[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 48, Volume 1]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 48CFR11.603]



[Page 191-192]

 

            TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM

 

                CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION

 

PART 11_DESCRIBING AGENCY NEEDS--Table of Contents

 

                 Subpart 11.6_Priorities and Allocations

 

Sec. 11.603  Procedures.



    (a) There are two levels of priority for rated orders established by 

the DPAS, identified by the rating symbols ``DO'' and ``DX.'' All DO 

rated orders have equal priority with each other and take preference 

over unrated orders. All DX rated orders have equal priority with each 

other and take preference over DO rated and unrated orders. DX ratings 

are used for special defense programs designated by the President to be 

of the highest national priority.

    (b) DOC may issue a Directive to compel a contractor or supplier to 

accept a rated order, to rearrange production or delivery schedules, or 

to improve shipments against particular rated orders. Directives issued 

by DOC take precedence over all rated and unrated orders as stated in 

the Directive.

    (c) In addition to any other contractual requirements, a valid rated 

order must contain (see 15 CFR 700.12) the following:

    (1) A priority rating consisting of the appropriate DO or DX rating 

symbol and a program of identification symbol to indicate the authorized 

program (see Schedule I of the DPAS).

    (2) A required delivery date or delivery dates.

    (3) The signature of an individual authorized by the agency to sign 

rated orders.

    (d) The DPAS has the following three basic elements which are 

essential to the operation of the system:

    (1) Mandatory acceptance of rated orders. A rated order shall be 

accepted by a contractor or supplier unless rejected for the reasons 

provided for mandatory rejection in 15 CFR 700.13(b), or for optional 

rejection in 15 CFR 700.13(c).

    (2) Mandatory extension of priority ratings throughout the 

acquisition chain. Contractors and suppliers receiving rated orders 

shall extend priority ratings to subcontractors or vendors when 

acquiring items to fill the rated orders (see 15 CFR 700.15).

    (3) Priority scheduling of production and delivery. Contractors and 

suppliers receiving rated orders shall give the rated orders priority 

over other contracts as needed to meet delivery requirements (see 15 CFR 

700.14).

    (e) Agencies shall provide contracting activities with specific 

guidance on the issuance of rated orders in support of agency programs.

    (f) Contracting officers shall follow agency procedural instructions 

concerning the use of rated orders in support of agency programs.



[[Page 192]]



    (g) Contracting officers, contractors, or subcontractors at any 

tier, that experience difficulty placing rated orders, obtaining timely 

delivery under rated orders, locating a contractor or supplier to fill a 

rated order, ensuring that rated orders receive preferential treatment 

by contractors or suppliers, or require rating authority for items not 

automatically ratable under the DPAS, should promptly seek special 

priorities assistance in accordance with agency procedures (see 15 CFR 

700.50-700.55).

    (h) Contracting officers shall report promptly any violations of the 

DPAS to DOC in accordance with agency procedures.



[51 FR 19714, May 30, 1986, as amended at 56 FR 41744, Aug. 22, 1991]