[Comments on Proposed FAR Revision]
Highlights
GAO commented on proposed revisions to the Federal Acquisition Regulation that would implement Helium Act requirements that the Bureau of Mines procure all government major helium requirements. GAO noted that it had no objection to the proposed changes, since such changes would: (1) inform government agencies and contractors of the act's requirements; and (2) prescibe procedures for the acquisition of helium.
B-244239, Jul 31, 1991
DIGEST: GAO has no objection to proposed changes in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) case No. 91-09, which would implement requirements under the Helium Act, 50 U.S.C. Sec. 167a et seq., concerning the acquisition of helium.
Beverly Fayson
FAR Secretariat
General Services Administration
Dear Ms. Fayson:
This responds to your letter of May 17, 1991, requesting our comments on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) case No. 91-09, concerning procurement of helium.
FAR case No. 91-09 is a proposal to amend FAR section 8.002, add FAR subpart 8.5, consisting of section 8.500 through 8.505, and add clauses at FAR sections 52.208-8 and 52.208-9 to implement the requirements of the Helium Act, 50 U.S.C. Sec. 167a et seq.The Act and implementing regulations of the Department of Interior provide that all "major helium requirements" of a government agency, or for use in the performance of a government contract, shall be procured from Interior's Bureau of Mines.
The proposed changes would inform government agencies and contractors of the Act's requirements and prescribe procedures for the acquisition of helium. We have no objection to the proposed changes.
Sincerely yours,
James F. Hinchman
General Counsel