A. Supportive Comments

Comments: Four respondents supported the DFARS rule, stating that it would assist employees in reporting fraud, waste, and abuse and might promote qui tam suits. Two respondents recommended expanding the rule's applicability by (1) Lowering the threshold or (2) making it applicable to U.S.-owned and -operated firms that perform overseas.

Response: DoD acknowledges the respondents' support. DoD declines to expand the rule's applicability because the prescription and conditions for the use of the hotline poster in DoD contracts are exactly those prescribed at FAR 3.1004(b) for the inclusion of the FAR clause at 52.203-14, Display of Hotline Poster(s). The respondents did not provide rationale supporting the proposed further expansion of requirements to use the DoD IG hotline poster clause.