Part 304--Administrative Matters, Subpart 304.8 -- Government Contract Files

HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR)

Subpart 304.8--Government Contract Files

Sections on this page:

304.803-70 Contract/order file organization and use of checklists.
304.804-70 Contract closeout audits.

304.803-70 Contract/order file organization and use of checklists.

(a) To provide a consistent approach to the organization and content of HHS contract and order files, OPDIVs shall use the folder filing system and accompanying file checklists specified in 304.803-70(b), in accordance with the guidance therein and the instructions specified as “Contract and Order File Folders, Checklists, and Instructions. The checklists are available at: http://www.hhs.gov/asfr/ogapa/acquisition/acquisitionpolicies.html.

(b) The checklist requirements apply to files for (i) negotiated, sealed-bid, and Architect-Engineer (A & E) acquisitions; (ii) orders awarded and BPAs established under General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts; (iii) orders placed under all types of indefinite-delivery contracts, including task orders under Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs); and (iv) modifications under the types of acquisitions specified in (i), (ii), and (iii). Simplified acquisitions, including those for commercial items, are exempt from these checklist requirements. However, HHS contracting activities shall adhere to the simplified acquisition file documentation and retention requirements of FAR 13.106-3(b). For commercial item acquisitions using the negotiated or sealed bid methods, HHS contracting activities shall use the applicable checklist.

(1) A complete contract or order file may consist of the following folders that are titled as indicated below for the specified acquisition methods:

Acquisition Method	Folder Title	Folder Title	Folder Title	Folder Title
Negotiated	Presolicitation to Award	Unsuccessful Proposals	Administration and Closeout	Reports and Deliverables
Sealed-bid	Presolicitation to Award	Unsuccessful Bids	Administration and Closeout	N/A
A & E	Preannouncement to Award	Unsuccessful Qualifications Statements	Administration and Closeout	Reports and Deliverables
Task orders	Presolicitation to Award	Unsuccessful Proposals	Administration and Closeout	Reports and Deliverables
GSA FSS	Presolicitation to Award	Unsuccessful Quotations/Oral Presentations	Administration and Closeout	N/A

(2) Although the use of the checklists is mandatory, each OPDIV contracting office is permitted to make certain checklist changes or additions as specified in “Use and modification of checklists” under “File checklists and tab dividers” in the instructions.

(3) OPDIVs using or planning to use electronic filing capabilities shall adhere to the folder and tab nomenclature requirements identified herein to the maximum extent practicable.

304.804-70 Contract closeout audits.

(a) Contracting Officers shall rely, to the maximum extent possible, on single audits to close physically completed cost-reimbursement contracts with colleges and universities, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and State and local governments. In addition, where appropriate, a sample of these contracts or an individual contract may be selected for audit, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Contracting Officers shall request contract closeout audits on physically completed, cost-reimbursement, contracts with for-profit organizations in accordance with the following:

(1) The OIG and the Associate DAS for Acquisition, in conjunction with the OPDIV’s cost advisory/audit focal point, determine which contracts or contractors will be audited, which audit agency will perform the audit, and the type and scope of closeout audit to be performed. These decisions are based on the needs of the customer, risk analysis, return on investment, and the availability of audit resources. When an audit is warranted prior to closing a contract, the Contracting Officer shall submit the audit request to the OIG’s Office of Audit Services, through the OPDIV’s cost advisory/audit focal point.

(2) Except where a Contracting Officer suspects misrepresentation or fraud, the Contracting Officer shall not request contract closeout field audits, if the cost of performance is likely to exceed the potential cost recovery. Contracting Officers may close contracts that are not selected for a field audit on the basis of a desk review, subject to any later on-site audit findings. In those situations, the release executed by the contractor shall contain the following statement: “The Contractor agrees, pursuant to the clause in this contract entitled "Allowable Cost" or "Allowable Cost and Fixed Fee," as appropriate, that it will refund to the Government the amount of any sustained audit exceptions resulting from any audit made after final payment."

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