[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 184 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48614-48617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-23553]
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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
41 CFR Parts 101-46 and 102-39
[FPMR Amendment H-208]
RIN 3090-AH23
Replacement of Personal Property Pursuant to the Exchange/Sale
Authority
AGENCY: Office of Governmentwide Policy, GSA.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The General Services Administration is revising the Federal
Property Management Regulations (FPMR) by moving coverage on
replacement of personal property pursuant to the exchange/sale
authority into the Federal Management Regulation (FMR). A cross-
reference is added to the FPMR to direct readers to the coverage in the
FMR. The FMR is written in plain language to provide agencies with
updated regulatory material that is easy to read and understand.
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 21, 2001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Bender, Personal
PropertyManagement Policy Division (MTP), 202-501-3448.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
This final rule updates, streamlines, and clarifies FPMR part 101-
46 and moves the part into the Federal ManagementRegulation (FMR). The
rule is written in a plain language question and answer format. In this
format, a question and its answer combine to establish a rule. This
means the employee and the agency must follow the language contained in
both the question and its answer.
Updates include:
1. A revised definition of ``replacement.''
2. A new provision regarding the fixed price sale of exchange/sale
property to a State Agency for Surplus Property before conducting an
exchange/sale with a non-Government entity.
3. Revised restrictions on types of personal property that are
ineligible for exchange/sale, including removal of large weapons, fire
control equipment, and guided missiles belonging to the Department of
Defense, and furniture belonging to any executive agency from the list
of such property.
4. Clarified restrictions on the exchange/sale of combat material.
5. A revised requirement for documentation of exchange/sale
transactions.
6. Revised accounting requirements for the proceeds from the sale
of personal property under the exchange/sale authority.
7. A new annual reporting requirement for exchange/sale
transactions.
B. Executive Order 12866
GSA has determined that this final rule is not a significant rule
for the purposes of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required under the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601. et seq., because there is no
requirement that this final rule be published in the Federal Register
for notice and comment.
D. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because this final rule
does not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements,
or the collection of information from offerors, contractors, or members
of the public which require the approval of the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) under 44U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This final rule is exempt from Congressional review prescribed
under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and
personnel.
List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 101-46 and 102-39
Government property management.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, GSA amends 41 CFR
chapters 101 and 102 as follows:
CHAPTER 101--[AMENDED]
1. Part 101-46 is revised to read as follows:
PART 101-46--REPLACEMENT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY PURSUANT TO THE
EXCHANGE/SALE AUTHORITY
Authority: Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390 (40 U.S.C. 486(c)).
Sec. 101-46.000 Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation
(FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on replacement of personal property pursuant to the
exchange/sale authority previously contained in this part, see FMR part
39 (41 CFR part 102-39).
CHAPTER 102--[AMENDED]
2. Part 102-39 is added to subchapter B of chapter 102 to read as
follows:
PART 102-39--REPLACEMENT OF PERSONAL PROPERTY PURSUANT TO THE
EXCHANGE/SALE AUTHORITY
Subpart A--General
Sec.
102-39.5 How are the terms ``I'' and ``you'' used in this part?
102-39.10 What does this part cover?
102-39.15 Why should I use the exchange/sale authority?
102-39.20 What definitions apply to this part?
102-39.25 How do I request a deviation from this part?
Subpart B--Exchange/Sale Considerations
102-39.30 When should I not use the exchange/sale authority?
102-39.35 How do I determine whether to do an exchange or a sale?
102-39.40 When should I arrange for a reimbursable transfer of
exchange/sale property to a Federal agency or other eligible
organization, or sell such property to a State Agency for Surplus
Property?
102-39.45 What prohibitions apply to the exchange/sale of personal
property?
102-39.50 What conditions apply to the exchange/sale of personal
property?
102-39.55 What exceptions apply to the conditions for exchange/sale
in Sec. 102-39.50?
Subpart C--Exchange/Sale Methods and Reports
102-39.60 What are the exchange methods?
102-39.65 What are the sales methods?
