection | Any recipient | U.S.-Canada Agreement. |
General Exceptions: The following restrictions and exceptions are excluded from U.S. obligations under international agreements:
1. The restrictions attached to Federal funds to States for mass transit and highway projects.
2. Dredging.
The World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (WTO GPA) Parties: Aruba, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.
The Free Trade Agreements and the respective Parties to the agreements are:
(1) Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR–CAFTA): Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua;
(2) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): Canada and Mexico;
(3) United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Australia FTA);
(4) United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Bahrain FTA);
(5) United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Chile FTA);
(6) United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Israel FTA);
(7) United States-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Morocco FTA);
(8) United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Oman FTA);
(9) United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (U.S.-Peru TPA); and
(10) United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (U.S.-Singapore FTA).
United States-European Communities Exchange of Letters (May 30, 1995) (U.S.-EC Exchange of Letters) applies to EC Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.
Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on Government Procurement (Feb. 10, 2010) (U.S.-Canada Agreement): Applies only to Canada.
Subpart C—Wage Rate Requirements Under Section 1606 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
§ 176.180 Procedure.
The award official shall insert the standard award term in this subpart in all awards funded in whole or in part with Recovery Act funds.
§ 176.190 Award term—Wage rate requirements under Section 1606 of the Recovery Act.
When issuing announcements or requesting applications for Recovery Act programs or activities that may involve construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair the agency shall use the award term described in the following paragraphs:
(a) Section 1606 of the Recovery Act requires that all laborers and mechanics employed by contractors and subcontractors on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or in part by and through the Federal Government pursuant to the Recovery Act shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on projects of a character similar in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code.
Pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. 14 and the Copeland Act, 40 U.S.C. 3145, the Department of Labor has issued regulations at 29 CFR parts 1, 3, and 5 to implement the Davis-Bacon and related Acts. Regulations in 29 CFR 5.5 instruct agencies concerning application of the standard Davis-Bacon contract clauses set forth in that section. Federal agencies providing grants, cooperative agreements, and loans under the Recovery Act shall ensure that the standard Davis-Bacon contract clauses found in 29 CFR 5.5(a) are incorporated in any resultant covered contracts that are in excess of $2,000 for construction, alteration or repair (including painting and decorating).
(b) For additional guidance on the wage rate requirements of section 1606, contact your awarding agency. Recipients of grants, cooperative agreements and loans should direct their initial inquiries concerning the application of Davis-Bacon requirements to a particular federally assisted project to the Federal agency funding the project. The Secretary of Labor retains final coverage authority under Reorganization Plan Number 14.
Subpart D—Single Audit Information for Recipients of Recovery Act Funds
§ 176.200 Procedure.
The award official shall insert the standard award term in this subpart in all awards funded in whole or in part with Recovery Act funds.
§ 176.210 Award term—Recovery Act transactions listed in Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and Recipient Responsibilities for Informing Subrecipients.
The award term described in this section shall be used by agencies to clarify recipient responsibilities regarding tracking and documenting Recovery Act expenditures:
(a) To maximize the transparency and accountability of funds authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111–5) (Recovery Act) as required by Congress and in accordance with 2 CFR 215.21 “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements” and OMB Circular A–102 Common Rules provisions, recipients agree to maintain records that identify adequately the source and application of Recovery Act funds. OMB Circular A–102 is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a102/a102.html.
(b) For recipients covered by the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 and OMB Circular A–133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations,” recipients agree to separately identify the expenditures for Federal awards under the Recovery Act on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and the Data Collection Form (SF–SAC) required by OMB Circular A–133. OMB Circular A–133 is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a133/a133.html. This shall be accomplished by identifying expenditures for Federal awards made under the Recovery Act separately on the SEFA, and as separate rows under Item 9 of Part III on the SF–SAC by CFDA number, and inclusion of the prefix “ARRA-” in identifying the name of the Federal program on the SEFA and as the first characters in Item 9d of Part III on the SF–SAC.
(c) Recipients agree to separately identify to each subrecipient, and document at the time of subaward and at the time of disbursement of funds, the Federal award number, CFDA number, and amount of Recovery Act funds. When a recipient awards Recovery Act funds for an existing program, the information furnished to subrecipients shall distinguish the subawards of incremental Recovery Act funds from regular subawards under the existing program.
(d) Recipients agree to require their subrecipients to include on their SEFA information to specifically identify Recovery Act funding similar to the requirements for the recipient SEFA described above. This information is needed to allow the recipient to properly monitor subrecipient expenditure of ARRA funds as well as oversight by the Federal awarding agencies, Offices of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office.
PARTS 177–179 [RESERVED]
PART 180—OMB GUIDELINES TO AGENCIES ON GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT)
§ 180.5 What does this part do?
This part provides Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance for Federal agencies on the governmentwide debarment and suspension system for nonprocurement programs and activities.
§ 180.10 How is this part organized?
This part is organized in two segments.
(a) Sections 180.5 through 180.45 contain general policy direction for Federal agencies’ use of the standards in subparts A through I of this part.
(b) Subparts A through I of this part contain uniform governmentwide standards that Federal agencies are to use to specify—
(1) The types of transactions that are covered by the nonprocurement debarment and suspension system;
(2) The effects of an exclusion under that nonprocurement system, including reciprocal effects with the governmentwide debarment and suspension system for procurement;
(3) The criteria and minimum due process to be used in nonprocurement debarment and suspension actions; and
(4) Related policies and procedures to ensure the effectiveness of those actions.
§ 180.15 To whom does the guidance apply?
The guidance provides OMB guidance only to Federal agencies. Publication of the guidance in the CFR does not change its nature—it is guidance and not regulation. Federal agencies’ implementation of the guidance governs the rights and responsibilities of other persons affected by the nonprocurement debarment and suspension system.
§ 180.20 What must a Federal agency do to implement these guidelines?
As required by Section 3 of E.O. 12549, each Federal agency with nonprocurement programs and activities covered by subparts A through I of the guidance must issue regulations consistent with those subparts.
§ 180.25 What must a Federal agency address in its implementation of the guidance?
Each Federal agency implementing regulation:
(a) Must establish policies and procedures for that agency’s nonprocurement debarment and suspension programs and activities that are consistent with the guidance. When adopted by a Federal agency, the provisions of the guidance have regulatory effect for that agency’s programs and activities.
(b) Must address some matters for which these guidelines give each Federal agency some discretion. Specifically, the regulation must—
(1) Identify either the Federal agency head or the title of the designated official who is authorized to grant exceptions under § 180.135 to let an excluded person participate in a covered transaction.
(2) State whether the agency includes as covered transactions an additional tier of contracts awarded under covered nonprocurement transactions, as permitted under § 180.220(c).
(3) Identify the method(s) an agency official may use, when entering into a covered transaction with a primary tier participant, to communicate to the participant the requirements described in § 180.435. Examples of methods are an award term that requires compliance as a condition of the award; an assurance of compliance obtained at time of application; or a certification.
(4) State whether the Federal agency specifies a particular method that participants must use to communicate compliance requirements to lower-tier participants, as described in § 180.330(a). If there is a specified method, the regulation needs to require agency officials, when entering into covered transactions with primary tier participants, to communicate that requirement.
(c) May also, at the agency’s option:
(1) Identify any specific types of transactions that the Federal agency includes as “nonprocurement transactions” in addition to the examples provided in § 180.970.
(2) Identify any types of nonprocurement transactions that the Federal agency exempts from coverage under these guidelines, as authorized under § 180.215(g)(2).
(3) Identify specific examples of types of individuals who would be “principals” under the Federal agency’s nonprocurement programs and transactions, in addition to the types of individuals described at § 180.995.
(4) Specify the Federal agency’s procedures, if any, by which a respondent may appeal a suspension or debarment decision.
(5) Identify by title the officials designated by the Federal agency head as debarring officials under § 180.930 or suspending officials under § 180.1010.
(6) Include a subpart covering disqualifications, as authorized in § 180.45.
(7) Include any provisions authorized by OMB.
§ 180.30 Where does a Federal agency implement these guidelines?
Each Federal agency that participates in the governmentwide nonprocurement debarment and suspension system must issue a regulation implementing these guidelines within its chapter in subtitle B of this title of the Code of Federal Regulations.
§ 180.35 By when must a Federal agency implement these guidelines?
Federal agencies must submit proposed regulations to the OMB for review within nine months of the issuance of these guidelines and issue final regulations within eighteen months of these guidelines.
§ 180.40 How are these guidelines maintained?
The Interagency Committee on Debarment and Suspension established by section 4 of E.O. 12549 recommends to the OMB any needed revisions to the guidelines in this part. The OMB publishes proposed changes to the guidelines in the
§ 180.45 Do these guidelines cover persons who are disqualified, as well as those who are excluded from nonprocurement transactions?
A Federal agency may add a subpart covering disqualifications to its regulation implementing these guidelines, but the guidelines in subparts A through I of this part—
(a) Address disqualified persons only to—
(1) Provide for their inclusion in SAM Exclusions; and
(2) State responsibilities of Federal agencies and participants to check for disqualified persons before entering into covered transactions.
(b) Do not specify the—
(1) Transactions for which a disqualified person is ineligible. Those transactions vary on a case-by-case basis, because they depend on the language of the specific statute, Executive order or regulation that caused the disqualification;
(2) Entities to which a disqualification applies; or
(3) Process that a Federal agency uses to disqualify a person. Unlike exclusion under subparts A through I of this part, disqualification is frequently not a discretionary action that a Federal agency takes, and may include special procedures.
Subpart A—General
§ 180.100 How are subparts A through I organized?
(a) Each subpart contains information related to a broad topic or specific audience with special responsibilities, as shown in the following table:
| In subpart . . . | You will find provisions related to . . . |
|---|---|
| A | general information about Subparts A through I of this part. |
| B | the types of transactions that are covered by the Governmentwide nonprocurement suspension and debarment system. |
| C | the responsibilities of persons who participate in covered transactions. |
| D | the responsibilities of Federal agency officials who are authorized to enter into covered transactions. |
| E | the responsibilities of Federal agencies for entering information into SAM Exclusions |
| F | the general principles governing suspension, debarment, voluntary exclusion and settlement. |
| G | suspension actions. |
| H | debarment actions. |
| I | definitions of terms used in this part. |
(b) The following table shows which subparts may be of special interest to you, depending on who you are:
| If you are . . . | See Subpart(s) . . . |
|---|---|
| (1) a participant or principal in a nonprocurement transaction | A, B, C and I. |
| (2) a respondent in a suspension action | A, B, F, G and I. |
| (3) a respondent in a debarment action | A, B, F, H and I. |
| (4) a suspending official | A, B, E, F, G and I. |
| (5) a debarring official | A, B, D, F, H and I. |
| (6) an Federal agency official authorized to enter into a covered transaction | A, B, D, E and I. |
§ 180.105 How is this part written?
(a) This part uses a “plain language” format to make it easier for the general public and business community to use. The section headings and text, often in the form of questions and answers, must be read together.
(b) Pronouns used within this part, such as “I” and “you,” change from subpart to subpart depending on the audience being addressed.
(c) The “Covered Transactions” diagram in the appendix to this part shows the levels or “tiers” at which a Federal agency may enforce an exclusion.
§ 180.110 Do terms in this part have special meanings?
This part uses terms throughout the text that have special meaning. Those terms are defined in subpart I of this part. For example, three important terms are—
(a) Exclusion or excluded, which refers only to discretionary actions taken by a suspending or debarring official under Executive Order 12549 and Executive Order 12689 or under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4);
(b) Disqualification or disqualified, which refers to prohibitions under specific statutes, executive orders (other than Executive Order 12549 and Executive Order 12689), or other authorities. Disqualifications frequently are not subject to the discretion of a Federal agency official, may have a different scope than exclusions, or have special conditions that apply to the disqualification; and
(c) Ineligibility or ineligible, which generally refers to a person who is either excluded or disqualified.
§ 180.115 What do Subparts A through I of this part do?
Subparts A through I of this part provide for reciprocal exclusion of persons who have been excluded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and provide for the consolidated listing of all persons who are excluded, or disqualified by statute, executive order or other legal authority.
§ 180.120 Do subparts A through I of this part apply to me?
Portions of subparts A through I of this part (see table at § 180.100(b)) apply to you if you are a—
(a) Person who has been, is, or may reasonably be expected to be, a participant or principal in a covered transaction;
(b) Respondent (a person against whom a Federal agency has initiated a debarment or suspension action);
(c) Federal agency debarring or suspending official; or
(d) Federal agency official who is authorized to enter into covered transactions with non-Federal parties.
§ 180.125 What is the purpose of the nonprocurement debarment and suspension system?
(a) To protect the public interest, the Federal Government ensures the integrity of Federal programs by conducting business only with responsible persons.
(b) A Federal agency uses the nonprocurement debarment and suspension system to exclude from Federal programs persons who are not presently responsible.
(c) An exclusion is a serious action that a Federal agency may take only to protect the public interest. A Federal agency may not exclude a person or commodity for the purposes of punishment.
§ 180.130 How does an exclusion restrict a person’s involvement in covered transactions?
With the exceptions stated in §§ 180.135, 315, and 420, a person who is excluded by any Federal agency may not:
(a) Be a participant in a Federal agency transaction that is a covered transaction; or
(b) Act as a principal of a person participating in one of those covered transactions.
§ 180.135 May a Federal agency grant an exception to let an excluded person participate in a covered transaction?
(a) A Federal agency head or designee may grant an exception permitting an excluded person to participate in a particular covered transaction. If the agency head or designee grants an exception, the exception must be in writing and state the reason(s) for deviating from the governmentwide policy in Executive Order 12549.
(b) An exception granted by one Federal agency for an excluded person does not extend to the covered transactions of another Federal agency.
§ 180.140 Does an exclusion under the nonprocurement system affect a person’s eligibility for Federal procurement contracts?
If any Federal agency excludes a person under Executive Order 12549 or Executive Order 12689, on or after August 25, 1995, the excluded person is also ineligible for Federal procurement transactions under the FAR. Therefore, an exclusion under this part has reciprocal effect in Federal procurement transactions.
§ 180.145 Does an exclusion under the Federal procurement system affect a person’s eligibility to participate in nonprocurement transactions?
If any Federal agency excludes a person under the FAR on or after August 25, 1995, the excluded person is also ineligible to participate in Federal agencies’ nonprocurement covered transactions. Therefore, an exclusion under the FAR has reciprocal effect in Federal nonprocurement transactions.
§ 180.150 Against whom may a Federal agency take an exclusion action?
Given a cause that justifies an exclusion under this part, a Federal agency may exclude any person who has been, is, or may reasonably be expected to be a participant or principal in a covered transaction.
§ 180.155 How do I know if a person is excluded?
Check the Governmentwide System for Award Management Exclusions (SAM Exclusions) to determine whether a person is excluded. The General Services Administration (GSA) maintains the SAM Exclusions and makes it available, as detailed in Subpart E of this part. When a Federal agency takes an action to exclude a person under the nonprocurement or procurement debarment and suspension system, the agency enters the information about the excluded person into the SAM Exclusions.
Subpart B—Covered Transactions
§ 180.200 What is a covered transaction?
A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of this part. It may be a transaction at—
(a) The primary tier, between a Federal agency and a person (see appendix to this part); or
(b) A lower tier, between a participant in a covered transaction and another person.
§ 180.205 Why is it important if a particular transaction is a covered transaction?
The importance of whether a transaction is a covered transaction depends upon who you are.
(a) As a participant in the transaction, you have the responsibilities laid out in subpart C of this part. Those include responsibilities to the person or Federal agency at the next higher tier from whom you received the transaction, if any. They also include responsibilities if you subsequently enter into other covered transactions with persons at the next lower tier.
(b) As a Federal official who enters into a primary tier transaction, you have the responsibilities laid out in subpart D of this part.
(c) As an excluded person, you may not be a participant or principal in the transaction unless—
(1) The person who entered into the transaction with you allows you to continue your involvement in a transaction that predates your exclusion, as permitted under § 180.310 or § 180.415; or
(2) A Federal agency official obtains an exception from the agency head or designee to allow you to be involved in the transaction, as permitted under § 180.135.
§ 180.210 Which nonprocurement transactions are covered transactions?
All nonprocurement transactions, as defined in § 180.970, are covered transactions unless listed in the exemptions under § 180.215.
§ 180.215 Which nonprocurement transactions are not covered transactions?
The following types of nonprocurement transactions are not covered transactions:
(a) A direct award to—
(1) A foreign government or foreign governmental entity;
(2) A public international organization;
(3) An entity owned (in whole or in part) or controlled by a foreign government; or
(4) Any other entity consisting wholly or partially of one or more foreign governments or foreign governmental entities.
(b) A benefit to an individual as a personal entitlement without regard to the individual’s present responsibility (but benefits received in an individual’s business capacity are not excepted). For example, if a person receives social security benefits under the Supplemental Security Income provisions of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1301 et seq., those benefits are not covered transactions and, therefore, are not affected if the person is excluded.
(c) Federal employment.
(d) A transaction that a Federal agency needs to respond to a national or agency-recognized emergency or disaster.
(e) A permit, license, certificate or similar instrument issued as a means to regulate public health, safety or the environment, unless a Federal agency specifically designates it to be a covered transaction.
(f) An incidental benefit that results from ordinary governmental operations.
(g) Any other transaction if—
(1) The application of an exclusion to the transaction is prohibited by law; or
(2) A Federal agency’s regulation exempts it from coverage under this part.
(h) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, covered transactions must include non-procurement and procurement transactions involving entities engaged in activity that contributed to or is a significant factor in a country’s non-compliance with its obligations under arms control, nonproliferation or disarmament agreements or commitments with the United States. Federal awarding agencies and primary tier non-procurement recipients must not award, renew, or extend a non-procurement transaction or procurement transaction, regardless of amount or tier, with any entity listed in the System for Award Management Exclusions List on the basis of involvement in activities that violate arms control, nonproliferation or disarmament agreements or commitments with the United States, pursuant to section 1290 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, unless the head of a Federal agency grants an exception pursuant to 2 CFR 180.135 with the concurrence of the OMB Director.
§ 180.220 Are any procurement contracts included as covered transactions?
(a) Covered transactions under this part—
(1) Do not include any procurement contracts awarded directly by a Federal agency; but
(2) Do include some procurement contracts awarded by non-Federal participants in nonprocurement covered transactions.
(b) Specifically, a contract for goods or services is a covered transaction if any of the following applies:
(1) The contract is awarded by a participant in a nonprocurement transaction that is covered under § 180.210, and the amount of the contract is expected to equal or exceed $25,000.
(2) The contract requires the consent of an official of a Federal agency. In that case, the contract, regardless of the amount, always is a covered transaction, and it does not matter who awarded it. For example, it could be a subcontract awarded by a contractor at a tier below a nonprocurement transaction, as shown in the appendix to this part.
(3) The contract is for Federally-required audit services.
(c) A subcontract also is a covered transaction if,—
(1) It is awarded by a participant in a procurement transaction under a nonprocurement transaction of a Federal agency that extends the coverage of paragraph (b)(1) of this section to additional tiers of contracts (see the diagram in the appendix to this part showing that optional lower tier coverage); and
(2) The value of the subcontract is expected to equal or exceed $25,000.
§ 180.225 How do I know if a transaction in which I may participate is a covered transaction?
As a participant in a transaction, you will know that it is a covered transaction because the Federal agency regulations governing the transaction, the appropriate Federal agency official or participant at the next higher tier who enters into the transaction with you, will tell you that you must comply with applicable portions of this part.
Subpart C—Responsibilities of Participants Regarding Transactions Doing Business With Other Persons
§ 180.300 What must I do before I enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier?
When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or
(b) Collecting a certification from that person; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
§ 180.305 May I enter into a covered transaction with an excluded or disqualified person?
(a) You as a participant may not enter into a covered transaction with an excluded person, unless the Federal agency responsible for the transaction grants an exception under § 180.135.
(b) You may not enter into any transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you have obtained an exception under the disqualifying statute, Executive order, or regulation.
§ 180.310 What must I do if a Federal agency excludes a person with whom I am already doing business in a covered transaction?
(a) You as a participant may continue covered transactions with an excluded person if the transactions were in existence when the agency excluded the person. However, you are not required to continue the transactions, and you may consider termination. You should make a decision about whether to terminate and the type of termination action, if any, only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper and appropriate.
(b) You may not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any excluded person, unless the Federal agency responsible for the transaction grants an exception under § 180.135.
§ 180.315 May I use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction?
(a) You as a participant may continue to use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction if you were using the services of that person in the transaction before the person was excluded. However, you are not required to continue using that person’s services as a principal. You should make a decision about whether to discontinue that person’s services only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper and appropriate.
(b) You may not begin to use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction unless the Federal agency responsible for the transaction grants an exception under § 180.135.
§ 180.320 Must I verify that principals of my covered transactions are eligible to participate?
Yes, you as a participant are responsible for determining whether any of your principals of your covered transactions is excluded or disqualified from participating in the transaction.
You may decide the method and frequency by which you do so. You may, but you are not required to, check SAM Exclusions.
§ 180.325 What happens if I do business with an excluded person in a covered transaction?
If as a participant you knowingly do business with an excluded person, the Federal agency responsible for your transaction may disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, debar or suspend you, or take other remedies as appropriate.
§ 180.330 What requirements must I pass down to persons at lower tiers with whom I intend to do business?
Before entering into a covered transaction with a participant at the next lower tier, you must require that participant to—
(a) Comply with this subpart as a condition of participation in the transaction. You may do so using any method(s), unless the regulation of the Federal agency responsible for the transaction requires you to use specific methods.
(b) Pass the requirement to comply with this subpart to each person with whom the participant enters into a covered transaction at the next lower tier.
Disclosing Information—Primary Tier Participants
§ 180.335 What information must I provide before entering into a covered transaction with a Federal agency?
Before you enter into a covered transaction at the primary tier, you as the participant must notify the Federal agency office that is entering into the transaction with you, if you know that you or any of the principals for that covered transaction:
(a) Are presently excluded or disqualified;
(b) Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against you for one of those offenses within that time period;
(c) Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed in § 180.800(a); or
(d) Have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.
§ 180.340 If I disclose unfavorable information required under § 180.335, will I be prevented from participating in the transaction?
As a primary tier participant, your disclosure of unfavorable information about yourself or a principal under § 180.335 will not necessarily cause a Federal agency to deny your participation in the covered transaction. The agency will consider the information when it determines whether to enter into the covered transaction. The agency will also consider any additional information or explanation that you elect to submit with the disclosed information.
§ 180.345 What happens if I fail to disclose information required under § 180.335?
If a Federal agency later determines that you failed to disclose information under § 180.335 that you knew at the time you entered into the covered transaction, the agency may—
(a) Terminate the transaction for material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the transaction; or
(b) Pursue any other available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
§ 180.350 What must I do if I learn of information required under § 180.335 after entering into a covered transaction with a Federal agency?
At any time after you enter into a covered transaction, you must give immediate written notice to the Federal agency office with which you entered into the transaction if you learn either that—
(a) You failed to disclose information earlier, as required by § 180.335; or
(b) Due to changed circumstances, you or any of the principals for the transaction now meet any of the criteria in § 180.335.
Disclosing Information—Lower Tier Participants
§ 180.355 What information must I provide to a higher tier participant before entering into a covered transaction with that participant?
Before you enter into a covered transaction with a person at the next higher tier, you as a lower tier participant must notify that person if you know that you or any of the principals are presently excluded or disqualified.
§ 180.360 What happens if I fail to disclose information required under § 180.355?
If a Federal agency later determines that you failed to tell the person at the higher tier that you were excluded or disqualified at the time you entered into the covered transaction with that person, the agency may pursue any available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
§ 180.365 What must I do if I learn of information required under § 180.355 after entering into a covered transaction with a higher tier participant?
At any time after you enter into a lower tier covered transaction with a person at a higher tier, you must provide immediate written notice to that person if you learn either that—
(a) You failed to disclose information earlier, as required by § 180.355; or
(b) Due to changed circumstances, you or any of the principals for the transaction now meet any of the criteria in § 180.355.
Subpart D—Responsibilities of Federal Agency Officials Regarding Transactions
§ 180.400 May I enter into a transaction with an excluded or disqualified person?
(a) You as a Federal agency official may not enter into a covered transaction with an excluded person unless you obtain an exception under § 180.135.
(b) You may not enter into any transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive order, or regulation that is the basis for the person’s disqualification.
§ 180.405 May I enter into a covered transaction with a participant if a principal of the transaction is excluded?
As a Federal agency official, you may not enter into a covered transaction with a participant if you know that a principal of the transaction is excluded, unless you obtain an exception under § 180.135.
§ 180.410 May I approve a participant’s use of the services of an excluded person?
After entering into a covered transaction with a participant, you as a Federal agency official may not approve a participant’s use of an excluded person as a principal under that transaction, unless you obtain an exception under § 180.135.
§ 180.415 What must I do if a Federal agency excludes the participant or a principal after I enter into a covered transaction?
(a) You as a Federal agency official may continue covered transactions with an excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, if the transactions were in existence when the person was excluded. You are not required to continue the transactions, however, and you may consider termination. You should make a decision about whether to terminate and the type of termination action, if any, only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper.
(b) You may not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, unless you obtain an exception under § 180.135.
§ 180.420 May I approve a transaction with an excluded or disqualified person at a lower tier?
If a transaction at a lower tier is subject to your approval, you as a Federal agency official may not approve—
(a) A covered transaction with a person who is currently excluded, unless you obtain an exception under § 180.135; or
(b) A transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive order, or regulation that is the basis for the person’s disqualification.
§ 180.425 When do I check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified?
As a Federal agency official, you must check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified before you—
(a) Enter into a primary tier covered transaction;
(b) Approve a principal in a primary tier covered transaction;
(c) Approve a lower tier participant if your agency’s approval of the lower tier participant is required; or
(d) Approve a principal in connection with a lower tier transaction if your agency’s approval of the principal is required.
§ 180.430 How do I check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified?
You check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified in two ways:
(a) You as a Federal agency official must check SAM Exclusions when you take any action listed in § 180.425.
(b) You must review information that a participant gives you, as required by § 180.335, about its status or the status of the principals of a transaction.
