[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 4] [Revised as of October 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR301.603-3] [Page 8] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 3--HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PART 301_HHS ACQUISITION REGULATION SYSTEM--Table of Contents Subpart 301.6_Career Development, Contracting Authority, and Responsibilities Sec. 301.603-3 Appointment. (a) Contracting officer appointments shall be made at levels commensurate with nominees' certification levels as follows: (1) Level I--Purchasing Agent--Required for all personnel in the GS- 1102 and 1105 series having signature authority for simplified acquisitions, including orders from GSA sources over the micro-purchase threshold. (2) Level II--Acquisition Official--Required for all personnel in the GS-1102 series. Sufficient for delegation of contracting officer authority up to $500,000. (3) Level III--Senior Acquisition Official--Required for all personnel in the GS-1102 series for delegation of contracting officer authority above $500,000. (4) Level IV--Acquisition Manager--Required for delegation of pre- award review and approval authority as specified in subpart 304.71. (b) If it is essential to appoint an individual who does not fully meet the certification requirements of this section for the contracting officer authority sought, an interim appointment may be granted by the HCA. Interim appointments may not exceed one (1) year in total, and shall not be granted unless the individual can meet the certification requirements within one year from the date of appointment. If the certification requirements are not met by that date, the appointment will automatically terminate and cannot be renewed.