Overview
This section establishes the standard procedures for delivery, transportation documentation, and shipping cost reimbursement for goods acquired from AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies.
Key Rules
- Definition of Delivery: Delivery is officially completed, and the delivery date is established, when the shipment is released to and accepted by the initial carrier.
- Shipping Documentation: Shipments are primarily documented via Government bills of lading (GBL), though ordering offices may specify alternative methods for small orders.
- Government Responsibility: The ordering office must provide GBLs or transportation instructions promptly; failure to do so constitutes a valid reason for "excusable delay" by the nonprofit agency.
- Cost Reimbursement: For small shipments where the nonprofit agency pays transportation costs upfront, the agency is entitled to reimbursement by listing these costs as a separate line item on their invoice.
Practical Implications
- Contracting Officers must ensure transportation instructions or GBLs are provided concurrently with orders to prevent schedule delays that the government cannot legally penalize.
- Administrative and billing personnel must be prepared to verify and reimburse specific transportation line items on AbilityOne invoices for small-scale shipments.