[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2002] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR11.603] [Page 182-183] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 11--DESCRIBING AGENCY NEEDS--Table of Contents Subpart 11.6--Priorities and Allocations Sec. 11.603 Procedures. (a) There are two levels of priority for rated orders established by the DPAS, identified by the rating symbols ``DO'' and ``DX.'' All DO rated orders have equal priority with each other and take preference over unrated orders. All DX rated orders have equal priority with each other and take preference over DO rated and unrated orders. DX ratings are used for special defense programs designated by the President to be of the highest national priority. (b) DOC may issue a Directive to compel a contractor or supplier to accept a rated order, to rearrange production or delivery schedules, or to improve shipments against particular rated orders. Directives issued by DOC take precedence over all rated and unrated orders as stated in the Directive. (c) In addition to any other contractual requirements, a valid rated order must contain (see 15 CFR 700.12) the following: (1) A priority rating consisting of the appropriate DO or DX rating symbol and a program of identification symbol to indicate the authorized program (see Schedule I of the DPAS). (2) A required delivery date or delivery dates. (3) The signature of an individual authorized by the agency to sign rated orders. (d) The DPAS has the following three basic elements which are essential to the operation of the system: (1) Mandatory acceptance of rated orders. A rated order shall be accepted by a contractor or supplier unless rejected for the reasons provided for mandatory rejection in 15 CFR 700.13(b), or for optional rejection in 15 CFR 700.13(c). (2) Mandatory extension of priority ratings throughout the acquisition chain. Contractors and suppliers receiving rated orders shall extend priority ratings to subcontractors or vendors when acquiring items to fill the rated orders (see 15 CFR 700.15). (3) Priority scheduling of production and delivery. Contractors and suppliers receiving rated orders shall give the rated orders priority over other contracts as needed to meet delivery requirements (see 15 CFR 700.14). (e) Agencies shall provide contracting activities with specific guidance on the issuance of rated orders in support of agency programs. (f) Contracting officers shall follow agency procedural instructions concerning the use of rated orders in support of agency programs. [[Page 183]] (g) Contracting officers, contractors, or subcontractors at any tier, that experience difficulty placing rated orders, obtaining timely delivery under rated orders, locating a contractor or supplier to fill a rated order, ensuring that rated orders receive preferential treatment by contractors or suppliers, or require rating authority for items not automatically ratable under the DPAS, should promptly seek special priorities assistance in accordance with agency procedures (see 15 CFR 700.50-700.55). (h) Contracting officers shall report promptly any violations of the DPAS to DOC in accordance with agency procedures. [51 FR 19714, May 30, 1986, as amended at 56 FR 41744, Aug. 22, 1991]