This Clause requires that items offered for sale to VA under the solicitation conform to certain technical industry standards, such as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) and that the contractor furnish evidence to VA that the items meet that requirement. The evidence is normally in the form of a tag or seal affixed to the item, such as a label on beef product. In most cases, this requires no additional effort on the part of the contractor, as the items come from the factory with the tags already in place, as part of the manufacturer's standard manufacturing operation. Only firms whose products have not previously been tested to ensure the products meet the industry standards required under the solicitation and contract will be required to submit a separate certificate. The information will be used to ensure that the items being purchased meet minimum safety standards and to protect VA employees, VA beneficiaries, and the public.
The average burden time per response has not changed. However, due to the decreased number of respondents, the total annual burden hours decreased by 666, from 1,225 to 559.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
60-Day 84FR29285 21JUN2019.pdf
2900-0586 Supporting Statement 21AUG2019 (30-Day FRN).docx
VA Acquisition Regulation Clause 852.211-72 Technical Industry Standards