§ 180.435 What must I require of a primary tier participant?
You as a Federal agency official must require each participant in a primary tier covered transaction to—
(a) Comply with subpart C of this part as a condition of participation in the transaction; and
(b) Communicate the requirement to comply with subpart C of this part to persons at the next lower tier with whom the primary tier participant enters into covered transactions.
§ 180.440 What action may I take if a primary tier participant knowingly does business with an excluded or disqualified person?
If a participant knowingly does business with an excluded or disqualified person, you as a Federal agency official may refer the matter for suspension and debarment consideration. You may also disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, or take any other appropriate remedy.
§ 180.445 What action may I take if a primary tier participant fails to disclose the information required under § 180.335?
If you as a Federal agency official determine that a participant failed to disclose information, as required by § 180.335, at the time it entered into a covered transaction with you, you may—
(a) Terminate the transaction for material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the transaction; or
(b) Pursue any other available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
§ 180.450 What action may I take if a lower tier participant fails to disclose the information required under § 180.355 to the next higher tier?
If you as a Federal agency official determine that a lower tier participant failed to disclose information, as required by § 180.355, at the time it entered into a covered transaction with a participant at the next higher tier, you may pursue any remedies available to you, including the initiation of a suspension or debarment action.
Subpart E— System for Award Management Exclusions
§ 180.500 What is the purpose of the System for Award Management Exclusions (SAM Exclusions)?
SAM Exclusions is a widely available source of the most current information about persons who are excluded or disqualified from covered transactions.
§ 180.505 Who uses SAM Exclusions?
(a) Federal agency officials use SAM Exclusions to determine whether to enter into a transaction with a person, as required under § 180.430.
(b) Participants also may, but are not required to, use SAM Exclusions to determine if—
(1) Principals of their transactions are excluded or disqualified, as required under § 180.320; or
(2) Persons with whom they are entering into covered transactions at the next lower tier are excluded or disqualified.
(c) Sam Exclusions are available to the general public.
§ 180.510 Who maintains SAM Exclusions?
The General Services Administration (GSA) maintains SAM Exclusions. When a Federal agency takes an action to exclude a person under the nonprocurement or procurement debarment and suspension system, the agency enters the information about the excluded person into SAM Exclusions.
§ 180.515 What specific information is in SAM Exclusions?
(a) At a minimum, SAM Exclusions indicates—
(1) The full name (where available) and address of each excluded and disqualified person, in alphabetical order, with cross references if more than one name is involved in a single action;
(2) The type of action;
(3) The cause for the action;
(4) The scope of the action;
(5) Any termination date for the action;
(6) The Federal agency and name and telephone number of the agency point of contact for the action; and
(7) The unique entity identifier approved by the GSA, of the excluded or disqualified person, if available.
(b)(1) The database for SAM Exclusions includes a field for the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) (the social security number (SSN) for an individual) of an excluded or disqualified person.
(2) Agencies disclose the SSN of an individual to verify the identity of an individual, only if permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974 and, if appropriate, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, as codified in 5 U.S.C. 552(a).
§ 180.520 Who places the information into SAM Exclusions?
Federal agency officials who take actions to exclude persons under this part or officials who are responsible for identifying disqualified persons must enter the following information about those persons into SAM Exclusions:
(a) Information required by § 180.515(a);
(b) The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the excluded or disqualified person, including the social security number (SSN) for an individual, if the number is available and may be disclosed under law;
(c) Information about an excluded or disqualified person, within three business days, after—
(1) Taking an exclusion action;
(2) Modifying or rescinding an exclusion action;
(3) Finding that a person is disqualified; or
(4) Finding that there has been a change in the status of a person who is listed as disqualified.
§ 180.525 Whom do I ask if I have questions about a person in SAM Exclusions?
If you have questions about a listed person in SAM Exclusions, ask the point of contact for the Federal agency that placed the person’s name into SAM Exclusions. You may find the agency point of contact from SAM Exclusions.
§ 180.530 Where can I find SAM Exclusions?
You may access SAM Exclusions through the Internet, currently at https://www.sam.gov.
Subpart F—General Principles Relating to Suspension and Debarment Actions
§ 180.600 How do suspension and debarment actions start?
When Federal agency officials receive information from any source concerning a cause for suspension or debarment, they will promptly report it and the agency will investigate. The officials refer the question of whether to suspend or debar you to their suspending or debarring official for consideration, if appropriate.
§ 180.605 How does suspension differ from debarment?
Suspension differs from debarment in that—
| A suspending official . . . | A debarring official . . . |
|---|---|
| (a) Imposes suspension as a temporary status of in eligibility for procurement and nonprocurement transactions, pending completion of an investigation or legal proceedings | Imposes debarment for a specified period as a final determination that a person is not presently responsible. |
| (b) Must— | |
| (1) Have | |
| (2) Conclude that | Must conclude, based on a |
| (c) Usually imposes the suspension | Imposes debarment |
§ 180.610 What procedures does a Federal agency use in suspension and debarment actions?
In deciding whether to suspend or debar you, a Federal agency handles the actions as informally as practicable, consistent with principles of fundamental fairness.
(a) For suspension actions, a Federal agency uses the procedures in this subpart and subpart G of this part.
(b) For debarment actions, a Federal agency uses the procedures in this subpart and subpart H of this part.
§ 180.615 How does a Federal agency notify a person of a suspension or debarment action?
(a) The suspending or debarring official sends a written notice to the last known street address, facsimile number, or e-mail address of—
(1) You or your identified counsel; or
(2) Your agent for service of process, or any of your partners, officers, directors, owners, or joint venturers.
(b) The notice is effective if sent to any of these persons.
§ 180.620 Do Federal agencies coordinate suspension and debarment actions?
Yes, when more than one Federal agency has an interest in a suspension or debarment, the agencies may consider designating one agency as the lead agency for making the decision. Agencies are encouraged to establish methods and procedures for coordinating their suspension and debarment actions.
§ 180.625 What is the scope of a suspension or debarment?
If you are suspended or debarred, the suspension or debarment is effective as follows:
(a) Your suspension or debarment constitutes suspension or debarment of all of your divisions and other organizational elements from all covered transactions, unless the suspension or debarment decision is limited—
(1) By its terms to one or more specifically identified individuals, divisions, or other organizational elements; or
(2) To specific types of transactions.
(b) Any affiliate of a participant may be included in a suspension or debarment action if the suspending or debarring official—
(1) Officially names the affiliate in the notice; and
(2) Gives the affiliate an opportunity to contest the action.
§ 180.630 May a Federal agency impute the conduct of one person to another?
For purposes of actions taken under this part, a Federal agency may impute conduct as follows:
(a) Conduct imputed from an individual to an organization. A Federal agency may impute the fraudulent, criminal, or other improper conduct of any officer, director, shareholder, partner, employee, or other individual associated with an organization, to that organization when the improper conduct occurred in connection with the individual’s performance of duties for or on behalf of that organization, or with the organization’s knowledge, approval or acquiescence. The organization’s acceptance of the benefits derived from the conduct is evidence of knowledge, approval or acquiescence.
(b) Conduct imputed from an organization to an individual, or between individuals. A Federal agency may impute the fraudulent, criminal, or other improper conduct of any organization to an individual, or from one individual to another individual, if the individual to whom the improper conduct is imputed either participated in, had knowledge of, or reason to know of the improper conduct.
(c) Conduct imputed from one organization to another organization. A Federal agency may impute the fraudulent, criminal, or other improper conduct of one organization to another organization when the improper conduct occurred in connection with a partnership, joint venture, joint application, association or similar arrangement, or when the organization to whom the improper conduct is imputed has the power to direct, manage, control or influence the activities of the organization responsible for the improper conduct. Acceptance of the benefits derived from the conduct is evidence of knowledge, approval or acquiescence.
§ 180.635 May a Federal agency settle a debarment or suspension action?
Yes, a Federal agency may settle a debarment or suspension action at any time if it is in the best interest of the Federal Government.
§ 180.640 May a settlement include a voluntary exclusion?
Yes, if a Federal agency enters into a settlement with you in which you agree to be excluded, it is called a voluntary exclusion and has governmentwide effect.
§ 180.645 Do other Federal agencies know if an agency agrees to a voluntary exclusion?
(a) Yes, the Federal agency agreeing to the voluntary exclusion enters information about it into SAM Exclusions.
(b) Also, any agency or person may contact the Federal agency that agreed to the voluntary exclusion to find out the details of the voluntary exclusion.
§ 180.650 May an administrative agreement be the result of a settlement?
Yes, a Federal agency may enter into an administrative agreement with you as part of the settlement of a debarment or suspension action.
§ 180.655 How will other Federal awarding agencies know about an administrative agreement that is the result of a settlement?
The suspending or debarring official who enters into an administrative agreement with you must report information about the agreement to the designated integrity and performance system within three business days after entering into the agreement. This information is required by section 872 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (41 U.S.C. 2313).
§ 180.660 Will administrative agreement information about me in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM be corrected or updated?
Yes, the suspending or debarring official who entered information into the designated integrity and performance system about an administrative agreement with you:
(a) Must correct the information within three business days if he or she subsequently learns that any of the information is erroneous.
(b) Must correct in the designated integrity and performance system, within three business days, the ending date of the period during which the agreement is in effect, if the agreement is amended to extend that period.
(c) Must report to the designated integrity and performance system, within three business days, any other modification to the administrative agreement.
(d) Is strongly encouraged to amend the information in the designated integrity and performance system in a timely way to incorporate any update that he or she obtains that could be helpful to Federal awarding agencies who must use the system.
Subpart G—Suspension
§ 180.700 When may the suspending official issue a suspension?
Suspension is a serious action. Using the procedures of this subpart and subpart F of this part, the suspending official may impose suspension only when that official determines that—
(a) There exists an indictment for, or other adequate evidence to suspect, an offense listed under § 180.800(a), or
(b) There exists adequate evidence to suspect any other cause for debarment listed under § 180.800(b) through (d); and
(c) Immediate action is necessary to protect the public interest.
§ 180.705 What does the suspending official consider in issuing a suspension?
(a) In determining the adequacy of the evidence to support the suspension, the suspending official considers how much information is available, how credible it is given the circumstances, whether or not important allegations are corroborated, and what inferences can reasonably be drawn as a result. During this assessment, the suspending official may examine the basic documents, including grants, cooperative agreements, loan authorizations, contracts, and other relevant documents.
(b) An indictment, conviction, civil judgment, or other official findings by Federal, State, or local bodies that determine factual and/or legal matters, constitutes adequate evidence for purposes of suspension actions.
(c) In deciding whether immediate action is needed to protect the public interest, the suspending official has wide discretion. For example, the suspending official may infer the necessity for immediate action to protect the public interest either from the nature of the circumstances giving rise to a cause for suspension or from potential business relationships or involvement with a program of the Federal Government.
§ 180.710 When does a suspension take effect?
A suspension is effective when the suspending official signs the decision to suspend.
§ 180.715 What notice does the suspending official give me if I am suspended?
After deciding to suspend you, the suspending official promptly sends you a Notice of Suspension advising you—
(a) That you have been suspended;
(b) That your suspension is based on—
(1) An indictment;
(2) A conviction;
(3) Other adequate evidence that you have committed irregularities which seriously reflect on the propriety of further Federal Government dealings with you; or
(4) Conduct of another person that has been imputed to you, or your affiliation with a suspended or debarred person;
(c) Of any other irregularities in terms sufficient to put you on notice without disclosing the Federal Government’s evidence;
(d) Of the cause(s) upon which the suspending official relied under § 180.700 for imposing suspension;
(e) That your suspension is for a temporary period pending the completion of an investigation or resulting legal or debarment proceedings;
(f) Of the applicable provisions of this subpart, subpart F of this part, and any other agency procedures governing suspension decisionmaking; and
(g) Of the governmentwide effect of your suspension from procurement and nonprocurement programs and activities.
§ 180.720 How may I contest a suspension?
If you as a respondent wish to contest a suspension, you or your representative must provide the suspending official with information in opposition to the suspension. You may do this orally or in writing, but any information provided orally that you consider important must also be submitted in writing for the official record.
§ 180.725 How much time do I have to contest a suspension?
(a) As a respondent you or your representative must either send, or make arrangements to appear and present, the information and argument to the suspending official within 30 days after you receive the Notice of Suspension.
(b) The Federal agency taking the action considers the notice to be received by you—
(1) When delivered, if the agency mails the notice to the last known street address, or five days after the agency sends it if the letter is undeliverable;
(2) When sent, if the agency sends the notice by facsimile or five days after the agency sends it if the facsimile is undeliverable; or
(3) When delivered, if the agency sends the notice by e-mail or five days after the agency sends it if the e-mail is undeliverable.
§ 180.730 What information must I provide to the suspending official if I contest the suspension?
(a) In addition to any information and argument in opposition, as a respondent your submission to the suspending official must identify—
(1) Specific facts that contradict the statements contained in the Notice of Suspension. A general denial is insufficient to raise a genuine dispute over facts material to the suspension;
(2) All existing, proposed, or prior exclusions under regulations implementing Executive Order 12549 and all similar actions taken by Federal, State, or local agencies, including administrative agreements that affect only those agencies;
(3) All criminal and civil proceedings not included in the Notice of Suspension that grew out of facts relevant to the cause(s) stated in the notice; and
(4) All of your affiliates.
(b) If you fail to disclose this information, or provide false information, the Federal agency taking the action may seek further criminal, civil or administrative action against you, as appropriate.
§ 180.735 Under what conditions do I get an additional opportunity to challenge the facts on which the suspension is based?
(a) You as a respondent will not have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the suspending official determines that—
(1) Your suspension is based upon an indictment, conviction, civil judgment, or other finding by a Federal, State, or local body for which an opportunity to contest the facts was provided;
(2) Your presentation in opposition contains only general denials to information contained in the Notice of Suspension;
(3) The issues raised in your presentation in opposition to the suspension are not factual in nature, or are not material to the suspending official’s initial decision to suspend, or the official’s decision whether to continue the suspension; or
(4) On the basis of advice from the Department of Justice, an office of the United States Attorney, a State attorney general’s office, or a State or local prosecutor’s office, that substantial interests of the government in pending or contemplated legal proceedings based on the same facts as the suspension would be prejudiced by conducting fact-finding.
(b) You will have an opportunity to challenge the facts if the suspending official determines that—
(1) The conditions in paragraph (a) of this section do not exist; and
(2) Your presentation in opposition raises a genuine dispute over facts material to the suspension.
(c) If you have an opportunity to challenge disputed material facts under this section, the suspending official or designee must conduct additional proceedings to resolve those facts.
§ 180.740 Are suspension proceedings formal?
(a) Suspension proceedings are conducted in a fair and informal manner. The suspending official may use flexible procedures to allow you to present matters in opposition. In so doing, the suspending official is not required to follow formal rules of evidence or procedure in creating an official record upon which the official will base a final suspension decision.
(b) You as a respondent or your representative must submit any documentary evidence you want the suspending official to consider.
§ 180.745 How is fact-finding conducted?
(a) If fact-finding is conducted—
(1) You may present witnesses and other evidence, and confront any witness presented; and
(2) The fact-finder must prepare written findings of fact for the record.
(b) A transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings must be made, unless you as a respondent and the Federal agency agree to waive it in advance. If you want a copy of the transcribed record, you may purchase it.
§ 180.750 What does the suspending official consider in deciding whether to continue or terminate my suspension?
(a) The suspending official bases the decision on all information contained in the official record. The record includes—
(1) All information in support of the suspending official’s initial decision to suspend you;
(2) Any further information and argument presented in support of, or opposition to, the suspension; and
(3) Any transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings.
(b) The suspending official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The suspending official may reject any resulting findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous.
§ 180.755 When will I know whether the suspension is continued or terminated?
The suspending official must make a written decision whether to continue, modify, or terminate your suspension within 45 days of closing the official record. The official record closes upon the suspending official’s receipt of final submissions, information and findings of fact, if any. The suspending official may extend that period for good cause.
§ 180.760 How long may my suspension last?
(a) If legal or debarment proceedings are initiated at the time of, or during your suspension, the suspension may continue until the conclusion of those proceedings. However, if proceedings are not initiated, a suspension may not exceed 12 months.
(b) The suspending official may extend the 12 month limit under paragraph (a) of this section for an additional 6 months if an office of a U.S. Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Attorney, or other responsible prosecuting official requests an extension in writing. In no event may a suspension exceed 18 months without initiating proceedings under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The suspending official must notify the appropriate officials under paragraph (b) of this section of an impending termination of a suspension at least 30 days before the 12 month period expires to allow the officials an opportunity to request an extension.
Subpart H—Debarment
§ 180.800 What are the causes for debarment?
A Federal agency may debar a person for—
(a) Conviction of or civil judgment for—
(1) Commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public or private agreement or transaction;
(2) Violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes, including those proscribing price fixing between competitors, allocation of customers between competitors, and bid rigging;
(3) Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, receiving stolen property, making false claims, or obstruction of justice; or
(4) Commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects your present responsibility;
(b) Violation of the terms of a public agreement or transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of an agency program, such as—
(1) A willful failure to perform in accordance with the terms of one or more public agreements or transactions;
(2) A history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance of one or more public agreements or transactions; or
(3) A willful violation of a statutory or regulatory provision or requirement applicable to a public agreement or transaction;
(c) Any of the following causes:
(1) A nonprocurement debarment by any Federal agency taken before October 1, 1988, or a procurement debarment by any Federal agency taken pursuant to 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, before August 25, 1995;
(2) Knowingly doing business with an ineligible person, except as permitted under § 180.135;
(3) Failure to pay a single substantial debt, or a number of outstanding debts (including disallowed costs and overpayments, but not including sums owed the Federal Government under the Internal Revenue Code) owed to any Federal agency or instrumentality, provided the debt is uncontested by the debtor or, if contested, provided that the debtor’s legal and administrative remedies have been exhausted;
(4) Violation of a material provision of a voluntary exclusion agreement entered into under § 180.640 or of any settlement of a debarment or suspension action; or
(5) Violation of the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701); or
(d) Any other cause of so serious or compelling a nature that it affects your present responsibility.
§ 180.805 What notice does the debarring official give me if I am proposed for debarment?
After consideration of the causes in § 180.800, if the debarring official proposes to debar you, the official sends you a Notice of Proposed Debarment, pursuant to § 180.615, advising you—
(a) That the debarring official is considering debarring you;
(b) Of the reasons for proposing to debar you in terms sufficient to put you on notice of the conduct or transactions upon which the proposed debarment is based;
(c) Of the cause(s) under § 180.800 upon which the debarring official relied for proposing your debarment;
(d) Of the applicable provisions of this subpart, subpart F of this part, and any other agency procedures governing debarment; and
(e) Of the governmentwide effect of a debarment from procurement and nonprocurement programs and activities.
§ 180.810 When does a debarment take effect?
Unlike suspension, a debarment is not effective until the debarring official issues a decision. The debarring official does not issue a decision until the respondent has had an opportunity to contest the proposed debarment.
§ 180.815 How may I contest a proposed debarment?
If you as a respondent wish to contest a proposed debarment, you or your representative must provide the debarring official with information in opposition to the proposed debarment. You may do this orally or in writing, but any information provided orally that you consider important must also be submitted in writing for the official record.
§ 180.820 How much time do I have to contest a proposed debarment?
(a) As a respondent you or your representative must either send, or make arrangements to appear and present, the information and argument to the debarring official within 30 days after you receive the Notice of Proposed Debarment.
(b) The Federal agency taking the action considers the Notice of Proposed Debarment to be received by you—
(1) When delivered, if the agency mails the notice to the last known street address, or five days after the agency sends it if the letter is undeliverable;
(2) When sent, if the agency sends the notice by facsimile or five days after the agency sends it if the facsimile is undeliverable; or
(3) When delivered, if the agency sends the notice by e-mail or five days after the agency sends it if the e-mail is undeliverable.
§ 180.825 What information must I provide to the debarring official if I contest the proposed debarment?
(a) In addition to any information and argument in opposition, as a respondent your submission to the debarring official must identify—
(1) Specific facts that contradict the statements contained in the Notice of Proposed Debarment. Include any information about any of the factors listed in § 180.860. A general denial is insufficient to raise a genuine dispute over facts material to the debarment;
(2) All existing, proposed, or prior exclusions under regulations implementing Executive Order 12549 and all similar actions taken by Federal, State, or local agencies, including administrative agreements that affect only those agencies;
(3) All criminal and civil proceedings not included in the Notice of Proposed Debarment that grew out of facts relevant to the cause(s) stated in the notice; and
(4) All of your affiliates.
(b) If you fail to disclose this information, or provide false information, the Federal agency taking the action may seek further criminal, civil or administrative action against you, as appropriate.
§ 180.830 Under what conditions do I get an additional opportunity to challenge the facts on which the proposed debarment is based?
(a) You as a respondent will not have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the debarring official determines that—
(1) Your debarment is based upon a conviction or civil judgment;
(2) Your presentation in opposition contains only general denials to information contained in the Notice of Proposed Debarment; or
(3) The issues raised in your presentation in opposition to the proposed debarment are not factual in nature, or are not material to the debarring official’s decision whether to debar.
(b) You will have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the debarring official determines that—
(1) The conditions in paragraph (a) of this section do not exist; and
(2) Your presentation in opposition raises a genuine dispute over facts material to the proposed debarment.
(c) If you have an opportunity to challenge disputed material facts under this section, the debarring official or designee must conduct additional proceedings to resolve those facts.
§ 180.835 Are debarment proceedings formal?
(a) Debarment proceedings are conducted in a fair and informal manner. The debarring official may use flexible procedures to allow you as a respondent to present matters in opposition. In so doing, the debarring official is not required to follow formal rules of evidence or procedure in creating an official record upon which the official will base the decision whether to debar.
(b) You or your representative must submit any documentary evidence you want the debarring official to consider.
§ 180.840 How is fact-finding conducted?
(a) If fact-finding is conducted—
(1) You may present witnesses and other evidence, and confront any witness presented; and
(2) The fact-finder must prepare written findings of fact for the record.
(b) A transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings must be made, unless you as a respondent and the Federal agency agree to waive it in advance. If you want a copy of the transcribed record, you may purchase it.
§ 180.845 What does the debarring official consider in deciding whether to debar me?
(a) The debarring official may debar you for any of the causes in § 180.800. However, the official need not debar you even if a cause for debarment exists. The official may consider the seriousness of your acts or omissions and the mitigating or aggravating factors set forth at § 180.860.
(b) The debarring official bases the decision on all information contained in the official record. The record includes—
(1) All information in support of the debarring official’s proposed debarment;
(2) Any further information and argument presented in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed debarment; and
(3) Any transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings.
(c) The debarring official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The debarring official may reject any resultant findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous.
§ 180.850 What is the standard of proof in a debarment action?
(a) In any debarment action, the Federal agency must establish the cause for debarment by a preponderance of the evidence.
(b) If the proposed debarment is based upon a conviction or civil judgment, the standard of proof is met.
§ 180.855 Who has the burden of proof in a debarment action?
(a) The Federal agency has the burden to prove that a cause for debarment exists.
(b) Once a cause for debarment is established, you as a respondent have the burden of demonstrating to the satisfaction of the debarring official that you are presently responsible and that debarment is not necessary.
§ 180.860 What factors may influence the debarring official’s decision?
This section lists the mitigating and aggravating factors that the debarring official may consider in determining whether to debar you and the length of your debarment period. The debarring official may consider other factors if appropriate in light of the circumstances of a particular case. The existence or nonexistence of any factor, such as one of those set forth in this section, is not necessarily determinative of your present responsibility. In making a debarment decision, the debarring official may consider the following factors:
(a) The actual or potential harm or impact that results or may result from the wrongdoing.
(b) The frequency of incidents and/or duration of the wrongdoing.
(c) Whether there is a pattern or prior history of wrongdoing. For example, if you have been found by another Federal agency or a State agency to have engaged in wrongdoing similar to that found in the debarment action, the existence of this fact may be used by the debarring official in determining that you have a pattern or prior history of wrongdoing.
(d) Whether you are or have been excluded or disqualified by an agency of the Federal Government or have not been allowed to participate in State or local contracts or assistance agreements on a basis of conduct similar to one or more of the causes for debarment specified in this part.
(e) Whether you have entered into an administrative agreement with a Federal agency or a State or local government that is not governmentwide but is based on conduct similar to one or more of the causes for debarment specified in this part.
(f) Whether and to what extent you planned, initiated, or carried out the wrongdoing.
(g) Whether you have accepted responsibility for the wrongdoing and recognize the seriousness of the misconduct that led to the cause for debarment.
(h) Whether you have paid or agreed to pay all criminal, civil and administrative liabilities for the improper activity, including any investigative or administrative costs incurred by the government, and have made or agreed to make full restitution.
(i) Whether you have cooperated fully with the government agencies during the investigation and any court or administrative action. In determining the extent of cooperation, the debarring official may consider when the cooperation began and whether you disclosed all pertinent information known to you.
(j) Whether the wrongdoing was pervasive within your organization.
(k) The kind of positions held by the individuals involved in the wrongdoing.
(l) Whether your organization took appropriate corrective action or remedial measures, such as establishing ethics training and implementing programs to prevent recurrence.
(m) Whether your principals tolerated the offense.
(n) Whether you brought the activity cited as a basis for the debarment to the attention of the appropriate government agency in a timely manner.
(o) Whether you have fully investigated the circumstances surrounding the cause for debarment and, if so, made the result of the investigation available to the debarring official.
(p) Whether you had effective standards of conduct and internal control systems in place at the time the questioned conduct occurred.
(q) Whether you have taken appropriate disciplinary action against the individuals responsible for the activity which constitutes the cause for debarment.
(r) Whether you have had adequate time to eliminate the circumstances within your organization that led to the cause for the debarment.
(s) Other factors that are appropriate to the circumstances of a particular case.
§ 180.865 How long may my debarment last?
(a) If the debarring official decides to debar you, your period of debarment will be based on the seriousness of the cause(s) upon which your debarment is based. Generally, debarment should not exceed three years. However, if circumstances warrant, the debarring official may impose a longer period of debarment.
