[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 197 (Wednesday, October 9, 1996)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 52998] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-25723] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 48 CFR Part 31 [FAR Case 93-026] RIN 9000-AG59 Federal Acquisition Regulation; Business Meals AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Withdrawal of proposed rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have decided to withdraw FAR Case 93-026, Business Meals, published in the Federal Register at 60 FR 43508, August 21, 1995. The rule proposed revisions to FAR 31.205-43, Trade, business, technical and professional activity costs, and 31.205- 46, Travel costs to clarify when the costs of meals for contractor employees are allowable. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy SWAT Team on Civilian Agency Contracting in its report of December 3, 1992, entitled ``Improving Contracting Practices and Management Controls on Cost-Type Federal Contracts,'' recommended several FAR changes, including revisions to the FAR cost principles to make them less general with regard to the allowability of costs. One area identified for clarification was the costs of business meals of contractor employees who are not on official travel. A proposed rule was published relating to making the costs of meals for contractor employees unallowable unless the employee is on official company travel or the meals are an integral part of a bona fide business meeting. As a result of our analysis of public comments received in response to the proposed rule, we have determined that the current cost principles, especially FAR 31.205-3, Determining reasonableness, and 31.205-43, Trade, business, technical and professional activity costs, are adequate to properly assess the allowability of these costs. Therefore, the proposed rule is withdrawn. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeremy Olson at 202-501-3221 in reference to this FAR case. For general information, contact the FAR Secretariat, Room 4041, GS Building, Washington, DC 20405 (202) 501- 4755. Please cite FAR case 93-026, withdrawal. List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 31 Government procurement. Dated: October 2, 1996. Edward C. Loeb, Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division. [FR Doc. 96-25723 Filed 10-8-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P