the Office of Communication, Printing Branch. Marginally punched Standard Forms must be obtained from GSA in accordance with § 101-26.302;

(f) Blank paper and envelopes must be purchased under the catalog for Blank Paper and Envelopes, Inks, Glues, Miscellaneous Supplies and Services, issued by GPO for the District of Columbia.

(g) When items are available under Federal Supply Service contracts;

(h) When products and services are listed in the Procurement List of the Committee for Purchase from the Blind and Other Severely Handicapped and are not stocked by GSA;

(i) When items are listed in the Schedule of Products Made in Federal Penal and Correctional Institutions and are not stocked by GSA;

(j) When items available from GSA will not adequately serve the required functional purpose, similar items may be purchased after obtaining a waiver from GSA in accordance with sections 10126.301-1 of this title and § 104-26.301-1 of the Agriculture Property Management Regulations; and

(k) as may be otherwise specifically authorized.

[41 FR 26903, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5301-4 Substitution policy.

GSA will substitute both regular and excess property without prior notification, unless the proposed substitute is used, reconditioned, or differs in some substantial characteristics from the item requisitioned; in which case, notice to substitute will be given and, if desired, an opportunity provided to inspect the substitute prior to shipment.

84-5.5301-5 Billing and payment.

Payment to the General Services Administration for supplies, equipment, and services shall be made in accordance with 7 AR 60.

§ 4-5.5301-6 Shortages and overagesadjustments.

Adjustments of billings or payments are not required to be requested or made by billed agencies or the General Services Administration whenever the difference involved, resulting from over and under deliveries or over and under charges, represents an amount of $5.00 or less on any one invoice. This is not to be construed to eliminate billings and payments for requisitioned items of $5.00 or less.

§ 4-5.5301-8

Requests for stocking of additional items by GSA stores depots.

Requests for the inclusion of new items in GSA stock should be forwarded, in duplicate, through appropriate channels, to the Director, Office of Operations, for review and submission to the Federal Supply Service. Estimated annual requirements, as well as other available information which may be useful in considering the proposal should be included. [41 FR 26903, June 30, 1976] § 4-5.5301-9

Use of GSA stores stock items by prime contractors in performing cost-reimbursable type con

tracts.

Where an agency of the Department administering a cost-reimbursement type contract deems it to be in the best interest of the Government to do so, such agency may authorize the prime contractor to purchase available items needed to carry out the contract from GSA Stores Depots in accordance with the limitations and procedures set forth in Subpart 1-5.9, Federal Procurement Regulations.

§ 4-5.5302

§ 4-5.5303

§ 4-5.5303-1

[Reserved]

Federal Supply Schedules.
General.

Federal Supply Schedules are listings of articles and services available under contracts entered into by General Services Administration. Schedules for some commodities require that orders be placed directly with the contractor. Certain non-stock commodities under the "Improved Federal Supply Schedules Program" are requisitioned from GSA but shipped directly from the contractor. Schedules are published in catalog style and list under major commodity classifications the articles and services available from the contractor named therein, the price, and the contract period. Each schedule contains contractual terms and conditions; such as, whether it is mandatory or optional, minimum and maxi

mum order amounts, and all essential ordering information for placing orders directly with contractors. The term "primary source" on the schedules denotes that it is mandatory for the agencies indicated.

[41 FR 26903, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5303-2 Use.

Where a Federal Supply Schedule is designated as the primary source, agencies shall use such schedule for procuring the property or services listed therein, subject only to such exemptions for emergency conditions, etc., as are provided in the schedule. Where the delivery period offered in the schedule does not meet the delivery requirements of the purchasing activity, use of the schedule is not mandatory. However, the delivery periods shown are based upon the average capabilities of the contractor and are usually conservative. Contractors, in most instances, are able to make delivery within a shorter period of time than the maximum delivery provided in the schedule. Therefore, when delivery requirements are less than the maximum delivery shown in the schedule, inquiry should usually be made of the contractor as to whether or not the delivery requirements of the agency can be met. This procedure should be followed execept in those cases where transportation time from the contractor's shipping point or time required for inquiry and reply make it impracticable to do so. Failure to meet maximum Federal Supply Schedule delivery dates (or dates for faster delivery as agreed to by the contractors) will constitute a breach of contract and will be treated in accordance with § 101-26.403 of this title.

[41 FR 26903, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5303-3 Non-mandatory schedules. Agencies are encouraged to utilize nonmandatory schedule contracts except where the procuring activity has actual knowledge that purchase can be made more advantageously from some other source. The schedule may be presumed to be advantageous in the absence of special circumstances indicating the advisability of advertising or further price inquiry. Where a procurement from a source of supply other than a Federal Supply Schedule indicates that such source might be more advantageous to the Government, the name and address of the supplier together with other de

§ 4-5.5303-5 Distribution of Federal Supply Schedules and contractors' catalogs.

