Subpart 1837.1—Service Contracts—General

Pension portability means the recognition and continuation in a successor service contract of the predecessor service contract employees' pension rights and benefits.

(b) Section 203(c)(9) of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (42 U.S.C. 2473(c)(9)) authorizes NASA “to obtain services as authorized by Section 3109 of Title 5, United States Code.” It is NASA policy to obtain the personal services of experts and consultants by appointment rather than by contract. The policies, responsibilities, and procedures pertaining to the appointment of experts and consultants are in NPR 3300.1, Appointment of Personnel To/From NASA, Chapter 4, Employment of Experts and Consultants.

(a) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.237–70, Emergency Evacuation Procedures, in solicitations and contracts for on-site support services where emergency evacuations of the NASA installation may occur, e.g., snow, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or other emergencies.

(b) The contracting officer shall insert the clause at 1852.237–71, Pension Portability, in solicitations, contracts or negotiated contract modifications for additional work when the procurement officer makes the determination in 1837.170(a)(2).

(a) It is NASA's policy not to require pension portability in service contracts. However, pension portability requirements may be included in solicitations, contracts, or contract modifications for additional work under the following conditions:

(1)

(i) There is a continuing need for the same or similar services for a minimum of five years (inclusive of options), and, if the contractor changes, a high percentage of the predecessor contractor's employees are expected to remain with the program; or

(ii) The employees under a predecessor contract were covered by a portable pension plan, a follow-on contract or a contract consolidating existing services is awarded, and the total contract period covered by the plan covers a minimum of five years (including both the predecessor and successor contracts); and

(2) The procurement officer determines in writing, with full supporting rationale, that such a requirement is in the Government's best interest. The procurement officer shall maintain a record of all such determinations.

(b) When pension portability is required, the plan shall comply with the requirements of the clause at 1852.237–71, Pension Portability, (see 1837.110–70(b)), and the contract shall also include a clear description of the plan, including service, pay, liabilities, vesting, termination, and benefits from prior contracts.