VI. Determination To Issue an Interim Rule

A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action is necessary because it implements section 814(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Pub. L. 112-81), enacted on December 31, 2011. Section 814(b) requires escalating the current threshold for acquisition of right-hand drive passenger sedans from $30,000 to $40,000. Pursuant to paragraph (d) of 41 U.S.C. 1908, revised thresholds take effect on the date of publication in the Federal Register. The threshold was last amended from $12,000 per vehicle to $30,000 per vehicle in 1997 through section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Pub. L. 105-85), enacted on November 18, 1997. Delaying implementation of the threshold adjustment may negatively impact contracting officers and the defense customers they support who require right-hand drive passenger sedans by restricting the purchase authority to the 1997 cost limitation of $30,000, without providing for adjustment due to inflation. Transportation of personnel in right-hand drive passenger sedans is needed overseas for reasons of safety and security and will allow personnel to move to work locations necessary to achieve the mission of the United States military worldwide, including support of overseas contingency operations. However, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1707 and FAR 1.501-3(b), 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 201 and 212

Government procurement.

Ynette R. Shelkin,

Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

Therefore, 48 CFR parts 201 and 212 are amended as follows:

Authority:  41 U.S.C. 1303 and CFR chapter 2.