(b) In determining the period of debarment, the debarring official may consider the factors in § 180.860. If a suspension has preceded your debarment, the debarring official must consider the time you were suspended.
(c) If the debarment is for a violation of the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, your period of debarment may not exceed five years.
§ 180.870 When do I know if the debarring official debars me?
(a) The debarring official must make a written decision whether to debar within 45 days of closing the official record. The official record closes upon the debarring official’s receipt of final submissions, information and findings of fact, if any. The debarring official may extend that period for good cause.
(b) The debarring official sends you written notice, pursuant to § 180.615 that the official decided, either—
(1) Not to debar you; or
(2) To debar you. In this event, the notice:
(i) Refers to the Notice of Proposed Debarment;
(ii) Specifies the reasons for your debarment;
(iii) States the period of your debarment, including the effective dates; and
(iv) Advises you that your debarment is effective for covered transactions and contracts that are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1), throughout the executive branch of the Federal Government unless an agency head or an authorized designee grants an exception.
§ 180.875 May I ask the debarring official to reconsider a decision to debar me?
Yes, as a debarred person you may ask the debarring official to reconsider the debarment decision or to reduce the time period or scope of the debarment. However, you must put your request in writing and support it with documentation.
§ 180.880 What factors may influence the debarring official during reconsideration?
The debarring official may reduce or terminate your debarment based on—
(a) Newly discovered material evidence;
(b) A reversal of the conviction or civil judgment upon which your debarment was based;
(c) A bona fide change in ownership or management;
(d) Elimination of other causes for which the debarment was imposed; or
(e) Other reasons the debarring official finds appropriate.
§ 180.885 May the debarring official extend a debarment?
(a) Yes, the debarring official may extend a debarment for an additional period, if that official determines that an extension is necessary to protect the public interest.
(b) However, the debarring official may not extend a debarment solely on the basis of the facts and circumstances upon which the initial debarment action was based.
(c) If the debarring official decides that a debarment for an additional period is necessary, the debarring official must follow the applicable procedures in this subpart, and subpart F of this part, to extend the debarment.
Subpart I—Definitions
§ 180.900 Adequate evidence.
Adequate evidence means information sufficient to support the reasonable belief that a particular act or omission has occurred.
§ 180.905 Affiliate.
Persons are affiliates of each other if, directly or indirectly, either one controls or has the power to control the other or a third person controls or has the power to control both. The ways a Federal agency may determine control include, but are not limited to—
(a) Interlocking management or ownership;
(b) Identity of interests among family members;
(c) Shared facilities and equipment;
(d) Common use of employees; or
(e) A business entity which has been organized following the exclusion of a person which has the same or similar management, ownership, or principal employees as the excluded person.
§ 180.910 Agent or representative.
Agent or representative means any person who acts on behalf of, or who is authorized to commit a participant in a covered transaction.
§ 180.915 Civil judgment.
Civil judgment means the disposition of a civil action by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether by verdict, decision, settlement, stipulation, other disposition which creates a civil liability for the complained of wrongful acts, or a final determination of liability under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1988 (31 U.S.C. 3801–3812).
§ 180.920 Conviction.
(a) A judgment or any other determination of guilt of a criminal offense by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether entered upon a verdict or plea, including a plea of nolo contendere; or
(b) Any other resolution that is the functional equivalent of a judgment, including probation before judgment and deferred prosecution. A disposition without the participation of the court is the functional equivalent of a judgment only if it includes an admission of guilt.
§ 180.925 Debarment.
Debarment means an action taken by a debarring official under Subpart H of this part to exclude a person from participating in covered transactions and transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1). A person so excluded is debarred.
§ 180.930 Debarring official.
Debarring official means an agency official who is authorized to impose debarment. A debarring official is either—
(a) The agency head; or
(b) An official designated by the agency head.
§ 180.935 Disqualified.
Disqualified means that a person is prohibited from participating in specified Federal procurement or nonprocurement transactions as required under a statute, Executive order (other than Executive Orders 12549 and 12689) or other authority. Examples of disqualifications include persons prohibited under—
(a) The Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276(a));
(b) The equal employment opportunity acts and Executive orders; or
(c) The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7606), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1368) and Executive Order 11738 (3 CFR, 1973 Comp., p. 799).
§ 180.940 Excluded or exclusion.
Excluded or exclusion means—
(a) That a person or commodity is prohibited from being a participant in covered transactions, whether the person has been suspended; debarred; proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; voluntarily excluded; or
(b) The act of excluding a person.
§ 180.945 System for Award Management Exclusions (SAM Exclusions).
System for Award Management Exclusions (SAM Exclusions) means the list maintained and disseminated by the General Services Administration (GSA) containing the names and other information about persons who are ineligible.
§ 180.950 Federal agency.
Federal agency means any United States executive department, military department, defense agency or any other agency of the executive branch. Other agencies of the Federal Government are not considered “agencies” for the purposes of this part unless they issue regulations adopting the governmentwide Debarment and Suspension system under Executive Orders 12549 and 12689.
§ 180.955 Indictment.
Indictment means an indictment for a criminal offense. A presentment, information, or other filing by a competent authority charging a criminal offense shall be given the same effect as an indictment.
§ 180.960 Ineligible or ineligibility.
Ineligible or ineligibility means that a person or commodity is prohibited from covered transactions because of an exclusion or disqualification.
§ 180.965 Legal proceedings.
Legal proceedings means any criminal proceeding or any civil judicial proceeding, including a proceeding under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (31 U.S.C. 3801–3812), to which the Federal Government or a State or local government or quasi-governmental authority is a party. The term also includes appeals from those proceedings.
§ 180.970 Nonprocurement transaction.
(a) Nonprocurement transaction means any transaction, regardless of type (except procurement contracts), including, but not limited to the following:
(1) Grants.
(2) Cooperative agreements.
(3) Scholarships.
(4) Fellowships.
(5) Contracts of assistance.
(6) Loans.
(7) Loan guarantees.
(8) Subsidies.
(9) Insurances.
(10) Payments for specified uses.
(11) Donation agreements.
(b) A nonprocurement transaction at any tier does not require the transfer of Federal funds.
§ 180.975 Notice.
Notice means a written communication served in person, sent by certified mail or its equivalent, or sent electronically by e-mail or facsimile. (See § 180.615.)
§ 180.980 Participant.
Participant means any person who submits a proposal for or who enters into a covered transaction, including an agent or representative of a participant.
§ 180.985 Person.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, unit of government, or legal entity, however organized.
§ 180.990 Preponderance of the evidence.
Preponderance of the evidence means proof by information that, compared with information opposing it, leads to the conclusion that the fact at issue is more probably true than not.
§ 180.995 Principal.
Principal means—
(a) An officer, director, owner, partner, principal investigator, or other person within a participant with management or supervisory responsibilities related to a covered transaction; or
(b) A consultant or other person, whether or not employed by the participant or paid with Federal funds, who—
(1) Is in a position to handle Federal funds;
(2) Is in a position to influence or control the use of those funds; or,
(3) Occupies a technical or professional position capable of substantially influencing the development or outcome of an activity required to perform the covered transaction.
§ 180.1000 Respondent.
Respondent means a person against whom an agency has initiated a debarment or suspension action.
§ 180.1005 State.
(a) State means—
(1) Any of the states of the United States;
(2) The District of Columbia;
(3) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(4) Any territory or possession of the United States; or
(5) Any agency or instrumentality of a state.
(b) For purposes of this part, State does not include institutions of higher education, hospitals, or units of local government.
§ 180.1010 Suspending official.
(a) Suspending official means an agency official who is authorized to impose suspension. The suspending official is either:
(1) The agency head; or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
§ 180.1015 Suspension.
Suspension is an action taken by a suspending official under subpart G of this part that immediately prohibits a person from participating in covered transactions and transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) for a temporary period, pending completion of an agency investigation and any judicial or administrative proceedings that may ensue. A person so excluded is suspended.
§ 180.1020 Voluntary exclusion or voluntarily excluded.
(a) Voluntary exclusion means a person’s agreement to be excluded under the terms of a settlement between the person and one or more agencies. Voluntary exclusion must have governmentwide effect.
(b) Voluntarily excluded means the status of a person who has agreed to a voluntary exclusion.
Appendix to Part 180—Covered Transactions
PART 181 [RESERVED]
PART 182—GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE)
§ 182.5 What does this part do?
This part provides Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance for Federal agencies on the portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701–707, as amended) that applies to grants. It also applies the provisions of the Act to cooperative agreements and other financial assistance awards, as a matter of Federal Government policy.
§ 182.10 How is this part organized?
This part is organized in two segments.
(a) Sections 182.5 through 182.40 contain general policy direction for Federal agencies’ use of the uniform policies and procedures in subparts A through F of this part.
(b) Subparts A through F of this part contain uniform governmentwide policies and procedures for Federal agency use to specify the—
(1) Types of awards that are covered by drug-free workplace requirements;
(2) Drug-free workplace requirements with which a recipient must comply;
(3) Actions required of an agency awarding official; and
(4) Consequences of a violation of drug-free workplace requirements.
§ 182.15 To whom does the guidance apply?
This part provides OMB guidance only to Federal agencies. Publication of this guidance in the Code of Federal Regulations does not change its nature—it is guidance and not regulation. Federal agencies’ implementation of the guidance governs the rights and responsibilities of other persons affected by the drug-free workplace requirements.
§ 182.20 What must a Federal agency do to implement the guidance?
To comply with the requirement in Section 41 U.S.C. 705 for Governmentwide regulations, each Federal agency that awards grants or cooperative agreements or makes other financial assistance awards that are subject to the drug-free workplace requirements in subparts A through F of the guidance must issue a regulation consistent with those subparts.
§ 182.25 What must a Federal agency address in its implementation of the guidance?
Each Federal agency’s implementing regulation:
(a) Must establish drug-free workplace policies and procedures for that agency’s awards that are consistent with the guidance in this part. When adopted by a Federal agency, the provisions of the guidance have regulatory effect for that agency’s awards.
(b) Must address some matters for which the guidance in this part gives the agency discretion. Specifically, the regulation must—
(1) State whether the agency:
(i) Has a central point to which a recipient may send the notification of a conviction that is required under § 182.225(a) or § 182.300(b); or
(ii) Requires the recipient to send the notification to the awarding official for each agency award, or to his or her official designee.
(2) Either:
(i) State that the agency head is the official authorized to determine under § 182.500 or § 182.505 that a recipient has violated the drug-free workplace requirements; or
(ii) Provide the title of the official designated to make that determination.
(c) May also, at the agency’s option, identify any specific types of financial assistance awards, in addition to grants and cooperative agreements, to which the Federal agency makes this guidance applicable.
§ 182.30 Where does a Federal agency implement the guidance?
Each Federal agency that awards grants or cooperative agreements or makes other financial assistance awards that are subject to the drug-free workplace guidance in this part must issue a regulation implementing the guidance within its chapter in subtitle B of this title of the Code of Federal Regulations.
§ 182.35 By when must a Federal agency implement the guidance?
Federal agencies must submit proposed regulations to the OMB for review within nine months of the issuance of this part and issue final regulations within eighteen months of the guidance.
§ 182.40 How is the guidance maintained?
The OMB publishes proposed changes to the guidance in the
Subpart A—Purpose and Coverage
§ 182.100 How is this part written?
(a) This part uses a “plain language” format to make it easier for the general public and business community to use and understand. The section headings and text, often in the form of questions and answers, must be read together.
(b) Pronouns used within this part, such as “I” and “you,” change from subpart to subpart depending on the audience being addressed.
§ 182.105 Do terms in this part have special meanings?
This part uses terms that have special meanings. Those terms are defined in subpart F of this part.
§ 182.110 What do subparts A through F of this part do?
Subparts A through F of this part specify standard policies and procedures to carry out the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 for financial assistance awards.
§ 182.115 Does this part apply to me?
(a) Portions of this part apply to you if you are either—
(1) A recipient of a Federal assistance award (see definitions of award and recipient in §§ 182.605 and 182.660, respectively); or
(2) A Federal agency awarding official.
(b) The following table shows the subparts that apply to you:
| If you are * * * | See subparts * * * |
|---|---|
| (1) a recipient who is not an individual | A, B and E. |
| (2) a recipient who is an individual | A, C and E. |
| (3) a Federal agency awarding official | A, D and E. |
§ 182.120 Are any of my Federal assistance awards exempt from this part?
This part does not apply to any award to which the agency head, or his or her designee, determines that the application of this part would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or the laws or regulations of a foreign government.
§ 182.125 Does this part affect the Federal contracts that I receive?
This part will affect future contract awards indirectly if you are debarred or suspended for a violation of the requirements of this part, as described in § 182.510(c). However, this part does not apply directly to procurement contracts. The portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 that applies to Federal procurement contracts is carried out through the Federal Acquisition Regulation in chapter 1 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the drug-free workplace coverage currently is in 48 CFR part 23, subpart 23.5).
Subpart B—Requirements for Recipients Other Than Individuals
§ 182.200 What must I do to comply with this part?
There are two general requirements if you are a recipient other than an individual.
(a) First, you must make a good faith effort, on a continuing basis, to maintain a drug-free workplace. You must agree to do so as a condition for receiving any award covered by this part. The specific measures that you must take in this regard are described in more detail in subsequent sections of this subpart. Briefly, those measures are to—
(1) Publish a drug-free workplace statement and establish a drug-free awareness program for your employees (see §§ 182.205 through 182.220); and
(2) Take actions concerning employees who are convicted of violating drug statutes in the workplace (see § 182.225).
(b) Second, you must identify all known workplaces under your Federal awards (see § 182.230).
§ 182.205 What must I include in my drug-free workplace statement?
You must publish a statement that—
(a) Tells your employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in your workplace;
(b) Specifies the actions that you will take against employees for violating that prohibition; and
(c) Lets each employee know that, as a condition of employment under any award, he or she:
(1) Will abide by the terms of the statement; and
(2) Must notify you in writing if he or she is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace and must do so no more than five calendar days after the conviction.
§ 182.210 To whom must I distribute my drug-free workplace statement?
You must require that a copy of the statement described in § 182.205 be given to each employee who will be engaged in the performance of any Federal award.
§ 182.215 What must I include in my drug-free awareness program?
You must establish an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about—
(a) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
(b) Your policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
(c) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
(d) The penalties that you may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
§ 182.220 By when must I publish my drug-free workplace statement and establish my drug-free awareness program?
If you are a new recipient that does not already have a policy statement as described in § 182.205 and an ongoing awareness program as described in § 182.215, you must publish the statement and establish the program by the time given in the following table:
| If * * * | Then you * * * |
|---|---|
| (a) the performance period of the award is less than 30 days | must have the policy statement and program in place as soon as possible, but before the date on which performance is expected to be completed. |
| (b) the performance period of the award is 30 days or more | must have the policy statement and program in place within 30 days after award. |
| (c) you believe there are extraordinary circumstances that will require more than 30 days for you to publish the policy statement and establish the awareness program | may ask the agency awarding official to give you more time to do so. The amount of additional time, if any, to be given is at the discretion of the awarding official. |
§ 182.225 What actions must I take concerning employees who are convicted of drug violations in the workplace?
There are two actions you must take if an employee is convicted of a drug violation in the workplace:
(a) First, you must notify Federal agencies if an employee who is engaged in the performance of an award informs you about a conviction, as required by § 182.205(c)(2), or you otherwise learn of the conviction. Your notification to the Federal agencies must—
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Include the employee’s position title;
(3) Include the identification number(s) of each affected award;
(4) Be sent within ten calendar days after you learn of the conviction; and
(5) Be sent to every Federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working. It must be sent to every awarding official or his or her official designee, unless the Federal agency has specified a central point for the receipt of the notices.
(b) Second, within 30 calendar days of learning about an employee’s conviction, you must either—
(1) Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended; or
(2) Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal, State or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
§ 182.230 How and when must I identify workplaces?
(a) You must identify all known workplaces under each agency award. A failure to do so is a violation of your drug-free workplace requirements. You may identify the workplaces—
(1) To the agency official that is making the award, either at the time of application or upon award; or
(2) In documents that you keep on file in your offices during the performance of the award, in which case you must make the information available for inspection upon request by agency officials or their designated representatives.
(b) Your workplace identification for an award must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the award takes place. Categorical descriptions may be used (e.g., all vehicles of a mass transit authority or State highway department while in operation, State employees in each local unemployment office, performers in concert halls or radio studios).
(c) If you identified workplaces to the agency awarding official at the time of application or award, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and any workplace that you identified changes during the performance of the award, you must inform the agency awarding official.
Subpart C—Requirements for Recipients Who Are Individuals
§ 182.300 What must I do to comply with this part if I am an individual recipient?
As a condition of receiving a Federal agency award, if you are an individual recipient, you must agree that—
(a) You will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity related to the award; and
(b) If you are convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity, you will report the conviction:
(1) In writing.
(2) Within 10 calendar days of the conviction.
(3) To the Federal agency awarding official or other designee for each award that you currently have, unless the agency designates a central point for the receipt of the notices, either in the award document or its regulation implementing the guidance in this part. When notice is made to a central point, it must include the identification number(s) of each affected award.
Subpart D—Responsibilities of Agency Awarding Officials
§ 182.400 What are my responsibilities as an agency awarding official?
As a Federal agency awarding official, you must obtain each recipient’s agreement, as a condition of the award, to comply with the requirements in—
(a) Subpart B of this part, if the recipient is not an individual; or
(b) Subpart C of this part, if the recipient is an individual.
Subpart E—Violations of This Part and Consequences
§ 182.500 How are violations of this part determined for recipients other than individuals?
A recipient other than an individual is in violation of the requirements of this part if the agency head or his or her designee determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart B of this part; or
(b) The number of convictions of the recipient’s employees for violating criminal drug statutes in the workplace is large enough to indicate that the recipient has failed to make a good faith effort to provide a drug-free workplace.
§ 182.505 How are violations of this part determined for recipients who are individuals?
An individual recipient is in violation of the requirements of this part if the agency head or his or her designee determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart C of this part; or
(b) The recipient is convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity.
§ 182.510 What actions will the Federal Government take against a recipient determined to have violated this part?
If a recipient is determined to have violated this part, as described in § 182.500 or § 182.505, the agency may take one or more of the following actions—
(a) Suspension of payments under the award;
(b) Suspension or termination of the award; and
(c) Suspension or debarment of the recipient under the agency’s regulation implementing the OMB guidance on nonprocurement debarment and suspension (2 CFR part 180), for a period not to exceed five years.
§ 182.515 Are there any exceptions to those actions?
The agency head may waive with respect to a particular award, in writing, a suspension of payments under an award, suspension or termination of an award, or suspension or debarment of a recipient if the agency head determines that such a waiver would be in the public interest. This exception authority cannot be delegated to any other official.
Subpart F—Definitions
§ 182.605 Award.
Award means an award of financial assistance by a Federal agency directly to a recipient.
(a) The term award includes:
(1) A Federal grant or cooperative agreement, in the form of money or property in lieu of money.
(2) A block grant or a grant in an entitlement program, whether or not the grant is exempted from coverage under the Governmentwide rule that implements OMB Circular A–102 (for availability of OMB circulars, see 5 CFR 1310.3) and specifies uniform administrative requirements.
(b) The term award does not include:
(1) Technical assistance that provides services instead of money.
(2) Loans.
(3) Loan guarantees.
(4) Interest subsidies.
(5) Insurance.
(6) Direct appropriations.
(7) Veterans’ benefits to individuals (i.e., any benefit to veterans, their families, or survivors by virtue of the service of a veteran in the Armed Forces of the United States).
§ 182.610 Controlled substance.
Controlled substance means a controlled substance in schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812), and as further defined by regulation at 21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15.
§ 182.615 Conviction.
Conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the Federal or State criminal drug statutes.
§ 182.620 Cooperative agreement.
Cooperative agreement means an award of financial assistance that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6305, is used to enter into the same kind of relationship as a grant (see definition of grant in § 182.650), except that substantial involvement is expected between the Federal agency and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the award. The term does not include cooperative research and development agreements as defined in 15 U.S.C. 3710a.
§ 182.625 Criminal drug statute.
Criminal drug statute means a Federal or non-Federal criminal statute involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, or possession of any controlled substance.
§ 182.630 Debarment.
Debarment means an action taken by a Federal agency to prohibit a recipient from participating in Federal Government procurement contracts and covered nonprocurement transactions. A recipient so prohibited is debarred, in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation for procurement contracts (48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4) and agency regulations implementing the OMB guidance on nonprocurement debarment and suspension (2 CFR part 180, which implements Executive Orders 12549 and 12689).
§ 182.635 Drug-free workplace.
Drug-free workplace means a site for the performance of work done in connection with a specific award at which employees of the recipient are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance.
§ 182.640 Employee.
(a) Employee means the employee of a recipient directly engaged in the performance of work under the award, including—
(1) All direct charge employees;
(2) All indirect charge employees, unless their impact or involvement in the performance of work under the award is insignificant to the performance of the award; and
(3) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the award and who are on the recipient’s payroll.
(b) This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the recipient (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement; consultants or independent contractors not on the payroll; or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered workplaces).
§ 182.645 Federal agency or agency.
Federal agency or agency means any United States executive department, military department, government corporation, government controlled corporation, any other establishment in the executive branch (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency.
§ 182.650 Grant.
Grant means an award of financial assistance that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6304, is used to enter into a relationship—
(a) The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States, rather than to acquire property or services for the Federal Government’s direct benefit or use; and
(b) In which substantial involvement is not expected between the Federal agency and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the award.
§ 182.655 Individual.
Individual means a natural person.
§ 182.660 Recipient.
Recipient means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, unit of government (except a Federal agency) or legal entity, however organized, that receives an award directly from a Federal agency.
§ 182.665 State.
State means any of the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States.
§ 182.670 Suspension.
Suspension means an action taken by a Federal agency that immediately prohibits a recipient from participating in Federal Government procurement contracts and covered nonprocurement transactions for a temporary period, pending completion of an investigation and any judicial or administrative proceedings that may ensue. A recipient so prohibited is suspended, in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation for procurement contracts (48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4) and agency regulations implementing the OMB guidance on nonprocurement debarment and suspension (2 CFR part 180, which implements Executive Orders 12549 and 12689). Suspension of a recipient is a distinct and separate action from suspension of an award or suspension of payments under an award.
PART 183—NEVER CONTRACT WITH THE ENEMY
§ 183.5 Purpose of this part.
This part provides guidance to Federal awarding agencies on the implementation of the Never Contract with the Enemy requirements applicable to certain grants and cooperative agreements, as specified in subtitle E, title VIII of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (Pub. L. 113–291), as amended by Sec. 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Pub. L. 116–92).
§ 183.10 Applicability.
(a) This part applies only to grants and cooperative agreements that are expected to exceed $50,000 and that are performed outside the United States, including U.S. territories, and that are in support of a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities. It does not apply to the authorized intelligence or law enforcement activities of the Federal Government.
(b) All elements of this part are applicable until the date of expiration as provided in law.
§ 183.15 Responsibilities of Federal awarding agencies.
(a) Prior to making an award for a covered grant or cooperative agreement (see also § 183.35), the Federal awarding agency must check the current list of prohibited or restricted persons or entities in the System Award Management (SAM) Exclusions.
(b) The Federal awarding agency may include the award term provided in appendix A of this part in all covered grant and cooperative agreement awards in accordance with Never Contract with the Enemy.
(c) A Federal awarding agency may become aware of a person or entity that:
(1) Provides funds, including goods and services, received under a covered grant or cooperative agreement of an executive agency directly or indirectly to covered persons or entities; or
(2) Fails to exercise due diligence to ensure that none of the funds, including goods and services, received under a covered grant or cooperative agreement of an executive agency are provided directly or indirectly to covered persons or entities.
(d) When a Federal awarding agency becomes aware of such a person or entity, it may do any of the following actions:
(1) Restrict the future award of all Federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements to the person or entity based upon concerns that Federal awards to the entity would provide grant funds directly or indirectly to a covered person or entity.
(2) Terminate any contract, grant, or cooperative agreement to a covered person or entity upon becoming aware that the recipient has failed to exercise due diligence to ensure that none of the award funds are provided directly or indirectly to a covered person or entity.
(3) Void in whole or in part any grant, cooperative agreement or contracts of the executive agency concerned upon a written determination by the head of contracting activity or other appropriate official that the grant or cooperative agreement provides funds directly or indirectly to a covered person or entity.
(e) The Federal awarding agency must notify recipients in writing regarding its decision to restrict all future awards and/or to terminate or void a grant or cooperative agreement. The agency must also notify the recipient in writing about the recipient’s right to request an administrative review (using the agency’s procedures) of the restriction, termination, or void of the grant or cooperative agreement within 30 days of receiving notification.
§ 183.20 Reporting responsibilities of Federal awarding agencies.
(a) If a Federal awarding agency restricts all future awards to a covered person or entity, it must enter information on the ineligible person or entity into SAM Exclusions as a prohibited or restricted source pursuant to Subtitle E, Title VIII of the NDAA for FY 2015 (Pub. L. 113–291).
(b) When a Federal awarding agency terminates or voids a grant or cooperative agreement due to Never Contract with the Enemy, it must report the termination as a Termination for Material Failure to Comply in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)).
(c) The Federal awarding agency shall document and report to the head of the executive agency concerned (or the designee of such head) and the commander of the covered combatant command concerned (or specific deputies):
(1) Any action to restrict all future awards or to terminate or void an award with a covered person or entity.
(2) Any decision not to restrict all future awards, terminate, or void an award along with the agency’s reasoning for not taking one of these actions after the agency became aware that a person or entity is a prohibited or restricted source.
(d) Each report referenced in paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall include:
(1) The executive agency taking such action.
(2) An explanation of the basis for the action taken.
(3) The value of the terminated or voided grant or cooperative agreement.
(4) The value of all grants and cooperative agreements of the executive agency with the person or entity concerned at the time the grant or cooperative agreement was terminated or voided.
(e) Each report referenced in paragraph (c)(2) of this section shall include:
(1) The executive agency concerned.
(2) An explanation of the basis for not taking the action.
