[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: 48CFR309.405] [Page 27] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 3--HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PART 309_CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS--Table of Contents Subpart 309.4_Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility Sec. 309.405 Effect of listing. (a) The head of the contracting activity (HCA) (not delegable) may, with the written concurrence of the debarring or suspending official, make the determinations referenced in FAR 9.405(a), regarding contracts for their respective activities. (1) If a contracting officer considers it necessary to award a contract, or consent to a subcontract with a debarred or suspended contractor, the contracting officer shall prepare a determination, including all pertinent documentation, and submit it through acquisition channels to the head of the contracting activity. The documentation must include the date by which approval is required and a compelling reason for the proposed action. Some examples of circumstances that may constitute a compelling reason for the award to, or consent to a subcontract with, a debarred or suspended contractor include: (i) The property or services to be acquired are available only from the listed contractor; (ii) The urgency of the requirement dictates that the Department deal with the listed contractor; or (iii) There are other compelling reasons which require business dealings with the listed contractor. (2) If the HCA decides to approve the requested action, he/she shall request the concurrence of the debarring or suspending official and, if given, shall inform the contracting officer in writing of the decision within the required time period.