Overview
This section outlines the conditions under which the government may hold public meetings to solicit feedback regarding changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). It establishes that such forums are used at the discretion of rulemaking authorities to gather diverse perspectives on significant regulatory shifts.
Key Rules
- Discretionary Nature: Public meetings are not mandatory; they are held when deemed "appropriate" by the governing authorities.
- Scope of Application: Meetings can be convened for the adoption of new FAR coverage, the amendment of existing language, or the deletion of current regulations.
- Decision Criteria: The primary justification for a public meeting is the likelihood that the rulemaking process will benefit from "significant additional views and discussion" beyond written comments.
Practical Implications
- Industry Influence: These meetings provide a high-profile platform for contractors, industry associations, and the public to voice concerns or support for proposed rules that could significantly impact business operations.
- Enhanced Due Diligence: For complex or controversial regulatory changes, public meetings serve as a mechanism for the FAR Council to identify unintended consequences before a final rule is codified.