V.  Determination To Issue an Interim Rule

Pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707 (formerly 41 U.S.C. 418b) and FAR 1.501-3(b), a determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DoD) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action is necessary because the statutory authority for doubling the simplified acquisition threshold in support of a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation is not included in the DFARS currently, and is, therefore, generally not known to be available. It is imperative that DoD contracting officers be aware of this threshold for immediate implementation in DoD acquisitions. However, DoD 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 202 and 218

Government procurement.

Ynette R. Shelkin,

Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

Therefore, 48 CFR parts 202 and 218 are amended as follows:

1.  The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 202 and 218 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.