102-39.70 What are the accounting requirements for the proceeds of
sale?
102-39.75 What information am I required to report?
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c).
[[Page 48615]]
Subpart A--General
Sec. 102-39.5 How are the terms ``I'' and ``you'' used in this part?
Use of pronouns ``I'' and ``you'' throughout this part refer to
executive agencies.
Sec. 102-39.10 What does this part cover?
This part covers the exchange/sale authority, and applies to all
personal property owned by executive agencies worldwide. For the
exchange/sale of aircraft parts and hazardous materials, you must meet
the requirements in this part and in parts 101-37 and 101-42 of this
title.
Sec. 102-39.15 Why should I use the exchange/sale authority?
You should use the exchange/sale authority to:
(a) Reduce the cost of replacement personal property. If you have
personal property that needs to be replaced, you can exchange or sell
that property and apply the exchange allowance or sales proceeds to
reduce the cost of similar replacement property. By contrast, if you
choose not to replace the property using the exchange/sale authority,
you may declare it excess and dispose of it through the normal disposal
process. Any sales proceeds from the eventual sale of that property as
surplus generally must be forwarded to the miscellaneous receipts
account at the United States Treasury and thus would not be available
to you.
(b) Avoid costs (e.g., administrative and storage) that may be
incurred when declaring the property to be replaced as excess and
processing it through the normal disposal process. The normal disposal
process may include abandonment or destruction, reutilization by other
Federal agencies, donation to eligible non-Federal public or non-profit
organizations, or sale to the public. The time required to determine
which of these options will apply and to complete the disposal
transaction is likely to exceed the time required for an exchange/sale
transaction.
Sec. 102-39.20 What definitions apply to this part?
The following definitions apply to this part:
Acquire means to procure or otherwise obtain personal property,
including by lease.
Combat material means arms, ammunition, and implements of war
listed in the U.S. munitions list (22 CFR part 121).
Exchange means to replace personal property by trade or trade-in
with the supplier of the replacement property.
Exchange/sale means to exchange or sell non-excess, non-surplus
personal property and apply the exchange allowance or proceeds of sale
in whole or in part payment for the acquisition of similar property.
Executive agency means any executive department or independent
establishment in the executive branch of the Government, including any
wholly owned Government corporation.
Federal agency means any executive agency or any establishment in
the legislative or judicial branch of the Government (except the
Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Architect of the Capitol
and any activities under his/her direction).
Historic item means property having added value for display
purposes because its historical significance is greater than its fair
market value for continued use. Items that are commonly available and
remain in use for their intended purpose, such as military aircraft
still in use by active or reserve units, are not historic items.
Replacement means the process of acquiring property to be used in
place of property that is still needed but:
(1) No longer adequately performs the tasks for which it is used;
or
(2) Does not meet the agency's need as well as the property to be
acquired.
Similar means where the acquired item and replaced item:
(1) Are identical;
(2) Are designed and constructed for the same purpose;
(3) Constitute parts or containers for identical or similar end
items; or
(4) Fall within a single Federal Supply Classification (FSC) group
of property that is eligible for handling under the exchange/sale
authority.
Sec. 102-39.25 How do I request a deviation from this part?
See Secs. 102-2.60 through 102-2.110 of this chapter to request a
deviation from the requirements of this part.
Subpart B--Exchange/Sale Considerations
Sec. 102-39.30 When should I not use the exchange/sale authority?
You should not use the exchange/sale authority if the exchange
allowance or estimated sales proceeds for the property will be
unreasonably low. You must either abandon or destroy such property in
accordance with part 101-45, subpart 101-45.9, of this title, or
declare the property excess and follow the regulations in part 102-36
of this chapter, whichever is appropriate. Further, you must not use
the exchange/sale authority if the transaction(s) would violate any
other applicable statute or regulation.
Sec. 102-39.35 How do I determine whether to do an exchange or a sale?
You must determine whether an exchange or sale will provide the
greater return for the Government. When estimating the return under
each method, consider all related administrative and overhead costs.
