401.371 USDA Contracting Desk Book.

(a) The SPE may issue and update the USDA Contracting Desk Book, consistent with the policies of the FAR and the AGAR, for the following purposes:

(1) To communicate Department-wide policy and/or procedural guidance to contracting activities;

(2) To delegate to procurement officials the authority to make determinations or to take action to implement the policies of the FAR or the AGAR; and,

(3) To establish internal policy and procedures on an interim basis, prior to incorporation in the AGAR or in a Departmental Directive.

(b) The USDA Contracting Desk Book is only available in electronic format on the USDA procurement website.