102-33.50—Under what circumstances may we acquire Government aircraft?

Your agency may acquire Government aircraft when you meet the requirements for operating an in-house aviation program contained in OMB Circular A-76, “Performance of Commercial Activities,” August 4, 1983 (available from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb), and when—
(a) For Federal aircraft—
(1) Aircraft are the optimum means of supporting your agency's official business;
(2) You do not have aircraft that can support your agency's official business safely (i.e., in compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations) and cost-effectively;
(3) No commercial or other Governmental source is available to provide aviation services safely (i.e., in compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations) and cost-effectively; and
(4) Congress has specifically authorized your agency to purchase, lease, or transfer aircraft and to maintain and operate those aircraft (see 31 U.S.C. 1343 ).
(b) For commercial aviation services (CAS)—
(1) Aircraft are the optimum means of supporting your agency's official business; and
(2) Using commercial aircraft and services is safe (i.e., conforms to applicable laws, safety standards, and regulations) and is more cost effective than using Federal aircraft, aircraft from any other Governmental source, or scheduled air carriers.