(f) For each instance in which an executive agency exercised the additional authority to examine recipient and lower tier entity (e.g., subrecipient or contractor) records, the agency must report in writing to the head of the executive agency concerned (or the designee of such head) and the commander of the covered combatant command concerned (or specific deputies) the following:
(1) An explanation of the basis for the action taken; and
(2) A summary of the results of any examination of records.
§ 183.25 Responsibilities of recipients.
(a) Recipients of covered grants or cooperative agreements must fulfill the requirements outlined in the award term provided in appendix A to this part.
(b) Recipients must also flow down the provisions in award terms covered in appendix A to this part to all contracts and subawards under the award.
§ 183.30 Access to records.
In addition to any other existing examination-of-records authority, the Federal Government is authorized to examine any records of the recipient and its subawards, to the extent necessary, to ensure that funds, including supplies and services, received under a covered grant or cooperative agreement (see § 183.35) are not provided directly or indirectly to a covered person or entity in accordance with Never Contract with the Enemy. The Federal awarding agency may only exercise this authority upon a written determination by the Federal awarding agency that relies on a finding by the commander of a covered combatant command that there is reason to believe that funds, including supplies and services, received under the grant or cooperative agreement may have been provided directly or indirectly to a covered person or entity.
§ 183.35 Definitions.
Terms used in this part are defined as follows:
Contingency operation, as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101a, means a military operation that—
(1) Is designated by the Secretary of Defense as an operation in which members of the armed forces are or may become involved in military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the United States or against an opposing military force; or
(2) Results in the call or order to, or retention on, active duty of members of the uniformed services under 10 U.S.C. 688, 12301a, 12302, 12304, 12304a, 12305, 12406 of 10 U.S.C. chapter 15, 14 U.S.C. 712 or any other provision of law during a war or during a national emergency declared by the President or Congress.
Covered combatant command means the following:
(1) The United States Africa Command.
(2) The United States Central Command.
(3) The United States European Command.
(4) The United States Pacific Command.
(5) The United States Southern Command.
(6) The United States Transportation Command.
Covered grant or cooperative agreement means a grant or cooperative agreement, as defined in 2 CFR 200.1 with an estimated value in excess of $50,000 that is performed outside the United States, including its possessions and territories, in support of a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities. Except for U.S. Department of Defense grants and cooperative agreements that were awarded on or before December 19, 2017, that will be performed in the United States Central Command, where the estimated value is in excess of $100,000.
Covered person or entity means a person or entity that is actively opposing United States or coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities.
Appendix A to Part 183—Award Terms for Never Contract With the Enemy
Federal awarding agencies may include the following award terms in all awards for covered grants and cooperative agreements in accordance with Never Contract with the Enemy:
(a) The recipient must—
(1) Exercise due diligence to ensure that none of the funds, including supplies and services, received under this grant or cooperative agreement are provided directly or indirectly (including through subawards or contracts) to a person or entity who is actively opposing the United States or coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities, which must be completed through 2 CFR 180.300 prior to issuing a subaward or contract and;
(2) Terminate or void in whole or in part any subaward or contract with a person or entity listed in SAM as a prohibited or restricted source pursuant to subtitle E of Title VIII of the NDAA for FY 2015, unless the Federal awarding agency provides written approval to continue the subaward or contract.
(b) The recipient may include the substance of this clause, including paragraph (a) of this clause, in subawards under this grant or cooperative agreement that have an estimated value over $50,000 and will be performed outside the United States, including its outlying areas.
(c) The Federal awarding agency has the authority to terminate or void this grant or cooperative agreement, in whole or in part, if the Federal awarding agency becomes aware that the recipient failed to exercise due diligence as required by paragraph (a) of this clause or if the Federal awarding agency becomes aware that any funds received under this grant or cooperative agreement have been provided directly or indirectly to a person or entity who is actively opposing coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities.
(a) In addition to any other existing examination-of-records authority, the Federal Government is authorized to examine any records of the recipient and its subawards or contracts to the extent necessary to ensure that funds, including supplies and services, available under this grant or cooperative agreement are not provided, directly or indirectly, to a person or entity that is actively opposing United States or coalition forces involved in a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities, except for awards awarded by the Department of Defense on or before Dec 19, 2017 that will be performed in the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) theater of operations.
(b) The substance of this clause, including this paragraph (b), is required to be included in subawards or contracts under this grant or cooperative agreement that have an estimated value over $50,000 and will be performed outside the United States, including its outlying areas.
PART 184—BUY AMERICA PREFERENCES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
§ 184.1 Purpose and policy.
(a) Purpose. This part provides guidance to Federal awarding agencies on the implementation of the Buy America Preference applicable to Federal financial assistance set forth in part I of subtitle A, Buy America Sourcing Preferences, of the Build America, Buy America Act included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117–58) at division G, title IX, subtitle A, part I, sections 70911 through 70917.
(b) Policy. The head of each Federal agency must ensure that none of the funds made available for a Federal award for an infrastructure project may be obligated unless all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials incorporated into the project are produced in the United States. See section 70914(a) of the Build America Buy America Act.
§ 184.2 Applicability, effective date, and severability.
(a) Non-applicability of this part to existing Buy America Preferences. This part does not apply to a Buy America Preference meeting or exceeding the requirements of section 70914 of the Build America, Buy America Act applied by a Federal Awarding Agency to Federal awards for infrastructure projects before November 15, 2021.
(b) Effective date of this part. The effective date of this part is October 23, 2023. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, this part applies to Federal awards obligated on or after its effective date. Awards obligated on or after May 14, 2022, the effective date of the Build America, Buy America Act, and before the effective date of this part, are instead subject to OMB Memorandum M–22–11.
(c) Modified effective date of this part for certain infrastructure projects. If an infrastructure project that has previously received a Federal award obligated on or after May 14, 2022, but before the effective date of this part receives an additional Federal award obligated within one year of the effective date of this part, the additional Federal award is subject to OMB Memorandum M–22–11. However, if significant design or planning changes are made to the infrastructure project, the Federal awarding agency may apply this part to the additional Federal award. Federal awards for an infrastructure project obligated after one year from the effective date of this part are subject to this part, regardless of whether this part applied to previous awards for the project.
(d) Severability. The provisions of this part are separate and severable from one another. OMB intends that if a provision of this part is held to be invalid or unenforceable as applied to a particular person or circumstance, the provision should be construed so as to continue to give the maximum effect permitted by law as applied to other persons not similarly situated or to dissimilar circumstances. If any provision is determined to be wholly invalid and unenforceable, it should be severed from the remaining provisions of this part, which should remain in effect.
§ 184.3 Definitions.
Acronyms used in this part have the same meaning as provided in 2 CFR 200.0. Terms not defined in this part have the same meaning as provided in 2 CFR 200.1. As used in this part:
Build America, Buy America Act means division G, title IX, subtitle A, parts I–II, sections 70901 through 70927 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117–58).
Buy America Preference means the “domestic content procurement preference” set forth in section 70914 of the Build America, Buy America Act, which requires the head of each Federal agency to ensure that none of the funds made available for a Federal award for an infrastructure project may be obligated unless all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials incorporated into the project are produced in the United States.
Component means an article, material, or supply, whether manufactured or unmanufactured, incorporated directly into: a manufactured product; or, where applicable, an iron or steel product.
Construction materials means articles, materials, or supplies that consist of only one of the items listed in paragraph (1) of this definition, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this definition. To the extent one of the items listed in paragraph (1) contains as inputs other items listed in paragraph (1), it is nonetheless a construction material.
(1) The listed items are:
(i) Non-ferrous metals;
(ii) Plastic and polymer-based products (including polyvinylchloride, composite building materials, and polymers used in fiber optic cables);
(iii) Glass (including optic glass);
(iv) Fiber optic cable (including drop cable);
(v) Optical fiber;
(vi) Lumber;
(vii) Engineered wood; and
(viii) Drywall.
(2) Minor additions of articles, materials, supplies, or binding agents to a construction material do not change the categorization of the construction material.
Infrastructure project means any activity related to the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of infrastructure in the United States regardless of whether infrastructure is the primary purpose of the project. See also paragraphs (c) and (d) of § 184.4.
Iron or steel products means articles, materials, or supplies that consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both.
Manufactured products means:
(1) Articles, materials, or supplies that have been:
(i) Processed into a specific form and shape; or
(ii) Combined with other articles, materials, or supplies to create a product with different properties than the individual articles, materials, or supplies.
(2) If an item is classified as an iron or steel product, a construction material, or a section 70917(c) material under § 184.4(e) and the definitions set forth in this section, then it is not a manufactured product. However, an article, material, or supply classified as a manufactured product under § 184.4(e) and paragraph (1) of this definition may include components that are construction materials, iron or steel products, or section 70917(c) materials.
Manufacturer means the entity that performs the final manufacturing process that produces a manufactured product.
Predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both means that the cost of the iron and steel content exceeds 50 percent of the total cost of all its components. The cost of iron and steel is the cost of the iron or steel mill products (such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate, or sheet), castings, or forgings utilized in the manufacture of the product and a good faith estimate of the cost of iron or steel components.
Produced in the United States means:
(1) In the case of iron or steel products, all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States.
(2) In the case of manufactured products:
(i) The product was manufactured in the United States; and
(ii) The cost of the components of the manufactured product that are mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components of the manufactured product, unless another standard that meets or exceeds this standard has been established under applicable law or regulation for determining the minimum amount of domestic content of the manufactured product. See § 184.2(a). The costs of components of a manufactured product are determined according to § 184.5.
(3) In the case of construction materials, all manufacturing processes for the construction material occurred in the United States. See § 184.6 for more information on the meaning of “all manufacturing processes” for specific construction materials.
Section 70917(c) materials means cement and cementitious materials; aggregates such as stone, sand, or gravel; or aggregate binding agents or additives. See section 70917(c) of the Build America, Buy America Act.
§ 184.4 Applying the Buy America Preference to a Federal award.
(a) Applicability of Buy America Preference to infrastructure projects. The Buy America Preference applies to Federal awards where funds are appropriated or otherwise made available for infrastructure projects in the United States, regardless of whether infrastructure is the primary purpose of the Federal award.
(b) Including the Buy America Preference in Federal awards. All Federal awards with infrastructure projects must include the Buy America Preference in the terms and conditions. The Buy America Preference must be included in all subawards, contracts, and purchase orders for the work performed, or products supplied under the Federal award. The terms and conditions of a Federal award flow down to subawards to subrecipients unless a particular section of the terms and conditions of the Federal award specifically indicate otherwise.
(c) Infrastructure in general. Infrastructure encompasses public infrastructure projects in the United States, which includes, at a minimum, the structures, facilities, and equipment for roads, highways, and bridges; public transportation; dams, ports, harbors, and other maritime facilities; intercity passenger and freight railroads; freight and intermodal facilities; airports; water systems, including drinking water and wastewater systems; electrical transmission facilities and systems; utilities; broadband infrastructure; and buildings and real property; and structures, facilities, and equipment that generate, transport, and distribute energy including electric vehicle (EV) charging.
(d) Interpretation of infrastructure. The Federal awarding agency should interpret the term “infrastructure” broadly and consider the description provided in paragraph (c) of this section as illustrative and not exhaustive. When determining if a particular project of a type not listed in the description in paragraph (c) constitutes “infrastructure,” the Federal awarding agency should consider whether the project will serve a public function, including whether the project is publicly owned and operated, privately operated on behalf of the public, or is a place of public accommodation, as opposed to a project that is privately owned and not open to the public.
(e) Categorization of articles, materials, and supplies. (1) An article, material, or supply should only be classified into one of the following categories:
(i) Iron or steel products;
(ii) Manufactured products;
(iii) Construction materials; or
(iv) Section 70917(c) materials.
(2) An article, material, or supply should not be considered to fall into multiple categories. In some cases, an article, material, or supply may not fall under any of the categories listed in paragraph (e)(1) of this section. The classification of an article, material, or supply as falling into one of the categories listed in paragraph (e)(1) must be made based on its status at the time it is brought to the work site for incorporation into an infrastructure project. In general, the work site is the location of the infrastructure project at which the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials will be incorporated.
(f) Application of the Buy America Preference by category. An article, material, or supply incorporated into an infrastructure project must meet the Buy America Preference for only the single category in which it is classified.
§ 184.5 Determining the cost of components for manufactured products.
In determining whether the cost of components for manufactured products is greater than 55 percent of the total cost of all components, use the following instructions:
(a) For components purchased by the manufacturer, the acquisition cost, including transportation costs to the place of incorporation into the manufactured product (whether or not such costs are paid to a domestic firm), and any applicable duty (whether or not a duty-free entry certificate is issued); or
(b) For components manufactured by the manufacturer, all costs associated with the manufacture of the component, including transportation costs as described in paragraph (a) of this section, plus allocable overhead costs, but excluding profit. Cost of components does not include any costs associated with the manufacture of the manufactured product.
§ 184.6 Construction material standards.
(a) The Buy America Preference applies to the following construction materials incorporated into infrastructure projects. Each construction material is followed by a standard for the material to be considered “produced in the United States.”
(1) Non-ferrous metals. All manufacturing processes, from initial smelting or melting through final shaping, coating, and assembly, occurred in the United States.
(2) Plastic and polymer-based products. All manufacturing processes, from initial combination of constituent plastic or polymer-based inputs, or, where applicable, constituent composite materials, until the item is in its final form, occurred in the United States.
(3) Glass. All manufacturing processes, from initial batching and melting of raw materials through annealing, cooling, and cutting, occurred in the United States.
(4) Fiber optic cable (including drop cable). All manufacturing processes, from the initial ribboning (if applicable), through buffering, fiber stranding and jacketing, occurred in the United States. All manufacturing processes also include the standards for glass and optical fiber, but not for non-ferrous metals, plastic and polymer-based products, or any others.
(5) Optical fiber. All manufacturing processes, from the initial preform fabrication stage through the completion of the draw, occurred in the United States.
(6) Lumber. All manufacturing processes, from initial debarking through treatment and planing, occurred in the United States.
(7) Drywall. All manufacturing processes, from initial blending of mined or synthetic gypsum plaster and additives through cutting and drying of sandwiched panels, occurred in the United States.
(8) Engineered wood. All manufacturing processes from the initial combination of constituent materials until the wood product is in its final form, occurred in the United States.
(b) Except as specifically provided, only a single standard under paragraph (a) of this section should be applied to a single construction material.
§ 184.7 Federal awarding agency’s issuance of a Buy America Preference waiver.
(a) Justification of waivers. A Federal awarding agency may waive the application of the Buy America Preference in any case in which it finds that:
(1) Applying the Buy America Preference would be inconsistent with the public interest (a “public interest waiver”);
(2) Types of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials are not produced in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities or of a satisfactory quality (a “nonavailability waiver”); or
(3) The inclusion of iron, steel, manufactured products, or construction materials produced in the United States will increase the cost of the overall infrastructure project by more than 25 percent (an “unreasonable cost waiver”).
(b) Requesting a waiver. Recipients may request waivers from a Federal awarding agency if the recipient reasonably believes a waiver is justified under paragraph (a) of this section. A request from a recipient to waive the application of the Buy America Preference must be provided to the Federal awarding agency in writing. Federal awarding agencies must provide waiver request submission instructions and guidance on the format, contents, and supporting materials required for waiver requests from recipients.
(c) Before issuing a proposed waiver. Before issuing a proposed waiver, the Federal awarding agency must prepare a detailed written explanation for the proposed determination to issue the waiver based on a justification listed under paragraph (a) of this section, including for waivers requested by a recipient.
(d) Before issuing a final waiver. Before issuing a final waiver, the Federal awarding agency must:
(1) Make the proposed waiver and the detailed written explanation publicly available in an easily accessible location on a website designated by the Federal awarding agency and the Office of Management and Budget;
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, provide a period of not less than 15 calendar days for public comment on the proposed waiver; and
(3) Unless the Director of OMB provides otherwise, submit the waiver determination to the Made in America Office in OMB for final review pursuant to Executive Order 14005 and section 70923(b) of the Build America, Buy America Act.
(e) Waivers of general applicability. Waivers of general applicability mean waivers that apply generally across multiple Federal awards. A Federal agency must provide a period of not less than 30 days for public comment on a proposal to modify or renew a waiver of general applicability.
§ 184.8 Exemptions to the Buy America Preference.
(a) The Buy America Preference does not apply to expenditures for assistance authorized under section 402, 403, 404, 406, 408, or 502 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170a, 5170b, 16 5170c, 5172, 5174, or 5192) relating to a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191) or pre and post disaster or emergency response expenditures.
(b) “Pre and post disaster or emergency response expenditures” consist of expenditures for financial assistance that are:
(1) Authorized by statutes other than the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.; and
(2) Made in anticipation of or response to an event or events that qualify as an “emergency” or “major disaster” within the meaning of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5122(1), (2).
PARTS 185–199 [RESERVED]
CHAPTER II—OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GUIDANCE
PART 200—UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, COST PRINCIPLES, AND AUDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL AWARDS
Subpart A—Acronyms and Definitions
Acronyms
§ 200.0 Acronyms.
§ 200.1 Definitions.
These are the definitions for terms used in this part. Different definitions may be found in Federal statutes or regulations that apply more specifically to particular programs or activities. These definitions could be supplemented by additional instructional information provided in governmentwide standard information collections. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
Acquisition cost means the cost of the asset including the cost to ready the asset for its intended use. Acquisition cost for equipment, for example, means the net invoice price of the equipment, including the cost of any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired. Acquisition costs for software includes those development costs capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in transit insurance, freight, and installation may be included in or excluded from the acquisition cost in accordance with the non-Federal entity’s regular accounting practices.
Advance payment means a payment that a Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity makes by any appropriate payment mechanism, including a predetermined payment schedule, before the non-Federal entity disburses the funds for program purposes.
Allocation means the process of assigning a cost, or a group of costs, to one or more cost objective(s), in reasonable proportion to the benefit provided or other equitable relationship. The process may entail assigning a cost(s) directly to a final cost objective or through one or more intermediate cost objectives.
Assistance listings refers to the publicly available listing of Federal assistance programs managed and administered by the General Services Administration, formerly known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).
Assistance listing number means a unique number assigned to identify a Federal Assistance Listings, formerly known as the CFDA Number.
Assistance listing program title means the title that corresponds to the Federal Assistance Listings Number, formerly known as the CFDA program title.
Audit finding means deficiencies which the auditor is required by § 200.516(a) to report in the schedule of findings and questioned costs.
Auditee means any non-Federal entity that expends Federal awards which must be audited under subpart F of this part.
Auditor means an auditor who is a public accountant or a Federal, State, local government, or Indian tribe audit organization, which meets the general standards specified for external auditors in generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS). The term auditor does not include internal auditors of nonprofit organizations.
Budget means the financial plan for the Federal award that the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity approves during the Federal award process or in subsequent amendments to the Federal award. It may include the Federal and non-Federal share or only the Federal share, as determined by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
Budget period means the time interval from the start date of a funded portion of an award to the end date of that funded portion during which recipients are authorized to expend the funds awarded, including any funds carried forward or other revisions pursuant to § 200.308.
Capital assets means:
(1) Tangible or intangible assets used in operations having a useful life of more than one year which are capitalized in accordance with GAAP. Capital assets include:
(i) Land, buildings (facilities), equipment, and intellectual property (including software) whether acquired by purchase, construction, manufacture, exchange, or through a lease accounted for as financed purchase under Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards or a finance lease under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards; and
(ii) Additions, improvements, modifications, replacements, rearrangements, reinstallations, renovations or alterations to capital assets that materially increase their value or useful life (not ordinary repairs and maintenance).
(2) For purpose of this part, capital assets do not include intangible right-to-use assets (per GASB) and right-to-use operating lease assets (per FASB). For example, assets capitalized that recognize a lessee’s right to control the use of property and/or equipment for a period of time under a lease contract. See also § 200.465.
Capital expenditures means expenditures to acquire capital assets or expenditures to make additions, improvements, modifications, replacements, rearrangements, reinstallations, renovations, or alterations to capital assets that materially increase their value or useful life.
Central service cost allocation plan means the documentation identifying, accumulating, and allocating or developing billing rates based on the allowable costs of services provided by a State or local government or Indian tribe on a centralized basis to its departments and agencies. The costs of these services may be allocated or billed to users.
Claim means, depending on the context, either:
(1) A written demand or written assertion by one of the parties to a Federal award seeking as a matter of right:
(i) The payment of money in a sum certain;
(ii) The adjustment or interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Federal award; or
(iii) Other relief arising under or relating to a Federal award.
(2) A request for payment that is not in dispute when submitted.
Class of Federal awards means a group of Federal awards either awarded under a specific program or group of programs or to a specific type of non-Federal entity or group of non-Federal entities to which specific provisions or exceptions may apply.
Closeout means the process by which the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity determines that all applicable administrative actions and all required work of the Federal award have been completed and takes actions as described in § 200.344.
Cluster of programs means a grouping of closely related programs that share common compliance requirements. The types of clusters of programs are research and development (R&D), student financial aid (SFA), and other clusters. “Other clusters” are as defined by OMB in the compliance supplement or as designated by a State for Federal awards the State provides to its subrecipients that meet the definition of a cluster of programs. When designating an “other cluster,” a State must identify the Federal awards included in the cluster and advise the subrecipients of compliance requirements applicable to the cluster, consistent with § 200.332(a). A cluster of programs must be considered as one program for determining major programs, as described in § 200.518, and, with the exception of R&D as described in § 200.501(c), whether a program-specific audit may be elected.
Cognizant agency for audit means the Federal agency designated to carry out the responsibilities described in § 200.513(a). The cognizant agency for audit is not necessarily the same as the cognizant agency for indirect costs. A list of cognizant agencies for audit can be found on the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) website.
Cognizant agency for indirect costs means the Federal agency responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and approving cost allocation plans or indirect cost proposals developed under this part on behalf of all Federal agencies. The cognizant agency for indirect cost is not necessarily the same as the cognizant agency for audit. For assignments of cognizant agencies see the following:
(1) For Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Appendix III to this part, paragraph C.11.
(2) For nonprofit organizations: Appendix IV to this part, paragraph C.2.a.
(3) For State and local governments: Appendix V to this part, paragraph F.1.
(4) For Indian tribes: Appendix VII to this part, paragraph D.1.
Compliance supplement means an annually updated authoritative source for auditors that serves to identify existing important compliance requirements that the Federal Government expects to be considered as part of an audit. Auditors use it to understand the Federal program’s objectives, procedures, and compliance requirements, as well as audit objectives and suggested audit procedures for determining compliance with the relevant Federal program.
Computing devices means machines used to acquire, store, analyze, process, and publish data and other information electronically, including accessories (or “peripherals”) for printing, transmitting and receiving, or storing electronic information. See also the definitions of supplies and information technology systems in this section.
Contract means, for the purpose of Federal financial assistance, a legal instrument by which a recipient or subrecipient purchases property or services needed to carry out the project or program under a Federal award. For additional information on subrecipient and contractor determinations, see § 200.331. See also the definition of subaward in this section.
Contractor means an entity that receives a contract as defined in this section.
Cooperative agreement means a legal instrument of financial assistance between a Federal awarding agency and a recipient or a pass-through entity and a subrecipient that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6302–6305:
(1) Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal Government or pass-through entity’s direct benefit or use;
(2) Is distinguished from a grant in that it provides for substantial involvement of the Federal awarding agency in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award.
(3) The term does not include:
(i) A cooperative research and development agreement as defined in 15 U.S.C. 3710a; or
(ii) An agreement that provides only:
(A) Direct United States Government cash assistance to an individual;
(B) A subsidy;
(C) A loan;
(D) A loan guarantee; or
(E) Insurance.
Cooperative audit resolution means the use of audit follow-up techniques which promote prompt corrective action by improving communication, fostering collaboration, promoting trust, and developing an understanding between the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. This approach is based upon:
(1) A strong commitment by Federal agency and non-Federal entity leadership to program integrity;
(2) Federal agencies strengthening partnerships and working cooperatively with non-Federal entities and their auditors; and non-Federal entities and their auditors working cooperatively with Federal agencies;
(3) A focus on current conditions and corrective action going forward;
(4) Federal agencies offering appropriate relief for past noncompliance when audits show prompt corrective action has occurred; and
(5) Federal agency leadership sending a clear message that continued failure to correct conditions identified by audits which are likely to cause improper payments, fraud, waste, or abuse is unacceptable and will result in sanctions.
Corrective action means action taken by the auditee that:
(1) Corrects identified deficiencies;
(2) Produces recommended improvements; or
(3) Demonstrates that audit findings are either invalid or do not warrant auditee action.
Cost allocation plan means central service cost allocation plan or public assistance cost allocation plan.
Cost objective means a program, function, activity, award, organizational subdivision, contract, or work unit for which cost data are desired and for which provision is made to accumulate and measure the cost of processes, products, jobs, capital projects, etc. A cost objective may be a major function of the non-Federal entity, a particular service or project, a Federal award, or an indirect (Facilities & Administrative (F&A)) cost activity, as described in subpart E of this part. See also the definitions of final cost objective and intermediate cost objective in this section.
Cost sharing or matching means the portion of project costs not paid by Federal funds or contributions (unless otherwise authorized by Federal statute). See also § 200.306.
Cross-cutting audit finding means an audit finding where the same underlying condition or issue affects all Federal awards (including Federal awards of more than one Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity).
Disallowed costs means those charges to a Federal award that the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity determines to be unallowable, in accordance with the applicable Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
Discretionary award means an award in which the Federal awarding agency, in keeping with specific statutory authority that enables the agency to exercise judgment (“discretion”), selects the recipient and/or the amount of Federal funding awarded through a competitive process or based on merit of proposals. A discretionary award may be selected on a non-competitive basis, as appropriate.
Equipment means tangible personal property (including information technology systems) having a useful life of more than one year and a per-unit acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes, or $5,000. See also the definitions of capital assets, computing devices, general purpose equipment, information technology systems, special purpose equipment, and supplies in this section.
Expenditures means charges made by a non-Federal entity to a project or program for which a Federal award was received.
(1) The charges may be reported on a cash or accrual basis, as long as the methodology is disclosed and is consistently applied.