Agency offices desiring to receive current copies and to be placed on distribution lists for receiving Federal Supply Schedules and contractors' catalogs should prepare and submit GSA Form 457, FSS Publications Mailing List Application, to General Services Administration, Centralized Mailing List Services, Building 41, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225. Copies of GSA Form 457 may also be obtained from the above address.

[41 FR 26903, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5303-6 Foreign materials.

Federal Supply Schedules sometiines include items of foreign origin or manufacture and, generally, a notation to that effect is shown directly above or below the description of the article. In the absence of a notation in the Schedule to the effect that the item is of foreign manufacture, it shall be assumed by the ordering office that the item is of domestic origin and manufacture. Upon delivery of the item, if inspection reveals that the item is of foreign origin or manufacture, acceptance should be withheld, pending determination by the Federal Supply Service as to whether the delivery of foreign material is permissible under the terms of the Federal Supply Schedule contract. If the Federal Supply Service advises that the contract provides for delivery of domestic goods only, the foreign material shall be rejected and demand made of vendor for domestic goods with advice that upon his failure to do so, purchase of domestic goods will be made from other sources and that his account will be charged with any excess costs occasioned thereby. In certain multiple award schedules which include both foreign and domestic items which will meet the requirements of an agency for a particular job, it is necessary to apply the Buy American Act differentials.

forwarded through appropriate agency channels to the Director, Office of Operations, for review and submission to the Federal Supply Service. In the case of proposed new items, estimated annual requirements and other available information which may be useful in consideration of the proposal should be submitted.

141 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5303-8 Use of Federal Supply Schedule contracts by Government contractors.

Where an agency of the Department administering a cost-reimbursement type contract deems it to be in the best interest of the Government to do so, such agency may authorize the prime contractor to purchase available items needed to carry out the contract from Federal Supply Schedule contractors, in accordance with the limitations and procedures set forth in Subpart 1-5.9 of this title. Agencies may authorize any contractor or subcontractor to purchase security cabinets if the contract is required to maintain custody of security classified records and information under any kind of contract or subcontract (See § 101-26.407).

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5304 Mechanical shops.

Mechanical work desired by the various agencies of this Department in Washington, D.C., such as carpenter, cabinet, pattern, machine shop, plumbing, pipe fitting, sheet metal, electrical, composition, fabric, and leather work, model making, painting, manufacture and repair of awnings, and mechanical supplies and equipment may be obtained on a reimbursable basis from the mechanical shops under the supervision of the Public Buildings Service, General Services Administration. Requests should be prepared on GSA Form 2957, Reimbursable Work Authorization. The construction of office furniture or other equipment by the mechanical shops will not be permitted when standard articles available from commercial sources at less cost will serve the requirements. [41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976}

As used throughout this subpart, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) "Federal printing" means all printing, binding, and blank book work, including any items requiring the processes of composition, platemaking, presswork, and binding, irrespective of the place of production or procurement origin or ultimate end-use.

(b) "Government Printing Office Regional Printing Procurement Offices" means any office established by the Public Printer which shall procure Federal printing needs which are determined to be commercially procurable and which originate or are for distribution within its region.

(c) "Field printing" includes all Federal printing that is intended for local and area use and distribution. Maps and informational brochures are examples of this type printing.

P. 305.1) and the Government Printing and Binding Regulations published by the Joint Committee on Printing. All Federal departmental printing procured from the Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., shall be obtained through the Office of Communication by use of Form AD-78, Request for Printing and Binding.

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5401-1 Authority.

Under the provisions of the act of October 22, 1968 (44 U.S.C. 501), all Federal printing for agencies shall be done at the Government Printing Office or one of the Government Printing Office Regional Procurement Offices except classes of work the Joint Committee on Printing considers to be urgent or necessary to have done elsewhere. However, the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 756) provides that the General Supply Fund of the General Services Administration shall be available for purchase from or through the Public Printer of standard forms or blank book work for stores depots issue. A blank book is any book requiring printing, binding, or ruling operations, for its manufacture, and the primary purpose of which is for writing, sketching, or making entries. Generally, it must have covers, however light, and be stitched by wire or thread to be considered a "book." (If the pages are merely held together with an adhesive, it is usually a "pad" and not a "book.") The Printing and Binding Regulations of the Joint Committee on Printing provide that standard forms approved by the Office of Management and Budget or the General Accounting Office shall be obtained from the General Services Administration, unless otherwise authorized by the Joint Committee on Printing. With the approval of the Joint Committee on Printing, the Public Printer may arrange for such printing, binding, and blank book work as he is not able or equipped to do at the Government Printing Office to be done elsewhere under contract. (44 U.S.C. 502.)

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5401-2 Funds for printing and binding.

Funds for printing and binding are carried in the various appropriations for the Department along with other regular funds.

§ 4-5.5401-3 Waiver.

