Policies
FAR 47.101 mandates efficient, impartial, and compliant transportation of government property, prioritizing commercial carriers and adherence to statutory requirements.
Overview
FAR 47.101 outlines the policies governing the transportation of government property, focusing on the use of commercial and government transportation resources, efficient management, and compliance with statutory requirements. It establishes the preferred use of commercial carriers, sets conditions for using government-owned or leased vehicles, and mandates impartiality in selecting transportation modes and carriers. The section also emphasizes the importance of involving transportation management expertise, supporting small businesses, and adhering to specific statutes like the Fly America Act and Cargo Preference Act. Contracting officers and contract administration offices are given clear responsibilities for ensuring efficient, economical, and compliant transportation of government supplies, both domestically and internationally.
Key Rules
- Use of Bills of Lading
- Domestic shipments should use commercial bills of lading; government bills of lading are reserved for international or special cases.
- Efficient Transportation Management
- CAOs must ensure instructions to contractors promote efficient and economical transportation, with support from transportation personnel.
- Traffic Management Advice
- Contracting officers must seek transportation expertise for solicitations, awards, contract modifications, and property movement.
- Preferred Transportation Methods
- Commercial carriers are preferred; government vehicles may be used only under specific conditions (availability, economy, compliance).
- Impartiality in Carrier Selection
- Agencies must not favor any transportation mode or carrier, except as specifically permitted.
- Small Business Participation
- Agencies must place transportation-related contracts with small businesses as required by FAR Part 19.
- Statutory Compliance
- Agencies must comply with the Fly America Act, Cargo Preference Act, and related statutes for air and ocean transport.
- Shipping Documentation
- Contractors must use appropriate shipping documents as directed when the government pays transportation costs.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Authorize appropriate bills of lading, seek transportation advice, ensure compliance with statutes, and avoid preferential treatment in carrier selection.
- Contractors: Use prescribed shipping documents, comply with CAO/agency instructions, and support efficient transportation.
- Agencies/CAOs: Oversee efficient transportation, support small business participation, and ensure statutory compliance.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures government shipments are managed efficiently, economically, and lawfully, reducing costs and legal risks.
- Contractors must be prepared to follow specific shipping instructions and documentation requirements.
- Common pitfalls include unauthorized use of government vehicles, failure to comply with statutory requirements, and preferential treatment of carriers.