DATE: December 21, 2023
SUBJECT: CAAC Letter 2020-04 Supplement 1, Class Deviation from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to Eliminate Hard Copy Original Documents, Signatures, Notarization, Seals on Bonds and Other Seals for Certain Contract Requirements
SUMMARY: The subject Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC) letter allows agencies to authorize a class deviation pursuant to the CAAC letter notwithstanding the termination of the national emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic, pursuant to Public Law 118-3, which was signed into law on April 10, 2023. The letter encourages agencies to issue or utilize existing FAR deviations to allow greater flexibility by eliminating the requirement for hard copy original documents, original signatures, notarization, seals on bonds and other scenarios confronting the acquisition workforce in this electronic age.
CAAC Letter 2020-04 Supplement 1 was issued on May 12, 2023, in order to allow agencies to continue using the flexibilities provided for in the original CAAC letter, which was issued on May 1, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplement 1 to the CAAC letter includes updated FAR text identifying additions and deletions that contracting officers are to use. Revisions to FAR part 28 (Bonds and Insurance), and associated clauses; subpart 32.8 (Assignment of Claims); and subpart 42.12 (Novation and Change-of-Name Agreements) are among the changes included.
The DOE class deviation and CAAC Letter 2020-04 Supplement 1 with FAR Deviation Text are attached.
Questions concerning this policy flash should be directed to the Contract and Financial Assistance Policy Division at DOE_oapmpolicy@hq.doe.gov.