Overview
This section establishes strict limitations on the creation of new contractor or offeror certification requirements within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). It ensures that such requirements are only implemented when legally mandated or specifically justified at a high executive level.
Key Rules
- Statutory Requirement: A new certification is permitted if it is specifically imposed by federal statute (41 U.S.C. 1304).
- Administrative Justification: If not required by statute, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council must provide a written justification for the new certification.
- High-Level Approval: Non-statutory certifications must receive written approval from the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy before they can be included in the FAR.
Practical Implications
- Reduction of Administrative Burden: This section serves as a safeguard to prevent the proliferation of unnecessary or redundant paperwork for contractors.
- Standardization: It ensures that agencies cannot arbitrarily create new certification requirements without going through a formal, centralized oversight process.