23.303 Notice of radioactive materials
Source: FAR 23.303 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must provide advance notice before delivering radioactive materials, allowing agencies to implement safety measures and comply with licensing requirements.
Overview
FAR 23.303 outlines the requirements for notifying the government about the delivery of radioactive materials under federal contracts. It mandates the use of clause 52.223-7, which requires contractors to provide advance notice to the contracting officer before delivering any radioactive materials. This process ensures that receiving activities are aware and can implement necessary safety measures. The regulation also allows for a waiver of the notification requirement if previous notifications remain valid, but only after consultation with technical representatives. Additionally, the contracting officer must specify, in coordination with the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO), the exact number of days' advance notice required, ensuring all necessary licenses or permits are in place before receipt of the material.
Key Rules
- Notification Requirement
- Contractors must notify the contracting officer before delivering radioactive materials, as per clause 52.223-7.
- Agency Safeguards
- Upon receiving notice, the contracting officer must inform receiving activities to ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Waiver Provision
- Notification can be waived if prior notifications are still valid, but only after consulting technical representatives.
- Advance Notice Period
- The contracting officer, in coordination with the RPO, must specify the required advance notice period in the contract clause.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure clause 52.223-7 is included, specify advance notice period, coordinate with RPO, notify receiving activities, and consider waiver requests appropriately.
- Contractors: Provide required advance notice before delivery, or request waiver if prior notification is still current.
- Agencies: Ensure proper licensing and safety measures are in place before receipt of radioactive materials.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to protect personnel and facilities from the hazards of radioactive materials by ensuring proper notification and preparation.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring coordination and documentation before delivery.
- Common pitfalls include failing to notify in time, not specifying the advance notice period, or neglecting to coordinate with the RPO.
(a) The clause at 52.223-7, Notice of Radioactive Materials, requires the contractor to notify the contracting officer prior to delivery of radioactive material.
(b) Upon receipt of the notice, the contracting officer shall notify receiving activities so that appropriate safeguards can be taken.
(c) The clause permits the contracting officer to waive the notification if the contractor states that the notification on prior deliveries is still current. The contracting officer may waive the notice only after consultation with cognizant technical representatives.
(d) The contracting officer is required to specify in the clause at 52.223-7, the number of days in advance of delivery that the contractor will provide notification. The determination of the number of days should be done in coordination with the installation/facility radiation protection officer (RPO). The RPO is responsible for ensuring the proper license, authorization, or permit is obtained prior to receipt of the radioactive material.