52.247-11 Net Weight-Household Goods or Office Furniture
Source: FAR 52.247-11 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must use certified scales and provide original weight certificates to ensure accurate billing for government household goods or office furniture moves.
Overview
FAR 52.247-11 establishes the procedures for determining the net weight of household goods or office furniture shipments under contracts involving the transportation or relocation of government employees or offices. The clause ensures accurate weight calculations for billing and compliance purposes by specifying how to weigh vehicles before and after loading, and mandates documentation requirements for contractors.
Key Rules
- Net Weight Determination (Full Loads)
- The net weight is calculated by subtracting the tare weight (empty vehicle with all equipment) from the gross weight (fully loaded vehicle), both measured by a certified weighmaster on a certified scale.
- Net Weight Determination (Part Loads)
- For part loads, the net weight of each subsequent load is determined by subtracting the previous gross weight from the new gross weight, following the same certified weighing procedures.
- Weight Certificates
- Contractors must attach the original weight certificate(s) to the invoice for services rendered.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure inclusion of this clause in applicable contracts and verify contractor compliance with weighing and documentation requirements.
- Contractors: Accurately determine net weights using certified scales and weighmasters, and provide original weight certificates with invoices.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and maintain records for audit and payment purposes.
Practical Implications
This clause exists to prevent disputes and ensure fair billing by standardizing weight determination for household goods and office furniture moves. It impacts daily operations by requiring precise weighing, certified documentation, and careful record-keeping. Common pitfalls include failure to use certified scales, improper documentation, or missing weight certificates, which can delay payment or result in noncompliance findings.
As prescribed in 47.207-4(b), insert the following clause in contracts for transportation or for transportation-related services when movements of Government employees’ household goods or relocations of Government offices are involved:
Net Weight-Household Goods or Office Furniture (Apr 1984)
(a) Net weight-full loads. The net weight of the shipment shall be determined by deducting the tare weight of the vehicle (determined by having a certified weighmaster weigh on a certified scale the empty vehicle with all blankets, pads, chains, dollies, hand trucks, and all other necessary equipment inside the vehicle) from the gross weight of the vehicle (determined by having a certified weighmaster weigh on a certified scale the fully loaded vehicle before arrival at destination).
(b) Net weight-part loads. The net weight of the first part load shall be determined in the same manner as specified for a full load. The net weight of the second part load shall be determined by using as the tare weight of the vehicle the gross weight of the vehicle containing the first part load and deducting this weight from the new gross weight (determined by having the loaded vehicle weighed again, in the same manner as specified for the full load). The same procedure shall apply for each succeeding part load.
(c) Weight certificates. The contractor shall attach the original copy of each weight certificate to the invoice for services.
(End of clause)