1. Proposed Rule to Amend DFARS Coverage of Contractor Personnel Supporting U.S. Armed Forces Deployed Outside the United States. 

On October 31, 2013, the Department of Defense (“DoD”) proposed to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (“DFARS”) to amend and clarify certain provisions regarding contractor personnel supporting U.S. Armed Forces deployed outside the United States.  As an initial matter, DFARS § 252.225-7040(a) would be amended to clarify which contractors are authorized to accompany the force (“CAAF”).  Further, DoD proposed to add language to section (b)(3) to emphasize that, when CAAF are authorized to carry arms for personal protection, they are only authorized to use force for individual defense.  Finally, the proposed rule would clarify the broad discretionary power of the Contracting Officer overseeing CAAF; specifically, the rule would provide that the Contracting Officer “may direct the Contractor, at its own expense, to remove and replace any Contractor personnel who jeopardize or interfere with mission accomplishment or who fail to comply with or violate applicable requirements” of the Contract.Continue Reading Government Procurement: October and November 2013 Federal Register Update