Sec. 102-39.40 When should I arrange for a reimbursable transfer of
exchange/sale property to a Federal agency or other eligible
organization, or sell such property to a State Agency for
SurplusProperty?
If you have property to replace which is eligible for exchange/
sale, you should first, to the maximum extent practicable, solicit:
(a) Federal agencies known to use or distribute such property. If a
Federal agency is interested in acquiring and paying for the property,
you should arrange for a reimbursable transfer. Reimbursable transfers
may also be conducted with the Senate, the House of Representatives,
the Architect of the Capitol and any activities under the Architect's
direction, the District of Columbia, and mixed-ownership Government
corporations. When conducting a reimbursable transfer, you must:
(1) Do so under terms mutually agreeable to you and the recipient.
(2) Not require reimbursement of an amount greater than the
estimated fair market value of the transferred property.
(3) Apply the transfer proceeds in whole or part payment for
property acquired to replace the transferred property; and
(b) State Agencies for Surplus Property (SASPs) known to have an
interest in acquiring such property. If a SASP is interested in
acquiring the property, you should consider selling it to the SASP by
negotiated sale at fixed price under the conditions specified at
Sec. 101-45.304-12 of this title. The sales proceeds must be applied in
whole or part payment for property acquired to replace the transferred
property.
Sec. 102-39.45 What prohibitions apply to the exchange/sale of
personal property?
You must not use the exchange/sale authority for:
(a) The following FSC groups of personal property:
10 Weapons.
11 Nuclear ordnance.
12 Fire control equipment.
14 Guided missiles.
15 Aircraft and airframe structural components (except FSC
Class 1560 Airframe Structural Components).
42 Firefighting, rescue, and safety equipment.
[[Page 48616]]
44 Nuclear reactors (FSC Class 4472 only).
51 Hand tools.
54 Prefabricated structure and scaffolding.
68 Chemicals and chemical products, except medicinal chemicals.
84 Clothing, individual equipment, and insignia.
Note to Sec. 102-39.45(a): The exception to the prohibition is
Department of Defense (DOD) property in FSC Groups 10, 12, and 14
(except FSC Class 1005) for which the applicable DOD
demilitarization requirements, and any other applicable regulations
and statutes are met.
(b) Materials in the National Defense Stockpile (50 U.S.C. 98-98h)
or the Defense Production Act inventory (50 U.S.C. App. 2093).
(c) Nuclear Regulatory Commission-controlled materials unless you
meet the requirements of Sec. 101-42.1102-4 of this title.
(d) Controlled substances, unless you meet the requirements of
Sec. 101-42.1102-3 of this title.
(e) Scrap materials, except in the case of scrap gold for fine
gold.
(f) Property that was originally acquired as excess or forfeited
property or from another source other than new procurement, unless such
property has been in official use by the acquiring agency for at least
1 year. You may exchange or sell forfeited property in official use for
less than 1 year if the head of your agency determines that a
continuing valid requirement exists, but the specific item in use no
longer meets that requirement, and that exchange or sale meets all
other requirements of this part.
(g) Property that is dangerous to public health or safety without
first rendering such property innocuous or providing for adequate
safeguards as part of the exchange/sale.
(h) Combat material without demilitarizing it or obtaining a
demilitarization waiver or other necessary clearances from the
Department of Defense Demilitarization Office.
(i) Flight Safety Critical Aircraft Parts unless you meet the
provisions of Sec. 101-37.610 of this title.
(j) Acquisition of unauthorized replacement property.
(k) Acquisition of replacement property that violates any:
(1) Restriction on procurement of a commodity or commodities;
(2) Replacement policy or standard prescribed by the President, the
Congress, or the Administrator of General Services; or
(3) Contractual obligation.
(1) Vessels subject to 40 U.S.C. 484(i).
Sec. 102-39.50 What conditions apply to the exchange/sale of personal
property?