(2) For reports prepared on a cash basis, expenditures are the sum of:
(i) Cash disbursements for direct charges for property and services;
(ii) The amount of indirect expense charged;
(iii) The value of third-party in-kind contributions applied; and
(iv) The amount of cash advance payments and payments made to subrecipients.
(3) For reports prepared on an accrual basis, expenditures are the sum of:
(i) Cash disbursements for direct charges for property and services;
(ii) The amount of indirect expense incurred;
(iii) The value of third-party in-kind contributions applied; and
(iv) The net increase or decrease in the amounts owed by the non-Federal entity for:
(A) Goods and other property received;
(B) Services performed by employees, contractors, subrecipients, and other payees; and
(C) Programs for which no current services or performance are required such as annuities, insurance claims, or other benefit payments.
Federal agency means an “agency” as defined at 5 U.S.C. 551(1) and further clarified by 5 U.S.C. 552(f).
Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) means the clearinghouse designated by OMB as the repository of record where non-Federal entities are required to transmit the information required by subpart F of this part.
Federal award has the meaning, depending on the context, in either paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition:
(1)(i) The Federal financial assistance that a recipient receives directly from a Federal awarding agency or indirectly from a pass-through entity, as described in § 200.101; or
(ii) The cost-reimbursement contract under the Federal Acquisition Regulations that a non-Federal entity receives directly from a Federal awarding agency or indirectly from a pass-through entity, as described in § 200.101.
(2) The instrument setting forth the terms and conditions. The instrument is the grant agreement, cooperative agreement, other agreement for assistance covered in paragraph (2) of the definition of Federal financial assistance in this section, or the cost-reimbursement contract awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
(3) Federal award does not include other contracts that a Federal agency uses to buy goods or services from a contractor or a contract to operate Federal Government owned, contractor operated facilities (GOCOs).
(4) See also definitions of Federal financial assistance, grant agreement, and cooperative agreement.
Federal award date means the date when the Federal award is signed by the authorized official of the Federal awarding agency.
Federal awarding agency means the Federal agency that provides a Federal award directly to a non-Federal entity.
Federal financial assistance means
(1) Assistance that non-Federal entities receive or administer in the form of:
(i) Grants;
(ii) Cooperative agreements;
(iii) Non-cash contributions or donations of property (including donated surplus property);
(iv) Direct appropriations;
(v) Food commodities; and
(vi) Other financial assistance (except assistance listed in paragraph (2) of this definition).
(2) For § 200.203 and subpart F of this part, Federal financial assistance also includes assistance that non-Federal entities receive or administer in the form of:
(i) Loans;
(ii) Loan Guarantees;
(iii) Interest subsidies; and
(iv) Insurance.
(3) For § 200.216, Federal financial assistance includes assistance that non-Federal entities receive or administer in the form of:
(i) Grants;
(ii) Cooperative agreements;
(iii) Loans; and
(iv) Loan Guarantees.
(4) Federal financial assistance does not include amounts received as reimbursement for services rendered to individuals as described in § 200.502(h) and (i).
Federal interest means, for purposes of § 200.330 or when used in connection with the acquisition or improvement of real property, equipment, or supplies under a Federal award, the dollar amount that is the product of the:
(1) The percentage of Federal participation in the total cost of the real property, equipment, or supplies; and
(2) Current fair market value of the property, improvements, or both, to the extent the costs of acquiring or improving the property were included as project costs.
Federal program means:
(1) All Federal awards which are assigned a single Assistance Listings Number.
(2) When no Assistance Listings Number is assigned, all Federal awards from the same agency made for the same purpose must be combined and considered one program.
(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of this definition, a cluster of programs. The types of clusters of programs are:
(i) Research and development (R&D);
(ii) Student financial aid (SFA); and
(iii) “Other clusters,” as described in the definition of cluster of programs in this section.
Federal share means the portion of the Federal award costs that are paid using Federal funds.
Final cost objective means a cost objective which has allocated to it both direct and indirect costs and, in the non-Federal entity’s accumulation system, is one of the final accumulation points, such as a particular award, internal project, or other direct activity of a non-Federal entity. See also the definitions of cost objective and intermediate cost objective in this section.
Financial obligations, when referencing a recipient’s or subrecipient’s use of funds under a Federal award, means orders placed for property and services, contracts and subawards made, and similar transactions that require payment.
Fixed amount awards means a type of grant or cooperative agreement under which the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity provides a specific level of support without regard to actual costs incurred under the Federal award. This type of Federal award reduces some of the administrative burden and record-keeping requirements for both the non-Federal entity and Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity. Accountability is based primarily on performance and results. See §§ 200.102(c), 200.201(b), and 200.333.
Foreign organization means an entity that is:
(1) A public or private organization located in a country other than the United States and its territories that is subject to the laws of the country in which it is located, irrespective of the citizenship of project staff or place of performance;
(2) A private nongovernmental organization located in a country other than the United States that solicits and receives cash contributions from the general public;
(3) A charitable organization located in a country other than the United States that is nonprofit and tax exempt under the laws of its country of domicile and operation, and is not a university, college, accredited degree-granting institution of education, private foundation, hospital, organization engaged exclusively in research or scientific activities, church, synagogue, mosque or other similar entities organized primarily for religious purposes; or
(4) An organization located in a country other than the United States not recognized as a foreign public entity.
Foreign public entity means:
(1) A foreign government or foreign governmental entity;
(2) A public international organization, which is an organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities as an international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288–288f);
(3) An entity owned (in whole or in part) or controlled by a foreign government; or
(4) Any other entity consisting wholly or partially of one or more foreign governments or foreign governmental entities.
General purpose equipment means equipment which is not limited to research, medical, scientific or other technical activities. Examples include office equipment and furnishings, modular offices, telephone networks, information technology equipment and systems, air conditioning equipment, reproduction and printing equipment, and motor vehicles. See also the definitions of equipment and special purpose equipment in this section.
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) has the meaning specified in accounting standards issued by the GASB and the FASB.
Generally accepted government auditing standards (GAGAS), also known as the Yellow Book, means generally accepted government auditing standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States, which are applicable to financial audits.
Grant agreement means a legal instrument of financial assistance between a Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity and a non-Federal entity that, consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6302, 6304:
(1) Is used to enter into a relationship the principal purpose of which is to transfer anything of value to carry out a public purpose authorized by a law of the United States (see 31 U.S.C. 6101(3)); and not to acquire property or services for the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity’s direct benefit or use;
(2) Is distinguished from a cooperative agreement in that it does not provide for substantial involvement of the Federal awarding agency in carrying out the activity contemplated by the Federal award.
(3) Does not include an agreement that provides only:
(i) Direct United States Government cash assistance to an individual;
(ii) A subsidy;
(iii) A loan;
(vi) A loan guarantee; or
(v) Insurance.
Highest level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest-level owner as defined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) (48 CFR 52.204–17).
Hospital means a facility licensed as a hospital under the law of any state or a facility operated as a hospital by the United States, a state, or a subdivision of a state.
Improper payment means:
(1) Any payment that should not have been made or that was made in an incorrect amount under statutory, contractual, administrative, or other legally applicable requirements.
(i) Incorrect amounts are overpayments or underpayments that are made to eligible recipients (including inappropriate denials of payment or service, any payment that does not account for credit for applicable discounts, payments that are for an incorrect amount, and duplicate payments). An improper payment also includes any payment that was made to an ineligible recipient or for an ineligible good or service, or payments for goods or services not received (except for such payments authorized by law).
Note 1 to paragraph (1)(i) of this definition. Applicable discounts are only those discounts where it is both advantageous and within the agency’s control to claim them.
(ii) When an agency’s review is unable to discern whether a payment was proper as a result of insufficient or lack of documentation, this payment should also be considered an improper payment. When establishing documentation requirements for payments, agencies should ensure that all documentation requirements are necessary and should refrain from imposing additional burdensome documentation requirements.
(iii) Interest or other fees that may result from an underpayment by an agency are not considered an improper payment if the interest was paid correctly. These payments are generally separate transactions and may be necessary under certain statutory, contractual, administrative, or other legally applicable requirements.
(iv) A “questioned cost” (as defined in this section) should not be considered an improper payment until the transaction has been completely reviewed and is confirmed to be improper.
(v) The term “payment” in this definition means any disbursement or transfer of Federal funds (including a commitment for future payment, such as cash, securities, loans, loan guarantees, and insurance subsidies) to any non-Federal person, non-Federal entity, or Federal employee, that is made by a Federal agency, a Federal contractor, a Federal grantee, or a governmental or other organization administering a Federal program or activity.
(vi) The term “payment” includes disbursements made pursuant to prime contracts awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Federal awards subject to this part that are expended by recipients.
(2) See definition of improper payment in OMB Circular A–123 appendix C, part I A (1) “What is an improper payment?” Questioned costs, including those identified in audits, are not an improper payment until reviewed and confirmed to be improper as defined in OMB Circular A–123 appendix C.
Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. Chapter 33), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)). See annually published Bureau of Indian Affairs list of Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services.
Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) is defined at 20 U.S.C. 1001.
Indirect (facilities & administrative (F&A)) costs means those costs incurred for a common or joint purpose benefitting more than one cost objective, and not readily assignable to the cost objectives specifically benefitted, without effort disproportionate to the results achieved. To facilitate equitable distribution of indirect expenses to the cost objectives served, it may be necessary to establish a number of pools of indirect (F&A) costs. Indirect (F&A) cost pools must be distributed to benefitted cost objectives on bases that will produce an equitable result in consideration of relative benefits derived.
Indirect cost rate proposal means the documentation prepared by a non-Federal entity to substantiate its request for the establishment of an indirect cost rate as described in appendices III through VII and appendix IX to this part.
Information technology systems means computing devices, ancillary equipment, software, firmware, and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources. See also the definitions of computing devices and equipment in this section.
Intangible property means property having no physical existence, such as trademarks, copyrights, patents and patent applications and property, such as loans, notes and other debt instruments, lease agreements, stock and other instruments of property ownership (whether the property is tangible or intangible).
Intermediate cost objective means a cost objective that is used to accumulate indirect costs or service center costs that are subsequently allocated to one or more indirect cost pools or final cost objectives. See also the definitions of cost objective and final cost objective in this section.
Internal controls for non-Federal entities means:
(1) Processes designed and implemented by non-Federal entities to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following categories:
(i) Effectiveness and efficiency of operations;
(ii) Reliability of reporting for internal and external use; and
(iii) Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
(2) Federal awarding agencies are required to follow internal control compliance requirements in OMB Circular No. A–123, Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control.
Loan means a Federal loan or loan guarantee received or administered by a non-Federal entity, except as used in the definition of program income in this section.
(1) The term “direct loan” means a disbursement of funds by the Federal Government to a non-Federal borrower under a contract that requires the repayment of such funds with or without interest. The term includes the purchase of, or participation in, a loan made by another lender and financing arrangements that defer payment for more than 90 days, including the sale of a Federal Government asset on credit terms. The term does not include the acquisition of a federally guaranteed loan in satisfaction of default claims or the price support loans of the Commodity Credit Corporation.
(2) The term “direct loan obligation” means a binding agreement by a Federal awarding agency to make a direct loan when specified conditions are fulfilled by the borrower.
(3) The term “loan guarantee” means any Federal Government guarantee, insurance, or other pledge with respect to the payment of all or a part of the principal or interest on any debt obligation of a non-Federal borrower to a non-Federal lender, but does not include the insurance of deposits, shares, or other withdrawable accounts in financial institutions.
(4) The term “loan guarantee commitment” means a binding agreement by a Federal awarding agency to make a loan guarantee when specified conditions are fulfilled by the borrower, the lender, or any other party to the guarantee agreement.
Local government means any unit of government within a state, including a:
(1) County;
(2) Borough;
(3) Municipality;
(4) City;
(5) Town;
(6) Township;
(7) Parish;
(8) Local public authority, including any public housing agency under the United States Housing Act of 1937;
(9) Special district;
(10) School district;
(11) Intrastate district;
(12) Council of governments, whether or not incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law; and
(13) Any other agency or instrumentality of a multi-, regional, or intra-State or local government.
Major program means a Federal program determined by the auditor to be a major program in accordance with § 200.518 or a program identified as a major program by a Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with § 200.503(e).
Management decision means the Federal awarding agency’s or pass-through entity’s written determination, provided to the auditee, of the adequacy of the auditee’s proposed corrective actions to address the findings, based on its evaluation of the audit findings and proposed corrective actions.
Micro-purchase means a purchase of supplies or services, the aggregate amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold. Micro-purchases comprise a subset of a non-Federal entity’s small purchases as defined in § 200.320.
Micro-purchase threshold means the dollar amount at or below which a non-Federal entity may purchase property or services using micro-purchase procedures (see § 200.320). Generally, the micro-purchase threshold for procurement activities administered under Federal awards is not to exceed the amount set by the FAR at 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1, unless a higher threshold is requested by the non-Federal entity and approved by the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC) means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
Non-discretionary award means an award made by the Federal awarding agency to specific recipients in accordance with statutory, eligibility and compliance requirements, such that in keeping with specific statutory authority the agency has no ability to exercise judgement (“discretion”). A non-discretionary award amount could be determined specifically or by formula.
Non-Federal entity (NFE) means a State, local government, Indian tribe, Institution of Higher Education (IHE), or nonprofit organization that carries out a Federal award as a recipient or subrecipient.
Nonprofit organization means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization, not including IHEs, that:
(1) Is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest;
(2) Is not organized primarily for profit; and
(3) Uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operations of the organization.
Notice of funding opportunity means a formal announcement of the availability of Federal funding through a financial assistance program from a Federal awarding agency. The notice of funding opportunity provides information on the award, who is eligible to apply, the evaluation criteria for selection of an awardee, required components of an application, and how to submit the application. The notice of funding opportunity is any paper or electronic issuance that an agency uses to announce a funding opportunity, whether it is called a “program announcement,” “notice of funding availability,” “broad agency announcement,” “research announcement,” “solicitation,” or some other term.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) means the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget.
Oversight agency for audit means the Federal awarding agency that provides the predominant amount of funding directly (direct funding) (as listed on the schedule of expenditures of Federal awards, see § 200.510(b)) to a non-Federal entity unless OMB designates a specific cognizant agency for audit. When the direct funding represents less than 25 percent of the total Federal expenditures (as direct and sub-awards) by the non-Federal entity, then the Federal agency with the predominant amount of total funding is the designated oversight agency for audit. When there is no direct funding, the Federal awarding agency which is the predominant source of pass-through funding must assume the oversight responsibilities. The duties of the oversight agency for audit and the process for any reassignments are described in § 200.513(b).
Participant support costs means direct costs for items such as stipends or subsistence allowances, travel allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with conferences, or training projects.
Pass-through entity (PTE) means a non-Federal entity that provides a subaward to a subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal program.
Performance goal means a target level of performance expressed as a tangible, measurable objective, against which actual achievement can be compared, including a goal expressed as a quantitative standard, value, or rate. In some instances (e.g., discretionary research awards), this may be limited to the requirement to submit technical performance reports (to be evaluated in accordance with agency policy).
Period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial Federal award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in the Federal award per § 200.211(b)(5) does not commit the awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period.
Personal property means property other than real property. It may be tangible, having physical existence, or intangible.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII) means information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, either alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual. Some information that is considered to be PII is available in public sources such as telephone books, public websites, and university listings. This type of information is considered to be Public PII and includes, for example, first and last name, address, work telephone number, email address, home telephone number, and general educational credentials. The definition of PII is not anchored to any single category of information or technology. Rather, it requires a case-by-case assessment of the specific risk that an individual can be identified. Non-PII can become PII whenever additional information is made publicly available, in any medium and from any source, that, when combined with other available information, could be used to identify an individual.
Program income means gross income earned by the non-Federal entity that is directly generated by a supported activity or earned as a result of the Federal award during the period of performance except as provided in § 200.307(f). (See the definition of period of performance in this section.) Program income includes but is not limited to income from fees for services performed, the use or rental or real or personal property acquired under Federal awards, the sale of commodities or items fabricated under a Federal award, license fees and royalties on patents and copyrights, and principal and interest on loans made with Federal award funds. Interest earned on advances of Federal funds is not program income. Except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, program income does not include rebates, credits, discounts, and interest earned on any of them. See also § 200.407. See also 35 U.S.C. 200–212 “Disposition of Rights in Educational Awards” applies to inventions made under Federal awards.
Project cost means total allowable costs incurred under a Federal award and all required cost sharing and voluntary committed cost sharing, including third-party contributions.
Property means real property or personal property. See also the definitions of real property and personal property in this section.
Protected Personally Identifiable Information (Protected PII) means an individual’s first name or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of types of information, including, but not limited to, social security number, passport number, credit card numbers, clearances, bank numbers, biometrics, date and place of birth, mother’s maiden name, criminal, medical and financial records, educational transcripts. This does not include PII that is required by law to be disclosed. See also the definition of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in this section.
Questioned cost means a cost that is questioned by the auditor because of an audit finding:
(1) Which resulted from a violation or possible violation of a statute, regulation, or the terms and conditions of a Federal award, including for funds used to match Federal funds;
(2) Where the costs, at the time of the audit, are not supported by adequate documentation; or
(3) Where the costs incurred appear unreasonable and do not reflect the actions a prudent person would take in the circumstances.
(4) Questioned costs are not an improper payment until reviewed and confirmed to be improper as defined in OMB Circular A–123 appendix C. (See also the definition of Improper payment in this section).
Real property means land, including land improvements, structures and appurtenances thereto, but excludes moveable machinery and equipment.
Recipient means an entity, usually but not limited to non-Federal entities that receives a Federal award directly from a Federal awarding agency. The term recipient does not include subrecipients or individuals that are beneficiaries of the award.
Renewal award means an award made subsequent to an expiring Federal award for which the start date is contiguous with, or closely follows, the end of the expiring Federal award. A renewal award’s start date will begin a distinct period of performance.
Research and Development (R&D) means all research activities, both basic and applied, and all development activities that are performed by non-Federal entities. The term research also includes activities involving the training of individuals in research techniques where such activities utilize the same facilities as other research and development activities and where such activities are not included in the instruction function. “Research” is defined as a systematic study directed toward fuller scientific knowledge or understanding of the subject studied. “Development” is the systematic use of knowledge and understanding gained from research directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes.
Simplified acquisition threshold means the dollar amount below which a non-Federal entity may purchase property or services using small purchase methods (see § 200.320). Non-Federal entities adopt small purchase procedures in order to expedite the purchase of items at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. The simplified acquisition threshold for procurement activities administered under Federal awards is set by the FAR at 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures. However, in no circumstances can this threshold exceed the dollar value established in the FAR (48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1) for the simplified acquisition threshold. Recipients should determine if local government laws on purchasing apply.
Special purpose equipment means equipment which is used only for research, medical, scientific, or other technical activities. Examples of special purpose equipment include microscopes, x-ray machines, surgical instruments, and spectrometers. See also the definitions of equipment and general purpose equipment in this section.
State means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any agency or instrumentality thereof exclusive of local governments.
Student Financial Aid (SFA) means Federal awards under those programs of general student assistance, such as those authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, (20 U.S.C. 1070–1099d), which are administered by the U.S. Department of Education, and similar programs provided by other Federal agencies. It does not include Federal awards under programs that provide fellowships or similar Federal awards to students on a competitive basis, or for specified studies or research.
Subaward means an award provided by a pass-through entity to a subrecipient for the subrecipient to carry out part of a Federal award received by the pass-through entity. It does not include payments to a contractor or payments to an individual that is a beneficiary of a Federal program. A subaward may be provided through any form of legal agreement, including an agreement that the pass-through entity considers a contract.
Subrecipient means an entity, usually but not limited to non-Federal entities, that receives a subaward from a pass-through entity to carry out part of a Federal award; but does not include an individual that is a beneficiary of such award. A subrecipient may also be a recipient of other Federal awards directly from a Federal awarding agency.
Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned or controlled directly by a parent corporation or through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.
Supplies means all tangible personal property other than those described in the definition of equipment in this section. A computing device is a supply if the acquisition cost is less than the lesser of the capitalization level established by the non-Federal entity for financial statement purposes or $5,000, regardless of the length of its useful life. See also the definitions of computing devices and equipment in this section.
Telecommunications cost means the cost of using communication and telephony technologies such as mobile phones, land lines, and internet.
Termination means the ending of a Federal award, in whole or in part at any time prior to the planned end of period of performance. A lack of available funds is not a termination.
Third-party in-kind contributions means the value of non-cash contributions (i.e., property or services) that—
(1) Benefit a federally-assisted project or program; and
(2) Are contributed by non-Federal third parties, without charge, to a non-Federal entity under a Federal award.
Unliquidated financial obligations means, for financial reports prepared on a cash basis, financial obligations incurred by the non-Federal entity that have not been paid (liquidated). For reports prepared on an accrual expenditure basis, these are financial obligations incurred by the non-Federal entity for which an expenditure has not been recorded.
Unobligated balance means the amount of funds under a Federal award that the non-Federal entity has not obligated. The amount is computed by subtracting the cumulative amount of the non-Federal entity’s unliquidated financial obligations and expenditures of funds under the Federal award from the cumulative amount of the funds that the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity authorized the non-Federal entity to obligate.
Voluntary committed cost sharing means cost sharing specifically pledged on a voluntary basis in the proposal’s budget on the part of the non-Federal entity and that becomes a binding requirement of Federal award. See also § 200.306.
Subpart B—General Provisions
§ 200.100 Purpose.
(a) Purpose. (1) This part establishes uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for Federal awards to non-Federal entities, as described in § 200.101. Federal awarding agencies must not impose additional or inconsistent requirements, except as provided in §§ 200.102 and 200.211, or unless specifically required by Federal statute, regulation, or Executive order.
(2) This part provides the basis for a systematic and periodic collection and uniform submission by Federal agencies of information on all Federal financial assistance programs to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It also establishes Federal policies related to the delivery of this information to the public, including through the use of electronic media. It prescribes the manner in which General Services Administration (GSA), OMB, and Federal agencies that administer Federal financial assistance programs are to carry out their statutory responsibilities under the Federal Program Information Act (31 U.S.C. 6101–6106).
(b) Administrative requirements. Subparts B through D of this part set forth the uniform administrative requirements for grant and cooperative agreements, including the requirements for Federal awarding agency management of Federal grant programs before the Federal award has been made, and the requirements Federal awarding agencies may impose on non-Federal entities in the Federal award.
(c) Cost principles. Subpart E of this part establishes principles for determining the allowable costs incurred by non-Federal entities under Federal awards. The principles are for the purpose of cost determination and are not intended to identify the circumstances or dictate the extent of Federal Government participation in the financing of a particular program or project. The principles are designed to provide that Federal awards bear their fair share of cost recognized under these principles except where restricted or prohibited by statute.
(d) Single Audit Requirements and Audit Follow-up. Subpart F of this part is issued pursuant to the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, (31 U.S.C. 7501–7507). It sets forth standards for obtaining consistency and uniformity among Federal agencies for the audit of non-Federal entities expending Federal awards. These provisions also provide the policies and procedures for Federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities when using the results of these audits.
(e) Guidance on challenges and prizes. For OMB guidance to Federal awarding agencies on challenges and prizes, please see memo M–10–11 Guidance on the Use of Challenges and Prizes to Promote Open Government, issued March 8, 2010, or its successor.
§ 200.101 Applicability.
(a) General applicability to Federal agencies. (1) The requirements established in this part apply to Federal agencies that make Federal awards to non-Federal entities. These requirements are applicable to all costs related to Federal awards.
(2) Federal awarding agencies may apply subparts A through E of this part to Federal agencies, for-profit entities, foreign public entities, or foreign organizations, except where the Federal awarding agency determines that the application of these subparts would be inconsistent with the international responsibilities of the United States or the statutes or regulations of a foreign government.
(b) Applicability to different types of Federal awards. (1) Throughout this part when the word “must” is used it indicates a requirement. Whereas, use of the word “should” or “may” indicates a best practice or recommended approach rather than a requirement and permits discretion.
(2) The following table describes what portions of this part apply to which types of Federal awards. The terms and conditions of Federal awards (including this part) flow down to subawards to subrecipients unless a particular section of this part or the terms and conditions of the Federal award specifically indicate otherwise. This means that non-Federal entities must comply with requirements in this part regardless of whether the non-Federal entity is a recipient or subrecipient of a Federal award. Pass-through entities must comply with the requirements described in subpart D of this part, §§ 200.331 through 200.333, but not any requirements in this part directed towards Federal awarding agencies unless the requirements of this part or the terms and conditions of the Federal award indicate otherwise.
Table 1 to Paragraph
| The following portions of this Part | Are applicable to the following types of Federal Awards and Fixed-Price Contracts and Subcontracts (except as noted in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section): | Are NOT applicable to the following types of Federal Awards and Fixed-Price Contracts and Subcontracts: |
|---|---|---|
| Subpart A—Acronyms and Definitions | —All | |
| Subpart B—General Provisions, except for §§ 200.111 English Language, 200.112 Conflict of Interest, 200.113 Mandatory Disclosures | —All | |
| §§ 200.111 English Language, 200.112 Conflict of Interest, 200.113 Mandatory Disclosures | —Grant Agreements and cooperative agreements | —Agreements for loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies and insurance. —Procurement contracts awarded by Federal Agencies under the Federal Acquisition Regulation and subcontracts under those contracts. |
| Subparts C–D, except for §§ 200.203 Requirement to provide public notice of Federal financial assistance programs, 200.303 Internal controls, 200.331–333 Subrecipient Monitoring and Management | —Grant Agreements and cooperative agreements | —Agreements for loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies and insurance. —Procurement contracts awarded by Federal Agencies under the Federal Acquisition Regulation and subcontracts under those contracts. |
| § 200.203 Requirement to provide public notice of Federal financial assistance programs | —Grant Agreements and cooperative agreements —Agreements for loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies and insurance | —Procurement contracts awarded by Federal Agencies under the Federal Acquisition Regulation and subcontracts under those contracts. |
| §§ 200.303 Internal controls, 200.331–333 Subrecipient Monitoring and Management | —All | |
| Subpart E—Cost Principles | —Grant Agreements and cooperative agreements, except those providing food commodities —All procurement contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulations except those that are not negotiated | —Grant agreements and cooperative agreements providing foods commodities. —Fixed amount awards. —Agreements for loans, loans guarantees, interest subsidies and insurance. —Federal awards to hospitals (see Appendix IX Hospital Cost Principles). |
| Subpart F—Audit Requirements | —Grant Agreements and cooperative agreements —Contracts and subcontracts, except for fixed price contacts and subcontracts, awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation —Agreements for loans, loans guarantees, interest subsidies and insurance and other forms of Federal Financial Assistance as defined by the Single Audit Act Amendment of 1996 | —Fixed-price contracts and subcontracts awarded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. |
(c) Federal award of cost-reimbursement contract under the FAR to a non-Federal entity. When a non-Federal entity is awarded a cost-reimbursement contract, only subpart D, §§ 200.331 through 200.333, and subparts E and F of this part are incorporated by reference into the contract, but the requirements of subparts D, E, and F are supplementary to the FAR and the contract. When the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) are applicable to the contract, they take precedence over the requirements of this part, including subpart F of this part, which are supplementary to the CAS requirements. In addition, costs that are made unallowable under 10 U.S.C. 2324(e) and 41 U.S.C. 4304(a) as described in the FAR 48 CFR part 31, subpart 31.2, and 48 CFR 31.603 are always unallowable. For requirements other than those covered in subpart D, §§ 200.331 through 200.333, and subparts E and F of this part, the terms of the contract and the FAR apply. Note that when a non-Federal entity is awarded a FAR contract, the FAR applies, and the terms and conditions of the contract shall prevail over the requirements of this part.
