Part 304--Administrative Matters, Subpart 304.70 and 304.71

HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR)

Sections on this page:

• Subpart 304.70--Acquisition Instrument Identification Numbering System
  • 304.7000 Scope of subpart.
  • 304.7001 Numbering acquisitions.
• Subpart 304.71--Review and Approval of Proposed Contract Actions
  • 304.7100 Policy.

Subpart 304.70--Acquisition Instrument Identification Numbering System

304.7000 Scope of subpart.

This subpart prescribes policy and procedures for assigning identification numbers to contracts and related instruments, including solicitation documents, purchase orders, and delivery orders. The HCA (non-delegable) shall establish a numbering system within an OPDIV.

304.7001 Numbering acquisitions.

(a) Acquisitions which require numbering. Contracting activities shall number the following acquisitions and related instruments in accordance with the system prescribed in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this section:

(1) Contracts, including letter contracts, that exceed the micro-purchase threshold or the acquisition of personal property or nonpersonal services. (NOTE: The Contracting Officer shall also assign the letter contract number to the superseding definitized contract.)    

(2) Basic ordering agreements (BOAs) and BPAs.

(3) Requests for proposals and invitations for bids.

(4) Requests for quotations.

(b) Numbering system for contracts. The Contracting Officer shall assign a number consisting of the following to all contracts which require numbering (paragraph (a)(1) of this section):

(1) The three-digit identification code (HHS) of the Department.

(2) A one-digit alphabetic identification code of the servicing agency.

(3) The three-digit numeric identification code assigned by ASFR/OGAPA/DA to the contracting office within the servicing agency.

(4) A four-digit fiscal year designation (e.g., 2009, 2010).

(5) A five-digit alphanumeric tracking number, the content of which is determined by the contracting office within the servicing agency.

(6) A one-digit code describing the type of contract action. (NOTE: When more than one code may apply in a specific situation, or for additional codes, refer to the DCIS Users’ Manual or consult with the cognizant DCIS coordinator/focal point for guidance on which code governs.):

For example, the National Cancer Institute, NIH, may number its first contract for fiscal year 2009 as HHSN261200900001C.

(c) Numbering system for orders. The Contracting Officer shall assign order numbers (e.g., task order numbers) to orders issued under contracts. The order number shall be up to a seventeen-digit number consisting of the following:

(1) The three-digit identification code (HHS) of the Department.

(2) A one-digit numeric identification code of the servicing agency:

(3) The three-digit numeric identification code assigned by ASFR/OGAPA/DA to the contracting office within the servicing agency.

(4) An alphanumeric tracking number, up to ten characters, the content of which is determined by the contracting office within the servicing agency.

(d) Numbering system for solicitations. The HCA is responsible for developing a numbering system for solicitations listed in paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section.

(e) Assignment of identification codes. ASFR/OGAPA/DA shall assign each contracting office a three-digit identification code. HCAs shall request from ASFR/OGAPA/DA the assignment of codes for newly established contracting offices. A listing of the contracting office identification codes currently in use is contained in the DCIS Users’ Manual, available at http://dcis.hhs.gov/manual.html.

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Subpart 304.71--Review and Approval of Proposed Contract Actions

304.7100 Policy.

(a) The HCA (non-delegable) shall establish review and approval procedures for proposed contract actions to ensure that—

(1) Contractual documents are in conformance with law, established policies and procedures, and sound business practices;

(2) Contract awards properly reflect the mutual understanding of the parties; and

(3) The Contracting Officer is informed of deficiencies and items of questionable acceptability, and takes corrective action. 

(b) The HCA shall designate acquisition officials to serve as reviewers. Each HCA shall establish the criteria for determining which contracts to review.

(c) Officials assigned responsibility for review and approval of contract actions shall possess qualifications in the field of acquisition commensurate with the level of review performed. However, if an official is to serve as the Contracting Officer and sign the contractual document, an appropriate official at least one level above the Contracting Officer shall perform the review and approval function.

(d) The Contracting Officer shall review all contractual documents, regardless of dollar value, prior to award to ensure the requirements of (a) above are met.

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• Part Subpart 305 Publicizing Contract Actions
• Detailed Table of Contents
• Division of Acquisition