VI.  Determination To Issue an Interim Rule

A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DoD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action is necessary because the effective date of the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia is May 15, 2012. This is a reciprocal agreement, approved by Congress and the President of the United States. It is important for the United States Government to honor its new trade obligations to Colombia, as Colombia in turn honors its new trade obligations to the United States. However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707 and FAR 1.501-3(b), DoD, GSA, and NASA will consider public comments received in response to this interim rule in the formation of the final rule.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 25 and 52

Government procurement.

Dated: May 3, 2012.

Laura Auletta,
Director, Office of Governmentwide Acquisition Policy, Office of Acquisition Policy, Office of Governmentwide Policy.

Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 25 and 52 as set forth below:

1.  The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 25 and 52 continues to read as follows:

Authority:  40 U.S.C. 121(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 U.S.C. 2473(c).