Under the provisions of the act of October 22, 1968 (44 U.S.C. 504), the Joint Committee on Printing may permit the Public Printer to return to any agency of the Government any written requisition for Federal printing as in his opinion he is neither able nor suitably equipped to execute or which may be more economically, or in the best interest of the Government, procured elsewhere. No agency requisitioning printing from the Government Printing Office or one of the Government Printing Office Regional Procurement Offices shall anticipate the release of any requisition for direct procurement, until so advised by the Public Printer. (See 3 AR 295) (44 U.S.C. 103, 501, 502) 1972]

§ 4-5.5401-4

[37 FR 1233, Jan. 27,

Authorized Government field printing plants.

The Joint Committee on Printing has authorized the establishment of certain field printing plants (listed in the Printing and Binding Regulations) which may perform such field printing as may be urgent or necessary to have done for the use of any field service, the need for which originates and is for use in the geographical area of origin. (See 3 AR 317 for limitations on printing plants.) § 4-5.5401-5 Supervision over Federal printing and binding.

Administrative supervision over all Federal printing and binding done in this Department rests with the Director, Office of Communication (See 3 AR 290). [41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5402 Blank paper and blank envelopes, and miscellaneous supplies and services.

§ 4-5.5402-1 Authority.

Under the provisions of the act of October 22, 1968 (44 U.S.C. 1121), the Public Printer is authorized to procure, under direction of the Joint Committee on Printing, and furnish on requisition paper and envelopes (except envelopes printed during course of manufacture> in common use by two or more departments, establishments, or services of the Government in the District of Columbia. Reimbursement is to be made to the Public Printer from appropriations

available for such purposes. The act of October 22, 1968 (44 U.S.C. 314), provides the same authority with respect

to inks, glues, and other miscellaneous supplies.

(44 U.S.C. 103, 501, 502) [87 FR 1234, Jan. 27, 1972]

8 4-5.5402-2 Types available.

The various items available are those listed in the Catalog and Price List of the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., entitled, "Blank Paper and Envelopes, Inks, Glues, and Miscellaneous Supplies and Services." Agencies who wish to be placed on the GPO distribution list for the catalog should contact the Government Printing Office, Paper and Material Control Section, Washington, D.C. 20401.

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5402-3 Method of acquisition.

It is mandatory that all Federal agencies procure their requirements for items listed in the catalog from the Government Printing Office, except when items for field use can be purchased more economically elsewhere, taking into consideration costs of packing and transportation by GPO, or as otherwise provided for in this paragraph. If any of the items listed in the catalog are not stocked by the Central Supply Branch they may be purchased by placing an order on an agency purchase order form with the Public Printer, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. The Government Printing Office will deliver the items listed in the catalog to Department agencies in Washington, D.C., at the prices quoted. Items not listed in the Government Printing Office quarterly catalog do not require waivers from the GPO for procurement elsewhere. If delivery to field offices is desired, the Government Printing Office, upon request, will prepare the items for shipment and include in its billing a charge for packing. In such cases, a Government bill of lading may be furnished with the purchase order, or the Government Printing Office may be requested to arrange the transportation and include the cost in its billing. If purchases for field delivery are not to be made from the GPO, other mandatory sources of supply should not be overlooked.

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5403 Distribution of publications.

The Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, maintains stocks of various publications for sale to Federal agencies and to the general pub

lic (44 U.S.C. 1702, 1705). Such publications may be acquired for Washington or field delivery by placing an order on an agency purchase order form to the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

Subpart 4-5.57-Office of Operations § 4-5.5701 Central Supply Branch. [40 FR 6976, Feb. 18, 1975]

§ 4-5.5701-1 Authority.

As authorized in the Agriculture Appropriation Act for 1944 (7 U.S.C. 2235) the Central Supply Branch, Office of Operations, operates a central supply service for the purchase, storage, handling, issuance, packing, and shipping of supplies and equipment, which service shall be used to the fullest extent practicable in order to make unnecessary the separate maintenance of like services in agencies of the Department.

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976] § 4-5.5701-2 Delivery.

Agencies of the Department shall procure supplies, equipment, blank forms, or other materials needed for Washington, D.C., delivery from the Central Supply Branch to the extent such materials are carried in stock by that Branch. Field offices may order from the Central Supply Branch only envelopes, letterhead paper, USDA service emblems, and various forms, as specified in Form AD-640, Departmental Forms Catalog. Central Supply Branch will not ship store items supplies outside the Washington metropolitan area, which includes Beltsville and Hyattsville, Maryland, and Rosslyn, Virginia. These items may be ordered through GSA, or commercially (See § 101-26.301).

[41 FR 26904, June 30, 1976]

§ 4-5.5701-3 Forms available.

There is included in the Departmental Forms Catalog a list of forms available to all agencies of the Department. The list includes Standard, Departmental, Optional and other miscellaneous common use forms. Most of the forms listed are stocked in the Central Supply Branch. All Optional forms and various Standard forms are not shipped outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as specified in the Catalog. These forms must be requisitioned through GSA. [41 FR 26905, June 30, 1976]