F. Administrative Burden

Comment: The proposed rule would impose administrative burdens on contractors, ACOs, and DCAA auditors. Contractors would need to coordinate the review and approval of the data reported, often across multiple business units for larger IR&D projects, to ensure the information is accurate and relevant and meets the reporting objectives. This would involve contractor management personnel, as well as personnel from functions such as engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and many others. In addition to the impact on contractors, the rule would impose administrative burdens on ACOs and DCAA auditors.

Response: The reporting requirements in this rule will provide in-process information to allow DoD to maximize the value of the IR&D funds it disburses without infringing on the independence of contractors to choose which technologies to pursue in IR&D programs. DoD will employ procedures that minimize the administrative burden on contractors.