(d) Governing provisions. With the exception of subpart F of this part, which is required by the Single Audit Act, in any circumstances where the provisions of Federal statutes or regulations differ from the provisions of this part, the provision of the Federal statutes or regulations govern. This includes, for agreements with Indian tribes, the provisions of the Indian Self-Determination and Education and Assistance Act (ISDEAA), as amended, 25 U.S.C 450–458ddd–2.
(e) Program applicability. Except for §§ 200.203, 200.216, and 200.331 through 200.333, the requirements in subparts C, D, and E of this part do not apply to the following programs:
(1) The block grant awards authorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (including Community Services), except to the extent that subpart E of this part apply to subrecipients of Community Services Block Grant funds pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 9916(a)(1)(B);
(2) Federal awards to local education agencies under 20 U.S.C. 7702–7703b, (portions of the Impact Aid program);
(3) Payments under the Department of Veterans Affairs’ State Home Per Diem Program (38 U.S.C. 1741); and
(4) Federal awards authorized under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, as amended:
(i) Child Care and Development Block Grant (42 U.S.C. 9858).
(ii) Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund (42 U.S.C. 9858).
(f) Additional program applicability. Except for §§ 200.203 and 200.216, the guidance in subpart C of this part does not apply to the following programs:
(1) Entitlement Federal awards to carry out the following programs of the Social Security Act:
(i) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (title IV–A of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 601–619);
(ii) Child Support Enforcement and Establishment of Paternity (title IV–D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 651–669b);
(iii) Foster Care and Adoption Assistance (title IV–E of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 670–679c);
(iv) Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (titles I, X, XIV, and XVI–AABD of the Act, as amended);
(v) Medical Assistance (Medicaid) (title XIX of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1396–1396w–5) not including the State Medicaid Fraud Control program authorized by section 1903(a)(6)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(6)(B)); and
(vi) Children’s Health Insurance Program (title XXI of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1397aa–1397mm).
(2) A Federal award for an experimental, pilot, or demonstration project that is also supported by a Federal award listed in paragraph (f)(1) of this section.
(3) Federal awards under subsection 412(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and subsection 501(a) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96–422, 94 Stat. 1809), for cash assistance, medical assistance, and supplemental security income benefits to refugees and entrants and the administrative costs of providing the assistance and benefits (8 U.S.C. 1522(e)).
(4) Entitlement awards under the following programs of The National School Lunch Act:
(i) National School Lunch Program (section 4 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1753);
(ii) Commodity Assistance (section 6 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1755);
(iii) Special Meal Assistance (section 11 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1759a);
(iv) Summer Food Service Program for Children (section 13 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1761); and
(v) Child and Adult Care Food Program (section 17 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1766).
(5) Entitlement awards under the following programs of The Child Nutrition Act of 1966:
(i) Special Milk Program (section 3 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1772);
(ii) School Breakfast Program (section 4 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1773); and
(iii) State Administrative Expenses (section 7 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 1776).
(6) Entitlement awards for State Administrative Expenses under The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (section 16 of the Act, 7 U.S.C. 2025).
(7) Non-discretionary Federal awards under the following non-entitlement programs:
(i) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966) 42 U.S.C. 1786;
(ii) The Emergency Food Assistance Programs (Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983) 7 U.S.C. 7501 note; and
(iii) Commodity Supplemental Food Program (section 5 of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973) 7 U.S.C. 612c note.
§ 200.102 Exceptions.
(a) With the exception of subpart F of this part, OMB may allow exceptions for classes of Federal awards or non-Federal entities subject to the requirements of this part when exceptions are not prohibited by statute. In the interest of maximum uniformity, exceptions from the requirements of this part will be permitted as described in this section.
(b) Exceptions on a case-by-case basis for individual non-Federal entities may be authorized by the Federal awarding agency or cognizant agency for indirect costs, except where otherwise required by law or where OMB or other approval is expressly required by this part.
(c) The Federal awarding agency may adjust requirements to a class of Federal awards or non-Federal entities when approved by OMB, or when required by Federal statutes or regulations, except for the requirements in subpart F of this part. A Federal awarding agency may apply less restrictive requirements when making fixed amount awards as defined in subpart A of this part, except for those requirements imposed by statute or in subpart F of this part.
(d) Federal awarding agencies may request exceptions in support of innovative program designs that apply a risk-based, data-driven framework to alleviate select compliance requirements and hold recipients accountable for good performance. See also § 200.206.
§ 200.103 Authorities.
This part is issued under the following authorities.
(a) Subparts B through D of this part are authorized under 31 U.S.C. 503 (the Chief Financial Officers Act, Functions of the Deputy Director for Management), 41 U.S.C. 1101–1131 (the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act), Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970, and Executive Order 11541 (“Prescribing the Duties of the Office of Management and Budget and the Domestic Policy Council in the Executive Office of the President”), the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, (31 U.S.C. 7501–7507), as well as The Federal Program Information Act (Pub. L. 95–220 and Pub. L. 98–169, as amended, codified at 31 U.S.C. 6101–6106).
(b) Subpart E of this part is authorized under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, as amended; the Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950, as amended (31 U.S.C. 1101–1125); the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (31 U.S.C. 503–504); Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970; and Executive Order 11541, “Prescribing the Duties of the Office of Management and Budget and the Domestic Policy Council in the Executive Office of the President.”
(c) Subpart F of this part is authorized under the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996, (31 U.S.C. 7501–7507).
§ 200.104 Supersession.
As described in § 200.110, this part supersedes the following OMB guidance documents and regulations under title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations:
(a) A–21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions” (2 CFR part 220);
(b) A–87, “Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments” (2 CFR part 225) and also
(c) A–89, “Federal Domestic Assistance Program Information”;
(d) A–102, “Grant Awards and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments”;
(e) A–110, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Awards and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations” (codified at 2 CFR 215);
(f) A–122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations” (2 CFR part 230);
(g) A–133, “Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations”; and
(h) Those sections of A–50 related to audits performed under subpart F of this part.
§ 200.105 Effect on other issuances.
(a) Superseding inconsistent requirements. For Federal awards subject to this part, all administrative requirements, program manuals, handbooks and other non-regulatory materials that are inconsistent with the requirements of this part must be superseded upon implementation of this part by the Federal agency, except to the extent they are required by statute or authorized in accordance with the provisions in § 200.102.
(b) Imposition of requirements on recipients. Agencies may impose legally binding requirements on recipients only through the notice and public comment process through an approved agency process, including as authorized by this part, other statutes or regulations, or as incorporated into the terms of a Federal award.
§ 200.106 Agency implementation.
The specific requirements and responsibilities of Federal agencies and non-Federal entities are set forth in this part. Federal agencies making Federal awards to non-Federal entities must implement the language in subparts C through F of this part in codified regulations unless different provisions are required by Federal statute or are approved by OMB.
§ 200.107 OMB responsibilities.
OMB will review Federal agency regulations and implementation of this part, and will provide interpretations of policy requirements and assistance to ensure effective and efficient implementation. Any exceptions will be subject to approval by OMB. Exceptions will only be made in particular cases where adequate justification is presented.
§ 200.108 Inquiries.
Inquiries concerning this part may be directed to the Office of Federal Financial Management Office of Management and Budget, in Washington, DC. Non-Federal entities’ inquiries should be addressed to the Federal awarding agency, cognizant agency for indirect costs, cognizant or oversight agency for audit, or pass-through entity as appropriate.
§ 200.109 Review date.
OMB will review this part at least every five years after December 26, 2013.
§ 200.110 Effective/applicability date.
(a) The standards set forth in this part that affect the administration of Federal awards issued by Federal awarding agencies become effective once implemented by Federal awarding agencies or when any future amendment to this part becomes final.
(b) Existing negotiated indirect cost rates (as of the publication date of the revisions to the guidance) will remain in place until they expire. The effective date of changes to indirect cost rates must be based upon the date that a newly re-negotiated rate goes into effect for a specific non-Federal entity’s fiscal year. Therefore, for indirect cost rates and cost allocation plans, the revised Uniform Guidance (as of the publication date for revisions to the guidance) become effective in generating proposals and negotiating a new rate (when the rate is re-negotiated).
§ 200.111 English language.
(a) All Federal financial assistance announcements and Federal award information must be in the English language. Applications must be submitted in the English language and must be in the terms of U.S. dollars. If the Federal awarding agency receives applications in another currency, the Federal awarding agency will evaluate the application by converting the foreign currency to United States currency using the date specified for receipt of the application.
(b) Non-Federal entities may translate the Federal award and other documents into another language. In the event of inconsistency between any terms and conditions of the Federal award and any translation into another language, the English language meaning will control. Where a significant portion of the non-Federal entity’s employees who are working on the Federal award are not fluent in English, the non-Federal entity must provide the Federal award in English and the language(s) with which employees are more familiar.
§ 200.112 Conflict of interest.
The Federal awarding agency must establish conflict of interest policies for Federal awards. The non-Federal entity must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity in accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency policy.
§ 200.113 Mandatory disclosures.
The non-Federal entity or applicant for a Federal award must disclose, in a timely manner, in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity all violations of Federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the Federal award. Non-Federal entities that have received a Federal award including the term and condition outlined in appendix XII to this part are required to report certain civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings to SAM (currently FAPIIS). Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in § 200.339. (See also 2 CFR part 180, 31 U.S.C. 3321, and 41 U.S.C. 2313.)
Subpart C—Pre-Federal Award Requirements and Contents of Federal Awards
§ 200.200 Purpose.
Sections 200.201 through 200.216 prescribe instructions and other pre-award matters to be used by Federal awarding agencies in the program planning, announcement, application and award processes.
§ 200.201 Use of grant agreements (including fixed amount awards), cooperative agreements, and contracts.
(a) Federal award instrument. The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must decide on the appropriate instrument for the Federal award (i.e., grant agreement, cooperative agreement, or contract) in accordance with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act (31 U.S.C. 6301–08).
(b) Fixed amount awards. In addition to the options described in paragraph (a) of this section, Federal awarding agencies, or pass-through entities as permitted in § 200.333, may use fixed amount awards (see Fixed amount awards in § 200.1) to which the following conditions apply:
(1) The Federal award amount is negotiated using the cost principles (or other pricing information) as a guide. The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may use fixed amount awards if the project scope has measurable goals and objectives and if adequate cost, historical, or unit pricing data is available to establish a fixed amount award based on a reasonable estimate of actual cost. Payments are based on meeting specific requirements of the Federal award. Accountability is based on performance and results. Except in the case of termination before completion of the Federal award, there is no governmental review of the actual costs incurred by the non-Federal entity in performance of the award. Some of the ways in which the Federal award may be paid include, but are not limited to:
(i) In several partial payments, the amount of each agreed upon in advance, and the “milestone” or event triggering the payment also agreed upon in advance, and set forth in the Federal award;
(ii) On a unit price basis, for a defined unit or units, at a defined price or prices, agreed to in advance of performance of the Federal award and set forth in the Federal award; or,
(iii) In one payment at Federal award completion.
(2) A fixed amount award cannot be used in programs which require mandatory cost sharing or match.
(3) The non-Federal entity must certify in writing to the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity at the end of the Federal award that the project or activity was completed or the level of effort was expended. If the required level of activity or effort was not carried out, the amount of the Federal award must be adjusted.
(4) Periodic reports may be established for each Federal award.
(5) Changes in principal investigator, project leader, project partner, or scope of effort must receive the prior written approval of the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
§ 200.202 Program planning and design.
The Federal awarding agency must design a program and create an Assistance Listing before announcing the Notice of Funding Opportunity. The program must be designed with clear goals and objectives that facilitate the delivery of meaningful results consistent with the Federal authorizing legislation of the program. Program performance shall be measured based on the goals and objectives developed during program planning and design. See § 200.301 for more information on performance measurement. Performance measures may differ depending on the type of program. The program must align with the strategic goals and objectives within the Federal awarding agency’s performance plan and should support the Federal awarding agency’s performance measurement, management, and reporting as required by Part 6 of OMB Circular A–11 (Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget). The program must also be designed to align with the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act (Pub. L. 114–264).
§ 200.203 Requirement to provide public notice of Federal financial assistance programs.
(a) The Federal awarding agency must notify the public of Federal programs in the Federal Assistance Listings maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA).
(1) The Federal Assistance Listings is the single, authoritative, governmentwide comprehensive source of Federal financial assistance program information produced by the executive branch of the Federal Government.
(2) The information that the Federal awarding agency must submit to GSA for approval by OMB is listed in paragraph (b) of this section. GSA must prescribe the format for the submission in coordination with OMB.
(3) The Federal awarding agency may not award Federal financial assistance without assigning it to a program that has been included in the Federal Assistance Listings as required in this section unless there are exigent circumstances requiring otherwise, such as timing requirements imposed by statute.
(b) For each program that awards discretionary Federal awards, non-discretionary Federal awards, loans, insurance, or any other type of Federal financial assistance, the Federal awarding agency must, to the extent practicable, create, update, and manage Assistance Listings entries based on the authorizing statute for the program and comply with additional guidance provided by GSA in consultation with OMB to ensure consistent, accurate information is available to prospective applicants. Accordingly, Federal awarding agencies must submit the following information to GSA:
(1) Program Description, Purpose, Goals, and Measurement. A brief summary of the statutory or regulatory requirements of the program and its intended outcome. Where appropriate, the Program Description, Purpose, Goals, and Measurement should align with the strategic goals and objectives within the Federal awarding agency’s performance plan and should support the Federal awarding agency’s performance measurement, management, and reporting as required by Part 6 of OMB Circular A–11;
(2) Identification. Identification of whether the program makes Federal awards on a discretionary basis or the Federal awards are prescribed by Federal statute, such as in the case of formula grants.
(3) Projected total amount of funds available for the program. Estimates based on previous year funding are acceptable if current appropriations are not available at the time of the submission;
(4) Anticipated source of available funds. The statutory authority for funding the program and, to the extent possible, agency, sub-agency, or, if known, the specific program unit that will issue the Federal awards, and associated funding identifier (e.g., Treasury Account Symbol(s));
(5) General eligibility requirements. The statutory, regulatory or other eligibility factors or considerations that determine the applicant’s qualification for Federal awards under the program (e.g., type of non-Federal entity); and
(6) Applicability of Single Audit Requirements. Applicability of Single Audit Requirements as required by subpart F of this part.
§ 200.204 Notices of funding opportunities.
For discretionary grants and cooperative agreements that are competed, the Federal awarding agency must announce specific funding opportunities by providing the following information in a public notice:
(a) Summary information in notices of funding opportunities. The Federal awarding agency must display the following information posted on the OMB-designated governmentwide website for funding and applying for Federal financial assistance, in a location preceding the full text of the announcement:
(1) Federal Awarding Agency Name;
(2) Funding Opportunity Title;
(3) Announcement Type (whether the funding opportunity is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity or a modification of a previously announced opportunity);
(4) Funding Opportunity Number (required, if applicable). If the Federal awarding agency has assigned or will assign a number to the funding opportunity announcement, this number must be provided;
(5) Assistance Listings Number(s);
(6) Key Dates. Key dates include due dates for applications or Executive Order 12372 submissions, as well as for any letters of intent or pre-applications. For any announcement issued before a program’s application materials are available, key dates also include the date on which those materials will be released; and any other additional information, as deemed applicable by the relevant Federal awarding agency.
(b) Availability period. The Federal awarding agency must generally make all funding opportunities available for application for at least 60 calendar days. The Federal awarding agency may make a determination to have a less than 60 calendar day availability period but no funding opportunity should be available for less than 30 calendar days unless exigent circumstances require as determined by the Federal awarding agency head or delegate.
(c) Full text of funding opportunities. The Federal awarding agency must include the following information in the full text of each funding opportunity. For specific instructions on the content required in this section, refer to appendix I to this part.
(1) Full programmatic description of the funding opportunity.
(2) Federal award information, including sufficient information to help an applicant make an informed decision about whether to submit an application. (See also § 200.414(c)(4)).
(3) Specific eligibility information, including any factors or priorities that affect an applicant’s or its application’s eligibility for selection.
(4) Application Preparation and Submission Information, including the applicable submission dates and time.
(5) Application Review Information including the criteria and process to be used to evaluate applications. See also §§ 200.205 and 200.206.
(6) Federal Award Administration Information. See also § 200.211.
(7) Applicable terms and conditions for resulting awards, including any exceptions from these standard terms.
§ 200.205 Federal awarding agency review of merit of proposals.
For discretionary Federal awards, unless prohibited by Federal statute, the Federal awarding agency must design and execute a merit review process for applications, with the objective of selecting recipients most likely to be successful in delivering results based on the program objectives outlined in section § 200.202. A merit review is an objective process of evaluating Federal award applications in accordance with written standards set forth by the Federal awarding agency. This process must be described or incorporated by reference in the applicable funding opportunity (see appendix I to this part.). See also § 200.204. The Federal awarding agency must also periodically review its merit review process.
§ 200.206 Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
(a) Review of OMB-designated repositories of governmentwide data. (1) Prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency is required by the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019, 31 U.S.C. 3301 note, and 41 U.S.C. 2313 to review information available through any OMB-designated repositories of governmentwide eligibility qualification or financial integrity information as appropriate. See also suspension and debarment requirements at 2 CFR part 180 as well as individual Federal agency suspension and debarment regulations in title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) In accordance 41 U.S.C. 2313, the Federal awarding agency is required to review the non-public segment of the OMB-designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) prior to making a Federal award where the Federal share is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, defined in 41 U.S.C. 134, over the period of performance. As required by Public Law 112–239, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, prior to making a Federal award, the Federal awarding agency must consider all of the information available through FAPIIS with regard to the applicant and any immediate highest level owner, predecessor (i.e.; a non-Federal entity that is replaced by a successor), or subsidiary, identified for that applicant in FAPIIS, if applicable. At a minimum, the information in the system for a prior Federal award recipient must demonstrate a satisfactory record of executing programs or activities under Federal grants, cooperative agreements, or procurement awards; and integrity and business ethics. The Federal awarding agency may make a Federal award to a recipient who does not fully meet these standards, if it is determined that the information is not relevant to the current Federal award under consideration or there are specific conditions that can appropriately mitigate the effects of the non-Federal entity’s risk in accordance with § 200.208.
(b) Risk evaluation. (1) The Federal awarding agency must have in place a framework for evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive Federal awards. This evaluation may incorporate results of the evaluation of the applicant’s eligibility or the quality of its application. If the Federal awarding agency determines that a Federal award will be made, special conditions that correspond to the degree of risk assessed may be applied to the Federal award. Criteria to be evaluated must be described in the announcement of funding opportunity described in § 200.204.
(2) In evaluating risks posed by applicants, the Federal awarding agency may use a risk-based approach and may consider any items such as the following:
(i) Financial stability. Financial stability;
(ii) Management systems and standards. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards prescribed in this part;
(iii) History of performance. The applicant’s record in managing Federal awards, if it is a prior recipient of Federal awards, including timeliness of compliance with applicable reporting requirements, conformance to the terms and conditions of previous Federal awards, and if applicable, the extent to which any previously awarded amounts will be expended prior to future awards;
(iv) Audit reports and findings. Reports and findings from audits performed under subpart F of this part or the reports and findings of any other available audits; and
(v) Ability to effectively implement requirements. The applicant’s ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.
(c) Risk-based requirements adjustment. The Federal awarding agency may adjust requirements when a risk-evaluation indicates that it may be merited either pre-award or post-award.
(d) Suspension and debarment compliance. (1) The Federal awarding agency must comply with the guidelines on governmentwide suspension and debarment in 2 CFR part 180, and must require non-Federal entities to comply with these provisions. These provisions restrict Federal awards, subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal programs or activities.
§ 200.207 Standard application requirements.
(a) Paperwork clearances. The Federal awarding agency may only use application information collections approved by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and OMB’s implementing regulations in 5 CFR part 1320 and in alignment with OMB-approved, governmentwide data elements available from the OMB-designated standards lead. Consistent with these requirements, OMB will authorize additional information collections only on a limited basis.
(b) Information collection. If applicable, the Federal awarding agency may inform applicants and recipients that they do not need to provide certain information otherwise required by the relevant information collection.
§ 200.208 Specific conditions.
(a) Federal awarding agencies are responsible for ensuring that specific Federal award conditions are consistent with the program design reflected in § 200.202 and include clear performance expectations of recipients as required in § 200.301.
(b) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may adjust specific Federal award conditions as needed, in accordance with this section, based on an analysis of the following factors:
(1) Based on the criteria set forth in § 200.206;
(2) The applicant or recipient’s history of compliance with the general or specific terms and conditions of a Federal award;
(3) The applicant or recipient’s ability to meet expected performance goals as described in § 200.211; or
(4) A responsibility determination of an applicant or recipient.
(c) Additional Federal award conditions may include items such as the following:
(1) Requiring payments as reimbursements rather than advance payments;
(2) Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance within a given performance period;
(3) Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports;
(4) Requiring additional project monitoring;
(5) Requiring the non-Federal entity to obtain technical or management assistance; or
(6) Establishing additional prior approvals.
(d) If the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity is imposing additional requirements, they must notify the applicant or non-Federal entity as to:
(1) The nature of the additional requirements;
(2) The reason why the additional requirements are being imposed;
(3) The nature of the action needed to remove the additional requirement, if applicable;
(4) The time allowed for completing the actions if applicable; and
(5) The method for requesting reconsideration of the additional requirements imposed.
(e) Any additional requirements must be promptly removed once the conditions that prompted them have been satisfied.
§ 200.209 Certifications and representations.
Unless prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes or regulations, each Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity is authorized to require the non-Federal entity to submit certifications and representations required by Federal statutes, or regulations on an annual basis. Submission may be required more frequently if the non-Federal entity fails to meet a requirement of a Federal award.
§ 200.210 Pre-award costs.
For requirements on costs incurred by the applicant prior to the start date of the period of performance of the Federal award, see § 200.458.
§ 200.211 Information contained in a Federal award.
A Federal award must include the following information:
(a) Federal award performance goals. Performance goals, indicators, targets, and baseline data must be included in the Federal award, where applicable. The Federal awarding agency must also specify how performance will be assessed in the terms and conditions of the Federal award, including the timing and scope of expected performance. See §§ 200.202 and 200.301 for more information on Federal award performance goals.
(b) General Federal award information. The Federal awarding agency must include the following general Federal award information in each Federal award:
(1) Recipient name (which must match the name associated with its unique entity identifier as defined at 2 CFR 25.315);
(2) Recipient’s unique entity identifier;
(3) Unique Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN);
(4) Federal Award Date (see Federal award date in § 200.201);
(5) Period of Performance Start and End Date;
(6) Budget Period Start and End Date;
(7) Amount of Federal Funds Obligated by this action;
(8) Total Amount of Federal Funds Obligated;
(9) Total Approved Cost Sharing or Matching, where applicable;
(10) Total Amount of the Federal Award including approved Cost Sharing or Matching;
(11) Budget Approved by the Federal Awarding Agency;
(11) Federal award description, (to comply with statutory requirements (e.g., FFATA));
(12) Name of Federal awarding agency and contact information for awarding official,
(13) Assistance Listings Number and Title;
(14) Identification of whether the award is R&D; and
(15) Indirect cost rate for the Federal award (including if the de minimis rate is charged per § 200.414).
(c) General terms and conditions. (1) Federal awarding agencies must incorporate the following general terms and conditions either in the Federal award or by reference, as applicable:
(i) Administrative requirements. Administrative requirements implemented by the Federal awarding agency as specified in this part.
(ii) National policy requirements. These include statutory, executive order, other Presidential directive, or regulatory requirements that apply by specific reference and are not program-specific. See § 200.300 Statutory and national policy requirements.
(iii) Recipient integrity and performance matters. If the total Federal share of the Federal award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, the Federal awarding agency must include the term and condition available in appendix XII of this part. See also § 200.113.
(iv) Future budget periods. If it is anticipated that the period of performance will include multiple budget periods, the Federal awarding agency must indicate that subsequent budget periods are subject to the availability of funds, program authority, satisfactory performance, and compliance with the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
(v) Termination provisions. Federal awarding agencies must make recipients aware, in a clear and unambiguous manner, of the termination provisions in § 200.340, including the applicable termination provisions in the Federal awarding agency’s regulations or in each Federal award.
(2) The Federal award must incorporate, by reference, all general terms and conditions of the award, which must be maintained on the agency’s website.
(3) If a non-Federal entity requests a copy of the full text of the general terms and conditions, the Federal awarding agency must provide it.
(4) Wherever the general terms and conditions are publicly available, the Federal awarding agency must maintain an archive of previous versions of the general terms and conditions, with effective dates, for use by the non-Federal entity, auditors, or others.
