47.404
Air freight forwarders
Agencies and air freight forwarders must ensure proper documentation and justification when using international air carriers, prioritizing U.S.-flag carriers for government-financed shipments.
Overview
FAR 47.404 outlines the requirements for agencies and contractors when using air freight forwarders engaged in international air transportation for U.S. Government-financed shipments. It emphasizes the need for compliance with rules regarding the use of U.S.-flag air carriers and proper documentation to ensure prompt payment and regulatory adherence.
Key Rules
- Use of International Air Freight Forwarders
- Agencies may utilize international air freight forwarders for government shipments, but must ensure that the carriers used comply with applicable regulations, including those on disallowance of expenditures for non-compliance (referencing 47.403-3(a)).
- Documentation for Payment
- Air freight forwarders must submit a copy of the airway bill or manifest showing the air carriers used, and provide justification for any use of foreign-flag air carriers, similar to the requirements in FAR clause 52.247-63.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure that air freight forwarders and carriers comply with U.S.-flag carrier requirements and that proper documentation is collected.
- Contractors (Air Freight Forwarders): Submit required documentation (airway bill/manifest and justification for foreign-flag use) with payment requests.
- Agencies: Inform forwarders of documentation requirements and enforce compliance with carrier selection rules.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures transparency and compliance with U.S.-flag air carrier preferences, supporting U.S. economic and security interests.
- Proper documentation expedites payment and reduces the risk of disallowed expenditures.
- Common pitfalls include failure to provide required justification for foreign-flag carrier use or incomplete documentation, leading to payment delays or non-compliance findings.