You may use the exchange/sale authority only if you meet all of the
following conditions:
(a) The property exchanged or sold is similar to the property
acquired;
(b) The property exchanged or sold is not excess or surplus, and
you have a continuing need for that type of property;
(c) The number of items acquired must equal the number of items
exchanged or sold unless:
(1) The item(s) acquired perform all or substantially all of the
tasks for which the item(s) exchanged or sold would otherwise be used;
or
(2) The item(s) acquired and the item(s) exchanged or sold meet the
test for similarity specified in Sec. 102-39.20 that they are a part(s)
or container(s) for identical or similar end items;
(d) The property exchanged or sold was not acquired for the
principal purpose of exchange or sale; and
(e) You document at the time of exchange or sale (or at the time of
acquiring the replacement property if it precedes the sale) that the
exchange allowance or sale proceeds will be applied to the acquisition
of replacement property.
Sec. 102-39.55 What exceptions apply to the conditions for exchange/
sale in Sec. 102-39.50?
The exceptions that apply to the conditions for exchange/sale
Sec. 102-39.50 are:
(a) You may exchange books and periodicals in your libraries for
other books and periodicals, without monetary appraisal or detailed
listing or reporting.
(b) In acquiring items for historical preservation or display at
Federal museums, you may exchange historic items in the museum property
account without regard to the FSC group, provided the exchange
transaction is documented and certified by the head of your agency to
be in the best interests of the Government and all other provisions of
this part are met. The documentation must contain a determination that
the item exchanged and the item acquired are historic items.
Subpart C-Exchange/Sale Methods and Reports
Sec. 102-39.60 What are the exchange methods?
Exchange of property may be accomplished by either of the following
methods:
(a) The supplier (e.g., a Government agency, commercial or private
organization, or an individual) delivers the replacement property to
one of your organizational units and removes the property being
replaced from that same organizational unit.
(b) The supplier delivers the replacement property to one of your
organizational units and removes the property being replaced from a
different organizational unit.
Sec. 102-39.65 What are the sales methods?
(a) You must use the methods, terms, and conditions of sale, and
the forms prescribed in Sec. 101-45.304 of this title in the sale of
property being replaced, except for the provisions of Sec. 101-45.304-
2(a) of this title regarding negotiated sales. Section 3709, Revised
Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5), specifies the following conditions under which
property being replaced can be sold by negotiation, subject to
obtaining such competition as is feasible:
(1) The reasonable value involved in the contract does not exceed
$500; or
(2) Otherwise authorized by law.
(b) You may sell property being replaced by negotiation at fixed
prices in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 101-45.304-2(b) of
this title.
Sec. 102-39.70 What are the accounting requirements for the proceeds
of sale?
You must account for sales proceeds in accordance with the general
finance and accounting rules applicable to you. Except as otherwise
directed by law, all proceeds from the sale of personal property under
this part will be available during the fiscal year in which the
property was sold and for one fiscal year thereafter for obligation for
the purchase of replacement property. Any sales proceeds not applied to
replacement purchases during this time must be deposited in the United
States Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
Sec. 102-39.75 What information am I required to report?
(a) You must submit, within 90 calendar days after the close of
each fiscal year, a summary report in a format of your choice on the
exchange/sale transactions made under this part during the fiscal year
(except for transactions involving books and periodicals in your
libraries). The report must include:
(1) A list by Federal Supply Classification Group of property sold
under this part showing the:
(i) Number of items sold;
(ii) Acquisition cost; and
(iii) Net proceeds.
(2) A list by Federal Supply Classification Group of property
exchanged under this part showing the:
(i) Number of items exchanged;
[[Page 48617]]
(ii) Acquisition cost; and
(iii) Exchange allowance.
(b) Submit your report electronically or by mail to the General
Services Administration, Personal Property ManagementPolicy Division
(MTP), 1800 F St. NW., Washington, DC 20405.
(c) Report control number: 1528-GSA-AN.
(d) If you make no transactions under this part during a fiscal
year, you must submit a report stating that no transactions occurred.
Dated: September 12, 2001.
Stephen A. Perry,
Administrator of General Services Administration.
[FR Doc. 01-23553 Filed 9-20-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-24-P