(d) Federal awarding agency, program, or Federal award specific terms and conditions. The Federal awarding agency must include with each Federal award any terms and conditions necessary to communicate requirements that are in addition to the requirements outlined in the Federal awarding agency’s general terms and conditions. See also § 200.208. Whenever practicable, these specific terms and conditions also should be shared on the agency’s website and in notices of funding opportunities (as outlined in § 200.204) in addition to being included in a Federal award. See also § 200.207.
(e) Federal awarding agency requirements. Any other information required by the Federal awarding agency.
§ 200.212 Public access to Federal award information.
(a) In accordance with statutory requirements for Federal spending transparency (e.g., FFATA), except as noted in this section, for applicable Federal awards the Federal awarding agency must announce all Federal awards publicly and publish the required information on a publicly available OMB-designated governmentwide website.
(b) All information posted in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) on or after April 15, 2011 will be publicly available after a waiting period of 14 calendar days, except for:
(1) Past performance reviews required by Federal Government contractors in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 48 CFR part 42, subpart 42.15;
(2) Information that was entered prior to April 15, 2011; or
(3) Information that is withdrawn during the 14-calendar day waiting period by the Federal Government official.
(c) Nothing in this section may be construed as requiring the publication of information otherwise exempt under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C 552), or controlled unclassified information pursuant to Executive Order 13556.
§ 200.213 Reporting a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award.
(a) If a Federal awarding agency does not make a Federal award to a non-Federal entity because the official determines that the non-Federal entity does not meet either or both of the minimum qualification standards as described in § 200.206(a)(2), the Federal awarding agency must report that determination to the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS), only if all of the following apply:
(1) The only basis for the determination described in this paragraph (a) is the non-Federal entity’s prior record of executing programs or activities under Federal awards or its record of integrity and business ethics, as described in § 200.206(a)(2) (i.e., the entity was determined to be qualified based on all factors other than those two standards); and
(2) The total Federal share of the Federal award that otherwise would be made to the non-Federal entity is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold over the period of performance.
(b) The Federal awarding agency is not required to report a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award if they make the Federal award to the non-Federal entity and include specific award terms and conditions, as described in § 200.208.
(c) If a Federal awarding agency reports a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award, as described in paragraph (a) of this section, the Federal awarding agency also must notify the non-Federal entity that—
(1) The determination was made and reported to the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM, and include with the notification an explanation of the basis for the determination;
(2) The information will be kept in the system for a period of five years from the date of the determination, as required by section 872 of Public Law 110–417, as amended (41 U.S.C. 2313), then archived;
(3) Each Federal awarding agency that considers making a Federal award to the non-Federal entity during that five year period must consider that information in judging whether the non-Federal entity is qualified to receive the Federal award when the total Federal share of the Federal award is expected to include an amount of Federal funding in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold over the period of performance;
(4) The non-Federal entity may go to the awardee integrity and performance portal accessible through SAM (currently the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)) and comment on any information the system contains about the non-Federal entity itself; and
(5) Federal awarding agencies will consider that non-Federal entity’s comments in determining whether the non-Federal entity is qualified for a future Federal award.
(d) If a Federal awarding agency enters information into the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM about a determination that a non-Federal entity is not qualified for a Federal award and subsequently:
(1) Learns that any of that information is erroneous, the Federal awarding agency must correct the information in the system within three business days; and
(2) Obtains an update to that information that could be helpful to other Federal awarding agencies, the Federal awarding agency is strongly encouraged to amend the information in the system to incorporate the update in a timely way.
(e) Federal awarding agencies must not post any information that will be made publicly available in the non-public segment of designated integrity and performance system that is covered by a disclosure exemption under the Freedom of Information Act. If the recipient asserts within seven calendar days to the Federal awarding agency that posted the information that some or all of the information made publicly available is covered by a disclosure exemption under the Freedom of Information Act, the Federal awarding agency that posted the information must remove the posting within seven calendar days of receiving the assertion. Prior to reposting the releasable information, the Federal awarding agency must resolve the issue in accordance with the agency’s Freedom of Information Act procedures.
§ 200.214 Suspension and debarment.
Non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
§ 200.215 Never contract with the enemy.
Federal awarding agencies and recipients are subject to the regulations implementing Never Contract with the Enemy in 2 CFR part 183. The regulations in 2 CFR part 183 affect covered contracts, grants and cooperative agreements that are expected to exceed $50,000 within the period of performance, are performed outside the United States and its territories, and are in support of a contingency operation in which members of the Armed Forces are actively engaged in hostilities.
§ 200.216 Prohibition on certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment.
(a) Recipients and subrecipients are prohibited from obligating or expending loan or grant funds to:
(1) Procure or obtain;
(2) Extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain; or
(3) Enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) to procure or obtain equipment, services, or systems that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. As described in Public Law 115–232, section 889, covered telecommunications equipment is telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).
(i) For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities).
(ii) Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities or using such equipment.
(iii) Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country.
(b) In implementing the prohibition under Public Law 115–232, section 889, subsection (f), paragraph (1), heads of executive agencies administering loan, grant, or subsidy programs shall prioritize available funding and technical support to assist affected businesses, institutions and organizations as is reasonably necessary for those affected entities to transition from covered communications equipment and services, to procure replacement equipment and services, and to ensure that communications service to users and customers is sustained.
(c) See Public Law 115–232, section 889 for additional information.
(d) See also § 200.471.
Subpart D—Post Federal Award Requirements
§ 200.300 Statutory and national policy requirements.
(a) The Federal awarding agency must manage and administer the Federal award in a manner so as to ensure that Federal funding is expended and associated programs are implemented in full accordance with the U.S. Constitution, Federal Law, and public policy requirements: Including, but not limited to, those protecting free speech, religious liberty, public welfare, the environment, and prohibiting discrimination. The Federal awarding agency must communicate to the non-Federal entity all relevant public policy requirements, including those in general appropriations provisions, and incorporate them either directly or by reference in the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
(b) The non-Federal entity is responsible for complying with all requirements of the Federal award. For all Federal awards, this includes the provisions of FFATA, which includes requirements on executive compensation, and also requirements implementing the Act for the non-Federal entity at 2 CFR parts 25 and 170. See also statutory requirements for whistleblower protections at 10 U.S.C. 2409, 41 U.S.C. 4712, and 10 U.S.C. 2324, 41 U.S.C. 4304 and 4310.
§ 200.301 Performance measurement.
(a) The Federal awarding agency must measure the recipient’s performance to show achievement of program goals and objectives, share lessons learned, improve program outcomes, and foster adoption of promising practices. Program goals and objectives should be derived from program planning and design. See § 200.202 for more information. Where appropriate, the Federal award may include specific program goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, data collection, or expected outcomes (such as outputs, or services performance or public impacts of any of these) with an expected timeline for accomplishment. Where applicable, this should also include any performance measures or independent sources of data that may be used to measure progress. The Federal awarding agency will determine how performance progress is measured, which may differ by program. Performance measurement progress must be both measured and reported. See § 200.329 for more information on monitoring program performance. The Federal awarding agency may include program-specific requirements, as applicable. These requirements must be aligned, to the extent permitted by law, with the Federal awarding agency strategic goals, strategic objectives or performance goals that are relevant to the program. See also OMB Circular A–11, Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget Part 6.
(b) The Federal awarding agency should provide recipients with clear performance goals, indicators, targets, and baseline data as described in § 200.211. Performance reporting frequency and content should be established to not only allow the Federal awarding agency to understand the recipient progress but also to facilitate identification of promising practices among recipients and build the evidence upon which the Federal awarding agency’s program and performance decisions are made. See § 200.328 for more information on reporting program performance.
(c) This provision is designed to operate in tandem with evidence-related statutes (e.g.; The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, which emphasizes collaboration and coordination to advance data and evidence-building functions in the Federal government). The Federal awarding agency should also specify any requirements of award recipients’ participation in a federally funded evaluation, and any evaluation activities required to be conducted by the Federal award.
§ 200.302 Financial management.
(a) Each state must expend and account for the Federal award in accordance with state laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the state’s own funds. In addition, the state’s and the other non-Federal entity’s financial management systems, including records documenting compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award, must be sufficient to permit the preparation of reports required by general and program-specific terms and conditions; and the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have been used according to the Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. See also § 200.450.
(b) The financial management system of each non-Federal entity must provide for the following (see also §§ 200.334, 200.335, 200.336, and 200.337):
(1) Identification, in its accounts, of all Federal awards received and expended and the Federal programs under which they were received. Federal program and Federal award identification must include, as applicable, the Assistance Listings title and number, Federal award identification number and year, name of the Federal agency, and name of the pass-through entity, if any.
(2) Accurate, current, and complete disclosure of the financial results of each Federal award or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in §§ 200.328 and 200.329. If a Federal awarding agency requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient that maintains its records on other than an accrual basis, the recipient must not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. This recipient may develop accrual data for its reports on the basis of an analysis of the documentation on hand. Similarly, a pass-through entity must not require a subrecipient to establish an accrual accounting system and must allow the subrecipient to develop accrual data for its reports on the basis of an analysis of the documentation on hand.
(3) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-funded activities. These records must contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, financial obligations, unobligated balances, assets, expenditures, income and interest and be supported by source documentation.
(4) Effective control over, and accountability for, all funds, property, and other assets. The non-Federal entity must adequately safeguard all assets and assure that they are used solely for authorized purposes. See § 200.303.
(5) Comparison of expenditures with budget amounts for each Federal award.
(6) Written procedures to implement the requirements of § 200.305.
(7) Written procedures for determining the allowability of costs in accordance with subpart E of this part and the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
§ 200.303 Internal controls.
The non-Federal entity must:
(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
(b) Comply with the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal awards.
(c) Evaluate and monitor the non-Federal entity’s compliance with statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of Federal awards.
(d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified including noncompliance identified in audit findings.
(e) Take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other information the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity designates as sensitive or the non-Federal entity considers sensitive consistent with applicable Federal, State, local, and tribal laws regarding privacy and responsibility over confidentiality.
§ 200.304 Bonds.
The Federal awarding agency may include a provision on bonding, insurance, or both in the following circumstances:
(a) Where the Federal Government guarantees or insures the repayment of money borrowed by the recipient, the Federal awarding agency, at its discretion, may require adequate bonding and insurance if the bonding and insurance requirements of the non-Federal entity are not deemed adequate to protect the interest of the Federal Government.
(b) The Federal awarding agency may require adequate fidelity bond coverage where the non-Federal entity lacks sufficient coverage to protect the Federal Government’s interest.
(c) Where bonds are required in the situations described above, the bonds must be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part 223.
§ 200.305 Federal payment.
(a) For states, payments are governed by Treasury-State Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) agreements and default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205 and Treasury Financial Manual (TFM) 4A–2000, “Overall Disbursing Rules for All Federal Agencies”.
(b) For non-Federal entities other than states, payments methods must minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury or the pass-through entity and the disbursement by the non-Federal entity whether the payment is made by electronic funds transfer, or issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means. See also § 200.302(b)(6). Except as noted elsewhere in this part, Federal agencies must require recipients to use only OMB-approved, governmentwide information collection requests to request payment.
(1) The non-Federal entity must be paid in advance, provided it maintains or demonstrates the willingness to maintain both written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the non-Federal entity, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in this part. Advance payments to a non-Federal entity must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the non-Federal entity in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the non-Federal entity for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. The non-Federal entity must make timely payment to contractors in accordance with the contract provisions.
(2) Whenever possible, advance payments must be consolidated to cover anticipated cash needs for all Federal awards made by the Federal awarding agency to the recipient.
(i) Advance payment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, Treasury check and electronic funds transfer and must comply with applicable guidance in 31 CFR part 208.
(ii) Non-Federal entities must be authorized to submit requests for advance payments and reimbursements at least monthly when electronic fund transfers are not used, and as often as they like when electronic transfers are used, in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693–1693r).
(3) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in this paragraph (b) cannot be met, when the Federal awarding agency sets a specific condition per § 200.208, or when the non-Federal entity requests payment by reimbursement. This method may be used on any Federal award for construction, or if the major portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans, and the Federal award constitutes a minor portion of the project. When the reimbursement method is used, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must make payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the billing, unless the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity reasonably believes the request to be improper.
(4) If the non-Federal entity cannot meet the criteria for advance payments and the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity has determined that reimbursement is not feasible because the non-Federal entity lacks sufficient working capital, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may provide cash on a working capital advance basis. Under this procedure, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must advance cash payments to the non-Federal entity to cover its estimated disbursement needs for an initial period generally geared to the non-Federal entity’s disbursing cycle. Thereafter, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity must reimburse the non-Federal entity for its actual cash disbursements. Use of the working capital advance method of payment requires that the pass-through entity provide timely advance payments to any subrecipients in order to meet the subrecipient’s actual cash disbursements. The working capital advance method of payment must not be used by the pass-through entity if the reason for using this method is the unwillingness or inability of the pass-through entity to provide timely advance payments to the subrecipient to meet the subrecipient’s actual cash disbursements.
(5) To the extent available, the non-Federal entity must disburse funds available from program income (including repayments to a revolving fund), rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries, and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments.
(6) Unless otherwise required by Federal statutes, payments for allowable costs by non-Federal entities must not be withheld at any time during the period of performance unless the conditions of § 200.208, subpart D of this part, including § 200.339, or one or more of the following applies:
(i) The non-Federal entity has failed to comply with the project objectives, Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
(ii) The non-Federal entity is delinquent in a debt to the United States as defined in OMB Circular A–129, “Policies for Federal Credit Programs and Non-Tax Receivables.” Under such conditions, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may, upon reasonable notice, inform the non-Federal entity that payments must not be made for financial obligations incurred after a specified date until the conditions are corrected or the indebtedness to the Federal Government is liquidated.
(iii) A payment withheld for failure to comply with Federal award conditions, but without suspension of the Federal award, must be released to the non-Federal entity upon subsequent compliance. When a Federal award is suspended, payment adjustments will be made in accordance with § 200.343.
(iv) A payment must not be made to a non-Federal entity for amounts that are withheld by the non-Federal entity from payment to contractors to assure satisfactory completion of work. A payment must be made when the non-Federal entity actually disburses the withheld funds to the contractors or to escrow accounts established to assure satisfactory completion of work.
(7) Standards governing the use of banks and other institutions as depositories of advance payments under Federal awards are as follows.
(i) The Federal awarding agency and pass-through entity must not require separate depository accounts for funds provided to a non-Federal entity or establish any eligibility requirements for depositories for funds provided to the non-Federal entity. However, the non-Federal entity must be able to account for funds received, obligated, and expended.
(ii) Advance payments of Federal funds must be deposited and maintained in insured accounts whenever possible.
(8) The non-Federal entity must maintain advance payments of Federal awards in interest-bearing accounts, unless the following apply:
(i) The non-Federal entity receives less than $250,000 in Federal awards per year.
(ii) The best reasonably available interest-bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $500 per year on Federal cash balances.
(iii) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.
(iv) A foreign government or banking system prohibits or precludes interest-bearing accounts.
(9) Interest earned amounts up to $500 per year may be retained by the non-Federal entity for administrative expense. Any additional interest earned on Federal advance payments deposited in interest-bearing accounts must be remitted annually to the Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System (PMS) through an electronic medium using either Automated Clearing House (ACH) network or a Fedwire Funds Service payment.
(i) For returning interest on Federal awards paid through PMS, the refund should:
(A) Provide an explanation stating that the refund is for interest;
(B) List the PMS Payee Account Number(s) (PANs);
(C) List the Federal award number(s) for which the interest was earned; and
(D) Make returns payable to: Department of Health and Human Services.
(ii) For returning interest on Federal awards not paid through PMS, the refund should:
(A) Provide an explanation stating that the refund is for interest;
(B) Include the name of the awarding agency;
(C) List the Federal award number(s) for which the interest was earned; and
(D) Make returns payable to: Department of Health and Human Services.
(10) Funds, principal, and excess cash returns must be directed to the original Federal agency payment system. The non-Federal entity should review instructions from the original Federal agency payment system. Returns should include the following information:
(i) Payee Account Number (PAN), if the payment originated from PMS, or Agency information to indicate whom to credit the funding if the payment originated from ASAP, NSF, or another Federal agency payment system.
(ii) PMS document number and subaccount(s), if the payment originated from PMS, or relevant account numbers if the payment originated from another Federal agency payment system.
(iii) The reason for the return (e.g., excess cash, funds not spent, interest, part interest part other, etc.)
(11) When returning funds or interest to PMS you must include the following as applicable:
(i) For ACH Returns:
(ii) For Fedwire Returns
(iii) For International ACH Returns:
(iv) For recipients that do not have electronic remittance capability, please make check
(v) Questions can be directed to PMS at 877–614–5533 or [email protected].
§ 200.306 Cost sharing or matching.
(a) Under Federal research proposals, voluntary committed cost sharing is not expected. It cannot be used as a factor during the merit review of applications or proposals, but may be considered if it is both in accordance with Federal awarding agency regulations and specified in a notice of funding opportunity. Criteria for considering voluntary committed cost sharing and any other program policy factors that may be used to determine who may receive a Federal award must be explicitly described in the notice of funding opportunity. See also §§ 200.414 and 200.204 and appendix I to this part.
(b) For all Federal awards, any shared costs or matching funds and all contributions, including cash and third-party in-kind contributions, must be accepted as part of the non-Federal entity’s cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the following criteria:
(1) Are verifiable from the non-Federal entity’s records;
(2) Are not included as contributions for any other Federal award;
(3) Are necessary and reasonable for accomplishment of project or program objectives;
(4) Are allowable under subpart E of this part;
(5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another Federal award, except where the Federal statute authorizing a program specifically provides that Federal funds made available for such program can be applied to matching or cost sharing requirements of other Federal programs;
(6) Are provided for in the approved budget when required by the Federal awarding agency; and
(7) Conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable.
(c) Unrecovered indirect costs, including indirect costs on cost sharing or matching may be included as part of cost sharing or matching only with the prior approval of the Federal awarding agency. Unrecovered indirect cost means the difference between the amount charged to the Federal award and the amount which could have been charged to the Federal award under the non-Federal entity’s approved negotiated indirect cost rate.
(d) Values for non-Federal entity contributions of services and property must be established in accordance with the cost principles in subpart E of this part. If a Federal awarding agency authorizes the non-Federal entity to donate buildings or land for construction/facilities acquisition projects or long-term use, the value of the donated property for cost sharing or matching must be the lesser of paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section.
(1) The value of the remaining life of the property recorded in the non-Federal entity’s accounting records at the time of donation.
(2) The current fair market value. However, when there is sufficient justification, the Federal awarding agency may approve the use of the current fair market value of the donated property, even if it exceeds the value described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section at the time of donation.
(e) Volunteer services furnished by third-party professional and technical personnel, consultants, and other skilled and unskilled labor may be counted as cost sharing or matching if the service is an integral and necessary part of an approved project or program. Rates for third-party volunteer services must be consistent with those paid for similar work by the non-Federal entity. In those instances in which the required skills are not found in the non-Federal entity, rates must be consistent with those paid for similar work in the labor market in which the non-Federal entity competes for the kind of services involved. In either case, paid fringe benefits that are reasonable, necessary, allocable, and otherwise allowable may be included in the valuation.
(f) When a third-party organization furnishes the services of an employee, these services must be valued at the employee’s regular rate of pay plus an amount of fringe benefits that is reasonable, necessary, allocable, and otherwise allowable, and indirect costs at either the third-party organization’s approved federally-negotiated indirect cost rate or, a rate in accordance with § 200.414(d) provided these services employ the same skill(s) for which the employee is normally paid. Where donated services are treated as indirect costs, indirect cost rates will separate the value of the donated services so that reimbursement for the donated services will not be made.
(g) Donated property from third parties may include such items as equipment, office supplies, laboratory supplies, or workshop and classroom supplies. Value assessed to donated property included in the cost sharing or matching share must not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation.
(h) The method used for determining cost sharing or matching for third-party-donated equipment, buildings and land for which title passes to the non-Federal entity may differ according to the purpose of the Federal award, if paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this section applies.
(1) If the purpose of the Federal award is to assist the non-Federal entity in the acquisition of equipment, buildings or land, the aggregate value of the donated property may be claimed as cost sharing or matching.
(2) If the purpose of the Federal award is to support activities that require the use of equipment, buildings or land, normally only depreciation charges for equipment and buildings may be made. However, the fair market value of equipment or other capital assets and fair rental charges for land may be allowed, provided that the Federal awarding agency has approved the charges. See also § 200.420.
(i) The value of donated property must be determined in accordance with the usual accounting policies of the non-Federal entity, with the following qualifications:
(1) The value of donated land and buildings must not exceed its fair market value at the time of donation to the non-Federal entity as established by an independent appraiser (e.g., certified real property appraiser or General Services Administration representative) and certified by a responsible official of the non-Federal entity as required by the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 4601–4655) (Uniform Act) except as provided in the implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24, “Uniform Relocation Assistance And Real Property Acquisition For Federal And Federally-Assisted Programs”.
(2) The value of donated equipment must not exceed the fair market value of equipment of the same age and condition at the time of donation.
(3) The value of donated space must not exceed the fair rental value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locality.
(4) The value of loaned equipment must not exceed its fair rental value.
(j) For third-party in-kind contributions, the fair market value of goods and services must be documented and to the extent feasible supported by the same methods used internally by the non-Federal entity.
(k) For IHEs, see also OMB memorandum M–01–06, dated January 5, 2001, Clarification of OMB A–21 Treatment of Voluntary Uncommitted Cost Sharing and Tuition Remission Costs.
§ 200.307 Program income.
(a) General. Non-Federal entities are encouraged to earn income to defray program costs where appropriate.
(b) Cost of generating program income. If authorized by Federal regulations or the Federal award, costs incidental to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the Federal award.
(c) Governmental revenues. Taxes, special assessments, levies, fines, and other such revenues raised by a non-Federal entity are not program income unless the revenues are specifically identified in the Federal award or Federal awarding agency regulations as program income.
(d) Property. Proceeds from the sale of real property, equipment, or supplies are not program income; such proceeds will be handled in accordance with the requirements of the Property Standards §§ 200.311, 200.313, and 200.314, or as specifically identified in Federal statutes, regulations, or the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
(e) Use of program income. If the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award, or give prior approval for how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(1) of this section must apply. For Federal awards made to IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, if the Federal awarding agency does not specify in its regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award how program income is to be used, paragraph (e)(2) of this section must apply. In specifying alternatives to paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, the Federal awarding agency may distinguish between income earned by the recipient and income earned by subrecipients and between the sources, kinds, or amounts of income. When the Federal awarding agency authorizes the approaches in paragraphs (e)(2) and (3) of this section, program income in excess of any amounts specified must also be deducted from expenditures.
(1) Deduction. Ordinarily program income must be deducted from total allowable costs to determine the net allowable costs. Program income must be used for current costs unless the Federal awarding agency authorizes otherwise. Program income that the non-Federal entity did not anticipate at the time of the Federal award must be used to reduce the Federal award and non-Federal entity contributions rather than to increase the funds committed to the project.
(2) Addition. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency (except for IHEs and nonprofit research institutions, as described in this paragraph (e)) program income may be added to the Federal award by the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. The program income must be used for the purposes and under the conditions of the Federal award.
(3) Cost sharing or matching. With prior approval of the Federal awarding agency, program income may be used to meet the cost sharing or matching requirement of the Federal award. The amount of the Federal award remains the same.
(f) Income after the period of performance. There are no Federal requirements governing the disposition of income earned after the end of the period of performance for the Federal award, unless the Federal awarding agency regulations or the terms and conditions of the Federal award provide otherwise. The Federal awarding agency may negotiate agreements with recipients regarding appropriate uses of income earned after the period of performance as part of the grant closeout process. See also § 200.344.
(g) License fees and royalties. Unless the Federal statute, regulations, or terms and conditions for the Federal award provide otherwise, the non-Federal entity is not accountable to the Federal awarding agency with respect to program income earned from license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions made under a Federal award to which 37 CFR part 401 is applicable.
§ 200.308 Revision of budget and program plans.
(a) The approved budget for the Federal award summarizes the financial aspects of the project or program as approved during the Federal award process. It may include either the Federal and non-Federal share (see definition for Federal share in § 200.1) or only the Federal share, depending upon Federal awarding agency requirements. The budget and program plans include considerations for performance and program evaluation purposes whenever required in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award.
(b) Recipients are required to report deviations from budget or project scope or objective, and request prior approvals from Federal awarding agencies for budget and program plan revisions, in accordance with this section.
(c) For non-construction Federal awards, recipients must request prior approvals from Federal awarding agencies for the following program or budget-related reasons:
(1) Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring prior written approval).
(2) Change in a key person specified in the application or the Federal award.
(3) The disengagement from the project for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director or principal investigator.
(4) The inclusion, unless waived by the Federal awarding agency, of costs that require prior approval in accordance with subpart E of this part as applicable.
(5) The transfer of funds budgeted for participant support costs to other categories of expense.
(6) Unless described in the application and funded in the approved Federal awards, the subawarding, transferring or contracting out of any work under a Federal award, including fixed amount subawards as described in § 200.333. This provision does not apply to the acquisition of supplies, material, equipment or general support services.
(7) Changes in the approved cost-sharing or matching provided by the non-Federal entity.
(8) The need arises for additional Federal funds to complete the project.
(d) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless an exception has been approved by OMB. See also §§ 200.102 and 200.407.
(e) Except for requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this section, the Federal awarding agency is authorized, at its option, to waive other cost-related and administrative prior written approvals contained in subparts D and E of this part. Such waivers may include authorizing recipients to do any one or more of the following:
(1) Incur project costs 90 calendar days before the Federal awarding agency makes the Federal award. Expenses more than 90 calendar days pre-award require prior approval of the Federal awarding agency. All costs incurred before the Federal awarding agency makes the Federal award are at the recipient’s risk (i.e., the Federal awarding agency is not required to reimburse such costs if for any reason the recipient does not receive a Federal award or if the Federal award is less than anticipated and inadequate to cover such costs). See also § 200.458.
