FAR Council Publishes Interim Rule Prohibiting Contracts with Entities Using Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

On August 27, 2020, DoD, GSA, and NASA (FAR Council) issued a second interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require an offeror to represent annually, after conducting a reasonable inquiry, whether it uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The new annual representation in the provision implements a section of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, and follows the first interim rule published at 85 FR 42665 on July 14, 2020. This second interim rule is effective on October 26, 2020.

• Submit comments in response to FAR Case 2019-009 at Regulations.gov by searching for “FAR Case 2019-009”.
• The interim regulation may be reviewed here.
• Advocacy contact : Major Clark