[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 236 (Tuesday, December 9, 1997)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 64936] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-31825] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Part 47 [FAC 97-03; FAR Case 97-017; Item XII] RIN 9000-AH78 Federal Acquisition Regulation; Commercial Bills of Lading, Small Package Shipments AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to raise the threshold for requiring receipted freight bills for small package shipments, and the maximum amount that the Government may pay for invoiced but unsupported transportation charges. This regulatory action was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993, and is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. EFFECTIVE DATE: February 9, 1998. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Linda Klein, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501- 3775. Please cite FAC 97-03, FAR case 97-017. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background Based upon the benefits encountered during a 6-month test conducted by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Denver Center, this rule amends FAR 47.303-17 to raise the threshold for requiring receipted freight bills for small package shipments from $25 to $100, and the maximum amount that the Government may pay for invoiced but unsupported transportation charges from $100 to $250. These increased amounts are considered to more accurately reflect shipping costs in today's business environment. B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The final rule does not constitute a significant FAR revision within the meaning of FAR 1.501 and Public Law 98-577, and publication for public comments is not required. However, comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR subpart will be considered in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such comments must be submitted separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 97-03, FAR case 97-017), in correspondence. C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act (Pub. L. 96-511) is deemed to apply because the final rule contains information collection requirements. Accordingly, a revised paperwork burden reflecting a decrease in burden as a result of the increase to thresholds will be forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 47: Government procurement. Dated: December 1, 1997. Edward C. Loeb, Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division. Therefore, 48 CFR Part 47 is amended as set forth below: PART 47--TRANSPORTATION 1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 47 continues to read as follows: Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c). 47.303-17 [Amended] 2. Section 47.303-17 is amended in paragraph (d)(1) by removing ``$25'' and inserting ``$100''; in (d)(2) by removing ``$100'' and inserting ``$250''; and in the second sentence of paragraph (e) by replacing ``47.303-17(d)(1)'' with ``paragraph (d)(2) of this subsection'' and ``$25'' with ``$250''. [FR Doc. 97-31825 Filed 12-8-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P