AGC Preparing Recovery Act Comments to Federal Acquisition Regulation Council

AGC Members Urged to Comment on ARRA Requirements On March 31, 2009, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Councils issued a series of interim rules amending the FAR in order to implement several key provisions set forth in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. On a finding of "urgent and compelling reasons," the interim rules were issued without any opportunity for prior public comment.  The FAR Councils will, however, take into consideration public comments submitted on or before June 1, 2009 in formulation of the final rule. In order to facilitate a dialogue between AGC members and the government, AGC has set up a special portal located at the AGC Legislative Action Center and highlighted the key issues that must be addressed:

• Recovery Act - Buy American Requirements for Construction Material
• Recovery Act - Publicizing Contract Actions
• Recovery Act - Reporting Requirements
• Recovery Act - Whistleblower Protections
• Recovery Act - GAO/IG Access

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) also issued its own guidance on April 23 establishing government-wide guidance and standard award terms for agencies to include in financial assistance awards (namely, grants, cooperative agreements and loans) as part of their implementation of the Recovery Act. Public comments are due by June 22:

• Recovery Act - OMB Interim Guidance

AGC is preparing to submit comments on behalf of the entire association by the June 1 deadline.