2017-09158: Revise and Streamline VA Acquisition Regulation To Adhere to Federal Acquisition Regulation Principles (VAAR Case 2014-V001)

Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing to amend and update its VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR). Under this initiative all parts of the regulation are being reviewed in phased increments to revise or remove any policy that has been superseded by changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to remove any procedural guidance that is internal to the VA, and to incorporate any new regulations or policies Acquisition regulations become outdated over time and require updating to incorporate additional policies, solicitation provisions, or contract clauses that implement and supplement the FAR to satisfy VA mission needs, and to incorporate changes in dollar and approval thresholds, definitions, and VA position titles and offices. This Proposed Rule will correct inconsistencies, remove redundant and duplicate material already covered by the FAR, delete outdated material or information, and appropriately renumber VAAR text, clauses and provisions where required to comport with FAR format, numbering and arrangement. This Proposed Rule will streamline the VAAR to implement and supplement the FAR only when required, and remove internal agency guidance as noted above in keeping with the FAR principles concerning agency acquisition regulations.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 7 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 48 CFR 801 Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation System
• 48 CFR 802 Definitions of Words and Terms
• 48 CFR 803 Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest
• 48 CFR 812 Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services
• 48 CFR 814 Sealed Bidding
• 48 CFR 822 Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions
• 48 CFR 852 Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses