Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory notification procedures and timelines that federal contracting activities must follow when modifying specifications, descriptions, or scopes of work for products and services on the AbilityOne Procurement List.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Notification: Contracting activities must notify both the performing nonprofit agency (NPA) and the central nonprofit agency (CNA) of any specification changes; otherwise, the NPA is required to fulfill the order based on the original specifications.
- 90-Day Supply Notice: A minimum of 90 days' advance notice to the Committee and the CNA is required for actions affecting Procurement List supplies, particularly regarding new National Stock Numbers (NSNs), item deletions, standardization, or replacement items.
- 90-Day Service Notice: For service contracts, the contracting activity must provide the NPA and CNA at least 90 days' notice before changing the scope of work or other performance conditions.
- Emergency Exception: If emergency needs prevent the 90-day notice, the contracting activity must provide a written justification for the delay to the NPA and CNA at the time the order or change notice is issued.
Practical Implications
- Operational Stability: These timelines ensure that NPAs have sufficient lead time to adjust specialized labor forces and supply chains, preventing performance failures due to sudden government-imposed changes.
- Administrative Compliance: Contracting Officers must document and justify any deviations from the 90-day notification period in writing to avoid disputes regarding the NPA's adherence to updated specifications.