[Federal Register: July 11, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 133)] [Notices] [Page 41321-41322] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr11jy03-37] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [OMB Control No. 9000-0011] Federal Acquisition Regulation; Information Collection; Preaward Survey Forms (Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408) AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Notice of request for public comments regarding an extension to an existing OMB clearance (9000-0011). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Secretariat will be submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve an extension of a currently approved information collection requirement concerning preaward survey forms (Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408). This clearance currently expires October 31, 2003. Public comments are particularly invited on: Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the FAR, and whether it will have practical utility; whether our estimate of the public burden of this collection of information is accurate, and based on valid assumptions and methodology; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be [[Page 41322]] collected; and ways in which we can minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through the use of appropriate technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Submit comments on or before September 9, 2003. ADDRESSES: Submit comments, including suggestions for reducing this burden to the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVA), 1800 F Street, NW., Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Victoria Moss, Acquisition Policy Division, GSA, (202) 501-4764. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Purpose To protect the Government's interest and to ensure timely delivery of items of the requisite quality, contracting officers, prior to award, must make an affirmative determination that the prospective contractor is responsible, i.e., capable of performing the contract. Before making such a determination, the contracting officer must have in his possession or must obtain information sufficient to satisfy himself that the prospective contractor (i) has adequate financial resources, or the ability to obtain such resources, (ii) is able to comply with required delivery schedule, (iii) has a satisfactory record of performance, (iv) has a satisfactory record of integrity, and (v) is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under appropriate laws and regulations. If such information is not in the contracting officer's possession, it is obtained through a preaward survey conducted by the contract administration office responsible for the plant and/or the geographic area in which the plant is located. The necessary data is collected by contract administration personnel from available data or through plant visits, phone calls, and correspondence and entered on Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408 in detail commensurate with the dollar value and complexity of the procurement. The information is used by Federal contracting officers to determine whether a prospective contractor is responsible. Due to improved technology, increased sharing of information among agencies and the increasing reliance on commercial items, for which preaward surveys are not required, the annual burden related to this clearance has been reduced. B. Annual Reporting Burden Respondents: 5,478. Responses Per Respondent: 1. Total Responses: 5,478. Hours Per Response: 20.8. Total Burden Hours: 113,942. Obtaining Copies of Proposals: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, FAR Secretariat (MVA), 1800 F Street, NW., Room 4035, Washington, DC 20405, telephone (202) 501-4755. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000-0011, Preaward Survey Forms (Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408), in all correspondence. Dated: July 8, 2003. Ralph J. DeStefano, Acting Director, Acquisition Policy Division. [FR Doc. 03-17609 Filed 7-10-03; 8:45 am]