(2) Initiate a one-time extension of the period of performance by up to 12 months unless one or more of the conditions outlined in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section apply. For one-time extensions, the recipient must notify the Federal awarding agency in writing with the supporting reasons and revised period of performance at least 10 calendar days before the end of the period of performance specified in the Federal award. This one-time extension must not be exercised merely for the purpose of using unobligated balances. Extensions require explicit prior Federal awarding agency approval when:
(i) The terms and conditions of the Federal award prohibit the extension.
(ii) The extension requires additional Federal funds.
(iii) The extension involves any change in the approved objectives or scope of the project.
(3) Carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent budget periods.
(4) For Federal awards that support research, unless the Federal awarding agency provides otherwise in the Federal award or in the Federal awarding agency’s regulations, the prior approval requirements described in this paragraph (e) are automatically waived (i.e., recipients need not obtain such prior approvals) unless one of the conditions included in paragraph (e)(2) of this section applies.
(f) The Federal awarding agency may, at its option, restrict the transfer of funds among direct cost categories or programs, functions and activities for Federal awards in which the Federal share of the project exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold and the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as last approved by the Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency cannot permit a transfer that would cause any Federal appropriation to be used for purposes other than those consistent with the appropriation.
(g) All other changes to non-construction budgets, except for the changes described in paragraph (c) of this section, do not require prior approval (see also § 200.407).
(h) For construction Federal awards, the recipient must request prior written approval promptly from the Federal awarding agency for budget revisions whenever paragraph (h)(1), (2), or (3) of this section applies:
(1) The revision results from changes in the scope or the objective of the project or program.
(2) The need arises for additional Federal funds to complete the project.
(3) A revision is desired which involves specific costs for which prior written approval requirements may be imposed consistent with applicable OMB cost principles listed in subpart E.
(4) No other prior approval requirements for budget revisions may be imposed unless an exception has been approved by OMB.
(5) When a Federal awarding agency makes a Federal award that provides support for construction and non-construction work, the Federal awarding agency may require the recipient to obtain prior approval from the Federal awarding agency before making any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work supported.
(i) When requesting approval for budget revisions, the recipient must use the same format for budget information that was used in the application, unless the Federal awarding agency indicates a letter of request suffices.
(j) Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the request for budget revisions, the Federal awarding agency must review the request and notify the recipient whether the budget revisions have been approved. If the revision is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, the Federal awarding agency must inform the recipient in writing of the date when the recipient may expect the decision.
§ 200.309 Modifications to Period of Performance.
If a Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity approves an extension, or if a recipient extends under § 200.308(e)(2), the Period of Performance will be amended to end at the completion of the extension. If a termination occurs, the Period of Performance will be amended to end upon the effective date of termination. If a renewal award is issued, a distinct Period of Performance will begin.
Property Standards
§ 200.310 Insurance coverage.
The non-Federal entity must, at a minimum, provide the equivalent insurance coverage for real property and equipment acquired or improved with Federal funds as provided to property owned by the non-Federal entity. Federally-owned property need not be insured unless required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award.
§ 200.311 Real property.
(a) Title. Subject to the requirements and conditions set forth in this section, title to real property acquired or improved under a Federal award will vest upon acquisition in the non-Federal entity.
(b) Use. Except as otherwise provided by Federal statutes or by the Federal awarding agency, real property will be used for the originally authorized purpose as long as needed for that purpose, during which time the non-Federal entity must not dispose of or encumber its title or other interests.
(c) Disposition. When real property is no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, the non-Federal entity must obtain disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity. The instructions must provide for one of the following alternatives:
(1) Retain title after compensating the Federal awarding agency. The amount paid to the Federal awarding agency will be computed by applying the Federal awarding agency’s percentage of participation in the cost of the original purchase (and costs of any improvements) to the fair market value of the property. However, in those situations where the non-Federal entity is disposing of real property acquired or improved with a Federal award and acquiring replacement real property under the same Federal award, the net proceeds from the disposition may be used as an offset to the cost of the replacement property.
(2) Sell the property and compensate the Federal awarding agency. The amount due to the Federal awarding agency will be calculated by applying the Federal awarding agency’s percentage of participation in the cost of the original purchase (and cost of any improvements) to the proceeds of the sale after deduction of any actual and reasonable selling and fixing-up expenses. If the Federal award has not been closed out, the net proceeds from sale may be offset against the original cost of the property. When the non-Federal entity is directed to sell property, sales procedures must be followed that provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
(3) Transfer title to the Federal awarding agency or to a third party designated/approved by the Federal awarding agency. The non-Federal entity is entitled to be paid an amount calculated by applying the non-Federal entity’s percentage of participation in the purchase of the real property (and cost of any improvements) to the current fair market value of the property.
§ 200.312 Federally-owned and exempt property.
(a) Title to federally-owned property remains vested in the Federal Government. The non-Federal entity must submit annually an inventory listing of federally-owned property in its custody to the Federal awarding agency. Upon completion of the Federal award or when the property is no longer needed, the non-Federal entity must report the property to the Federal awarding agency for further Federal agency utilization.
(b) If the Federal awarding agency has no further need for the property, it must declare the property excess and report it for disposal to the appropriate Federal disposal authority, unless the Federal awarding agency has statutory authority to dispose of the property by alternative methods (e.g., the authority provided by the Federal Technology Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 3710 (i)) to donate research equipment to educational and nonprofit organizations in accordance with Executive Order 12999, “Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century.”). The Federal awarding agency must issue appropriate instructions to the non-Federal entity.
(c) Exempt property means property acquired under a Federal award where the Federal awarding agency has chosen to vest title to the property to the non-Federal entity without further responsibility to the Federal Government, based upon the explicit terms and conditions of the Federal award. The Federal awarding agency may exercise this option when statutory authority exists. Absent statutory authority and specific terms and conditions of the Federal award, title to exempt property acquired under the Federal award remains with the Federal Government.
§ 200.313 Equipment.
See also § 200.439.
(a) Title. Subject to the requirements and conditions set forth in this section, title to equipment acquired under a Federal award will vest upon acquisition in the non-Federal entity. Unless a statute specifically authorizes the Federal agency to vest title in the non-Federal entity without further responsibility to the Federal Government, and the Federal agency elects to do so, the title must be a conditional title. Title must vest in the non-Federal entity subject to the following conditions:
(1) Use the equipment for the authorized purposes of the project during the period of performance, or until the property is no longer needed for the purposes of the project.
(2) Not encumber the property without approval of the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.
(3) Use and dispose of the property in accordance with paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) of this section.
(b) General. A state must use, manage and dispose of equipment acquired under a Federal award by the state in accordance with state laws and procedures. Other non-Federal entities must follow paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section.
(c) Use. (1) Equipment must be used by the non-Federal entity in the program or project for which it was acquired as long as needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by the Federal award, and the non-Federal entity must not encumber the property without prior approval of the Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may require the submission of the applicable common form for equipment. When no longer needed for the original program or project, the equipment may be used in other activities supported by the Federal awarding agency, in the following order of priority:
(i) Activities under a Federal award from the Federal awarding agency which funded the original program or project, then
(ii) Activities under Federal awards from other Federal awarding agencies. This includes consolidated equipment for information technology systems.
(2) During the time that equipment is used on the project or program for which it was acquired, the non-Federal entity must also make equipment available for use on other projects or programs currently or previously supported by the Federal Government, provided that such use will not interfere with the work on the projects or program for which it was originally acquired. First preference for other use must be given to other programs or projects supported by Federal awarding agency that financed the equipment and second preference must be given to programs or projects under Federal awards from other Federal awarding agencies. Use for non-federally-funded programs or projects is also permissible. User fees should be considered if appropriate.
(3) Notwithstanding the encouragement in § 200.307 to earn program income, the non-Federal entity must not use equipment acquired with the Federal award to provide services for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services unless specifically authorized by Federal statute for as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the equipment.
(4) When acquiring replacement equipment, the non-Federal entity may use the equipment to be replaced as a trade-in or sell the property and use the proceeds to offset the cost of the replacement property.
(d) Management requirements. Procedures for managing equipment (including replacement equipment), whether acquired in whole or in part under a Federal award, until disposition takes place will, as a minimum, meet the following requirements:
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of funding for the property (including the FAIN), who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the project costs for the Federal award under which the property was acquired, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft must be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition.
(5) If the non-Federal entity is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures must be established to ensure the highest possible return.
(e) Disposition. When original or replacement equipment acquired under a Federal award is no longer needed for the original project or program or for other activities currently or previously supported by a Federal awarding agency, except as otherwise provided in Federal statutes, regulations, or Federal awarding agency disposition instructions, the non-Federal entity must request disposition instructions from the Federal awarding agency if required by the terms and conditions of the Federal award. Disposition of the equipment will be made as follows, in accordance with Federal awarding agency disposition instructions:
(1) Items of equipment with a current per unit fair market value of $5,000 or less may be retained, sold or otherwise disposed of with no further responsibility to the Federal awarding agency.
(2) Except as provided in § 200.312(b), or if the Federal awarding agency fails to provide requested disposition instructions within 120 days, items of equipment with a current per-unit fair market value in excess of $5,000 may be retained by the non-Federal entity or sold. The Federal awarding agency is entitled to an amount calculated by multiplying the current market value or proceeds from sale by the Federal awarding agency’s percentage of participation in the cost of the original purchase. If the equipment is sold, the Federal awarding agency may permit the non-Federal entity to deduct and retain from the Federal share $500 or ten percent of the proceeds, whichever is less, for its selling and handling expenses.
(3) The non-Federal entity may transfer title to the property to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party provided that, in such cases, the non-Federal entity must be entitled to compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the property.
(4) In cases where a non-Federal entity fails to take appropriate disposition actions, the Federal awarding agency may direct the non-Federal entity to take disposition actions.
§ 200.314 Supplies.
See also § 200.453.
(a) Title to supplies will vest in the non-Federal entity upon acquisition. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies exceeding $5,000 in total aggregate value upon termination or completion of the project or program and the supplies are not needed for any other Federal award, the non-Federal entity must retain the supplies for use on other activities or sell them, but must, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share. The amount of compensation must be computed in the same manner as for equipment. See § 200.313 (e)(2) for the calculation methodology.
(b) As long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the supplies, the non-Federal entity must not use supplies acquired under a Federal award to provide services to other organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute.
§ 200.315 Intangible property.
(a) Title to intangible property (see definition for Intangible property in § 200.1) acquired under a Federal award vests upon acquisition in the non-Federal entity. The non-Federal entity must use that property for the originally-authorized purpose, and must not encumber the property without approval of the Federal awarding agency. When no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, disposition of the intangible property must occur in accordance with the provisions in § 200.313(e).
(b) The non-Federal entity may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was acquired, under a Federal award. The Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.
(c) The non-Federal entity is subject to applicable regulations governing patents and inventions, including governmentwide regulations issued by the Department of Commerce at 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Awards, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.”
(d) The Federal Government has the right to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a Federal award; and
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.
(e)(1) In response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for research data relating to published research findings produced under a Federal award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, the Federal awarding agency must request, and the non-Federal entity must provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to the public through the procedures established under the FOIA. If the Federal awarding agency obtains the research data solely in response to a FOIA request, the Federal awarding agency may charge the requester a reasonable fee equaling the full incremental cost of obtaining the research data. This fee should reflect costs incurred by the Federal agency and the non-Federal entity. This fee is in addition to any fees the Federal awarding agency may assess under the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)).
(2) Published research findings means when:
(i) Research findings are published in a peer-reviewed scientific or technical journal; or
(ii) A Federal agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law. “Used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law” is defined as when an agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law.
(3) Research data means the recorded factual material commonly accepted in the scientific community as necessary to validate research findings, but not any of the following: Preliminary analyses, drafts of scientific papers, plans for future research, peer reviews, or communications with colleagues. This “recorded” material excludes physical objects (e.g., laboratory samples). Research data also do not include:
(i) Trade secrets, commercial information, materials necessary to be held confidential by a researcher until they are published, or similar information which is protected under law; and
(ii) Personnel and medical information and similar information the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, such as information that could be used to identify a particular person in a research study.
§ 200.316 Property trust relationship.
Real property, equipment, and intangible property, that are acquired or improved with a Federal award must be held in trust by the non-Federal entity as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or program under which the property was acquired or improved. The Federal awarding agency may require the non-Federal entity to record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired or improved with a Federal award and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property.
Procurement Standards
§ 200.317 Procurements by states.
When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a State, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327.
§ 200.318 General procurement standards.
(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327.
(b) Non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.
(c)(1) The non-Federal entity must maintain written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. The officers, employees, and agents of the non-Federal entity may neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to subcontracts. However, non-Federal entities may set standards for situations in which the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The standards of conduct must provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the non-Federal entity.
(2) If the non-Federal entity has a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary organization that is not a State, local government, or Indian tribe, the non-Federal entity must also maintain written standards of conduct covering organizational conflicts of interest. Organizational conflicts of interest means that because of relationships with a parent company, affiliate, or subsidiary organization, the non-Federal entity is unable or appears to be unable to be impartial in conducting a procurement action involving a related organization.
(d) The non-Federal entity’s procedures must avoid acquisition of unnecessary or duplicative items. Consideration should be given to consolidating or breaking out procurements to obtain a more economical purchase. Where appropriate, an analysis will be made of lease versus purchase alternatives, and any other appropriate analysis to determine the most economical approach.
(e) To foster greater economy and efficiency, and in accordance with efforts to promote cost-effective use of shared services across the Federal Government, the non-Federal entity is encouraged to enter into state and local intergovernmental agreements or inter-entity agreements where appropriate for procurement or use of common or shared goods and services. Competition requirements will be met with documented procurement actions using strategic sourcing, shared services, and other similar procurement arrangements.
(f) The non-Federal entity is encouraged to use Federal excess and surplus property in lieu of purchasing new equipment and property whenever such use is feasible and reduces project costs.
(g) The non-Federal entity is encouraged to use value engineering clauses in contracts for construction projects of sufficient size to offer reasonable opportunities for cost reductions. Value engineering is a systematic and creative analysis of each contract item or task to ensure that its essential function is provided at the overall lower cost.
(h) The non-Federal entity must award contracts only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. Consideration will be given to such matters as contractor integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical resources. See also § 200.214.
(i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
(j)(1) The non-Federal entity may use a time-and-materials type contract only after a determination that no other contract is suitable and if the contract includes a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk. Time-and-materials type contract means a contract whose cost to a non-Federal entity is the sum of:
(i) The actual cost of materials; and
(ii) Direct labor hours charged at fixed hourly rates that reflect wages, general and administrative expenses, and profit.
(2) Since this formula generates an open-ended contract price, a time-and-materials contract provides no positive profit incentive to the contractor for cost control or labor efficiency. Therefore, each contract must set a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk. Further, the non-Federal entity awarding such a contract must assert a high degree of oversight in order to obtain reasonable assurance that the contractor is using efficient methods and effective cost controls.
(k) The non-Federal entity alone must be responsible, in accordance with good administrative practice and sound business judgment, for the settlement of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements. These issues include, but are not limited to, source evaluation, protests, disputes, and claims. These standards do not relieve the non-Federal entity of any contractual responsibilities under its contracts. The Federal awarding agency will not substitute its judgment for that of the non-Federal entity unless the matter is primarily a Federal concern. Violations of law will be referred to the local, state, or Federal authority having proper jurisdiction.
§ 200.319 Competition.
(a) All procurement transactions for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the standards of this section and § 200.320.
(b) In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids or requests for proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements. Some of the situations considered to be restrictive of competition include but are not limited to:
(1) Placing unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to qualify to do business;
(2) Requiring unnecessary experience and excessive bonding;
(3) Noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or between affiliated companies;
(4) Noncompetitive contracts to consultants that are on retainer contracts;
(5) Organizational conflicts of interest;
(6) Specifying only a “brand name” product instead of allowing “an equal” product to be offered and describing the performance or other relevant requirements of the procurement; and
(7) Any arbitrary action in the procurement process.
(c) The non-Federal entity must conduct procurements in a manner that prohibits the use of statutorily or administratively imposed state, local, or tribal geographical preferences in the evaluation of bids or proposals, except in those cases where applicable Federal statutes expressly mandate or encourage geographic preference. Nothing in this section preempts state licensing laws. When contracting for architectural and engineering (A/E) services, geographic location may be a selection criterion provided its application leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project, to compete for the contract.
(d) The non-Federal entity must have written procedures for procurement transactions. These procedures must ensure that all solicitations:
(1) Incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured. Such description must not, in competitive procurements, contain features which unduly restrict competition. The description may include a statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product or service to be procured and, when necessary, must set forth those minimum essential characteristics and standards to which it must conform if it is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications should be avoided if at all possible. When it is impractical or uneconomical to make a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements, a “brand name or equivalent” description may be used as a means to define the performance or other salient requirements of procurement. The specific features of the named brand which must be met by offers must be clearly stated; and
(2) Identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(e) The non-Federal entity must ensure that all prequalified lists of persons, firms, or products which are used in acquiring goods and services are current and include enough qualified sources to ensure maximum open and free competition. Also, the non-Federal entity must not preclude potential bidders from qualifying during the solicitation period.
(f) Noncompetitive procurements can only be awarded in accordance with § 200.320(c).
§ 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed.
The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award.
(a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include:
(1) Micro-purchases—(i) Distribution. The acquisition of supplies or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (See the definition of micro-purchase in § 200.1). To the maximum extent practicable, the non-Federal entity should distribute micro-purchases equitably among qualified suppliers.
(ii) Micro-purchase awards. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price or rate quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable based on research, experience, purchase history or other information and documents it files accordingly. Purchase cards can be used for micro-purchases if procedures are documented and approved by the non-Federal entity.
(iii) Micro-purchase thresholds. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining and documenting an appropriate micro-purchase threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures. The micro-purchase threshold used by the non-Federal entity must be authorized or not prohibited under State, local, or tribal laws or regulations. Non-Federal entities may establish a threshold higher than the Federal threshold established in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) in accordance with paragraphs (a)(1)(iv) and (v) of this section.
(iv) Non-Federal entity increase to the micro-purchase threshold up to $50,000. Non-Federal entities may establish a threshold higher than the micro-purchase threshold identified in the FAR in accordance with the requirements of this section. The non-Federal entity may self-certify a threshold up to $50,000 on an annual basis and must maintain documentation to be made available to the Federal awarding agency and auditors in accordance with § 200.334. The self-certification must include a justification, clear identification of the threshold, and supporting documentation of any of the following:
(A) A qualification as a low-risk auditee, in accordance with the criteria in § 200.520 for the most recent audit;
(B) An annual internal institutional risk assessment to identify, mitigate, and manage financial risks; or,
(C) For public institutions, a higher threshold consistent with State law.
(v) Non-Federal entity increase to the micro-purchase threshold over $50,000. Micro-purchase thresholds higher than $50,000 must be approved by the cognizant agency for indirect costs. The non-federal entity must submit a request with the requirements included in paragraph (a)(1)(iv) of this section. The increased threshold is valid until there is a change in status in which the justification was approved.
(2) Small purchases—(i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity.
(ii) Simplified acquisition thresholds. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk and its documented procurement procedures which must not exceed the threshold established in the FAR. When applicable, a lower simplified acquisition threshold used by the non-Federal entity must be authorized or not prohibited under State, local, or tribal laws or regulations.
(b) Formal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal financial assistance award exceeds the SAT, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are required. Formal procurement methods require following documented procedures. Formal procurement methods also require public advertising unless a non-competitive procurement can be used in accordance with § 200.319 or paragraph (c) of this section. The following formal methods of procurement are used for procurement of property or services above the simplified acquisition threshold or a value below the simplified acquisition threshold the non-Federal entity determines to be appropriate:
(1) Sealed bids. A procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids, is the lowest in price. The sealed bids method is the preferred method for procuring construction, if the conditions.
(i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present:
(A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available;
(B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and
(C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price.
(ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply:
(A) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources, providing them sufficient response time prior to the date set for opening the bids, for local, and tribal governments, the invitation for bids must be publicly advertised;
(B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, must define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond;
(C) All bids will be opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids, and for local and tribal governments, the bids must be opened publicly;
(D) A firm fixed price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs must be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of; and
(E) Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented reason.
(2) Proposals. A procurement method in which either a fixed price or cost-reimbursement type contract is awarded. Proposals are generally used when conditions are not appropriate for the use of sealed bids. They are awarded in accordance with the following requirements:
(i) Requests for proposals must be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Proposals must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified offerors. Any response to publicized requests for proposals must be considered to the maximum extent practical;
(ii) The non-Federal entity must have a written method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and making selections;
(iii) Contracts must be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the non-Federal entity, with price and other factors considered; and
(iv) The non-Federal entity may use competitive proposal procedures for qualifications-based procurement of architectural/engineering (A/E) professional services whereby offeror’s qualifications are evaluated and the most qualified offeror is selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. The method, where price is not used as a selection factor, can only be used in procurement of A/E professional services. It cannot be used to purchase other types of services though A/E firms that are a potential source to perform the proposed effort.
(c) Noncompetitive procurement. There are specific circumstances in which noncompetitive procurement can be used. Noncompetitive procurement can only be awarded if one or more of the following circumstances apply:
(1) The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section);
(2) The item is available only from a single source;
(3) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from publicizing a competitive solicitation;
(4) The Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity expressly authorizes a noncompetitive procurement in response to a written request from the non-Federal entity; or
(5) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.
§ 200.321 Contracting with small and minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms.
(a) The non-Federal entity must take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible.
(b) Affirmative steps must include:
(1) Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists;
(2) Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
(3) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises;
(4) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises;
(5) Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce; and
(6) Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (b)(1) through (5) of this section.
§ 200.322 Domestic preferences for procurements.
(a) As appropriate and to the extent consistent with law, the non-Federal entity should, to the greatest extent practicable under a Federal award, provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods, products, or materials produced in the United States (including but not limited to iron, aluminum, steel, cement, and other manufactured products). The requirements of this section must be included in all subawards including all contracts and purchase orders for work or products under this award.
(b) For purposes of this section:
(1) “Produced in the United States” means, for iron and steel products, that all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States.
(2) “Manufactured products” means items and construction materials composed in whole or in part of non-ferrous metals such as aluminum; plastics and polymer-based products such as polyvinyl chloride pipe; aggregates such as concrete; glass, including optical fiber; and lumber.
(c) Federal agencies providing Federal financial assistance for infrastructure projects must implement the Buy America preferences set forth in 2 CFR part 184.
§ 200.323 Procurement of recovered materials.
A non-Federal entity that is a state agency or agency of a political subdivision of a state and its contractors must comply with section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The requirements of Section 6002 include procuring only items designated in guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR part 247 that contain the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable, consistent with maintaining a satisfactory level of competition, where the purchase price of the item exceeds $10,000 or the value of the quantity acquired during the preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000; procuring solid waste management services in a manner that maximizes energy and resource recovery; and establishing an affirmative procurement program for procurement of recovered materials identified in the EPA guidelines.
§ 200.324 Contract cost and price.
(a) The non-Federal entity must perform a cost or price analysis in connection with every procurement action in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold including contract modifications. The method and degree of analysis is dependent on the facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, but as a starting point, the non-Federal entity must make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals.
(b) The non-Federal entity must negotiate profit as a separate element of the price for each contract in which there is no price competition and in all cases where cost analysis is performed. To establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration must be given to the complexity of the work to be performed, the risk borne by the contractor, the contractor’s investment, the amount of subcontracting, the quality of its record of past performance, and industry profit rates in the surrounding geographical area for similar work.
(c) Costs or prices based on estimated costs for contracts under the Federal award are allowable only to the extent that costs incurred or cost estimates included in negotiated prices would be allowable for the non-Federal entity under subpart E of this part. The non-Federal entity may reference its own cost principles that comply with the Federal cost principles.
(d) The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting must not be used.
§ 200.325 Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity review.
(a) The non-Federal entity must make available, upon request of the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity, technical specifications on proposed procurements where the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity believes such review is needed to ensure that the item or service specified is the one being proposed for acquisition. This review generally will take place prior to the time the specification is incorporated into a solicitation document. However, if the non-Federal entity desires to have the review accomplished after a solicitation has been developed, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may still review the specifications, with such review usually limited to the technical aspects of the proposed purchase.
(b) The non-Federal entity must make available upon request, for the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity pre-procurement review, procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, or independent cost estimates, when:
(1) The non-Federal entity’s procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in this part;
(2) The procurement is expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation;
(3) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, specifies a “brand name” product;
(4) The proposed contract is more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold and is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement; or
(5) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
(c) The non-Federal entity is exempt from the pre-procurement review in paragraph (b) of this section if the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity determines that its procurement systems comply with the standards of this part.
(1) The non-Federal entity may request that its procurement system be reviewed by the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity to determine whether its system meets these standards in order for its system to be certified. Generally, these reviews must occur where there is continuous high-dollar funding, and third-party contracts are awarded on a regular basis;
(2) The non-Federal entity may self-certify its procurement system. Such self-certification must not limit the Federal awarding agency’s right to survey the system. Under a self-certification procedure, the Federal awarding agency may rely on written assurances from the non-Federal entity that it is complying with these standards. The non-Federal entity must cite specific policies, procedures, regulations, or standards as being in compliance with these requirements and have its system available for review.
§ 200.326 Bonding requirements.
For construction or facility improvement contracts or subcontracts exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity may accept the bonding policy and requirements of the non-Federal entity provided that the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity has made a determination that the Federal interest is adequately protected. If such a determination has not been made, the minimum requirements must be as follows:
(a) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of the bid price. The “bid guarantee” must consist of a firm commitment such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder will, upon acceptance of the bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified.
(b) A performance bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “performance bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to secure fulfillment of all the contractor’s requirements under such contract.
(c) A payment bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “payment bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to assure payment as required by law of all persons supplying labor and material in the execution of the work provided for in the contract.
§ 200.327 Contract provisions.
The non-Federal entity’s contracts must contain the applicable provisions described in appendix II to this part.
Performance and Financial Monitoring and Reporting
§ 200.328 Financial reporting.
Unless otherwise approved by OMB, the Federal awarding agency must solicit only the OMB-approved governmentwide data elements for collection of financial information (at time of publication the Federal Financial Report or suc