[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]