[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 11]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR1753.37]

[Page 387-388]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
    CHAPTER XVII--RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 1753--TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
 
    Subpart E--Purchase and Installation of Central Office Equipment
 
Sec. 1753.37  Plans and specifications (P&S).

    (a) General. (1) Prior to the preparation of P&S, the borrower shall 
review with the GFR the current and future requirements for central 
office equipment.
    (2) The P&S shall specify the delivery and completion time required 
for each exchange.
    (3) The P&S shall provide for a complement of spare parts to be 
provided to the borrower. The quantity and type of spare parts shall be 
determined in accordance with the provisions in RUS Form 522 ``General 
Specification for Digital, Stored Program Controlled Central Office 
Equipment.''
    (4) P&S for equipment to be provided under a Form 545 contract shall 
require the supplier to provide specific installation information and a 
detailed bonding and grounding plan to be utilized by the engineer. 
borrower, and others responsible for the installation of the equipment.

[[Page 388]]

    (b) Preparation of P&S. (1) The P&S shall include RUS Contract Form 
525 or 545, Notice and Instructions to Bidders, specifications for the 
required equipment for each exchange, provision for spare parts, and all 
other pertinent data needed by the bidder to complete its proposal.
    (2) Guidelines for the preparation of the detailed equipment 
specifications are contained in the Telecommunications Engineering and 
Construction Manual (TE&CM), which is available from RUS.
    (c) RUS review of P&S is required for construction estimated to cost 
over $500,000 total or estimated to cost more than 25% of the total 
loan, whichever is less.
    (1) If RUS review is required, the borrower shall submit one copy of 
the P&S to the GFR for RUS review.
    (2) RUS will review the P&S and notify the borrower in writing of 
approval or disapproval.

[54 FR 39267, Sept. 25, 1989. Redesignated at 55 FR 39397, Sept. 27, 
1990, as amended at 64 FR 16607, Apr. 6, 1999]