109-1.5109—Control of sensitive items.
This subpart provides guidance on DOE standards and practices to be applied in the management of personal property. The standards and practices that apply to equipment shall be based on the unit acquisition cost threshold specified in the definition of equipment contained in section § 109-1.100-51 of this part. No other acquisition cost threshold shall apply.
Personal property shall be used only in the performance of official work of the United States Government, except:
(b)
As otherwise authorized by law and approved by the Director, Office of Administrative Services; heads of field organizations for their respective organizations; or a contracting officer for contractor-held property.
Personal property management practices shall assure the best possible use of personal property. Supplies and equipment shall be generally limited to those items essential for carrying out the programs of DOE efficiently.
(a)
Personal property which is not excess and would otherwise be out of service for temporary periods may be loaned to other DOE offices and contractors, other Federal agencies, and to others for official purposes. The loan request shall be in writing, stating the purpose of the loan and period of time required. The loan shall be executed on DOE Form 4420.2, Personal Property Loan Agreement or computer generated equivalent when approved in writing by the OPMO or on-site DOE property administrator. When approved, a memorandum transmitting the loan agreement shall be prepared identifying the loan period, delivery time, method of payment and transportation, and point of delivery and return, to ensure proper control and protect DOE's interest. The loan period shall not exceed one year, but may be renewed in one year increments. Second renewals of loan agreements shall be reviewed and justified at a level of management at least two levels above that of the individual making the determination to loan the property. Third renewals shall be approved by the head of the field organization or designee.
(b)
Requests for loans to foreign Governments and other foreign organizations shall be submitted to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Energy Policy, Trade and Investment for approval, with a copy to the cognizant Headquarters program office.
(a)
DOE organizations and designated contractors are encouraged to borrow personal property within DOE to further DOE programs. Property classified as Equipment Held For Future Projects (EHFFP) or as In Standby should be reviewed by those receiving availability inquiries for short-term use (one year or less). Borrowing of Government personal property from other Federal agencies is also encouraged when required for short periods of time. Such transactions shall be covered by written agreements which include all terms of the transaction.
(b)
In determining whether it is practical and economical to borrow personal property, consideration shall be given to suitability, condition, value, extent and nature of use, extent of availability, portability, cost of transportation, and other similar factors.
(c)
Adequate records and controls shall be established and maintained for borrowed property to ensure its proper control and prompt return to the lender.
(a)
Personal property shall be marked “U.S. Government property” (if marking space is limited, property may be marked “U.S. DOE”) subject to the criteria below. The markings shall be securely affixed to the property, legible, and conspicuous. Examples of appropriate marking media are bar code labels, decals, and stamping.
(1)
Equipment and sensitive items shall be marked “U.S. Government property” and numbered for control purposes.
(2)
Administratively controlled property and other personal property susceptible to unauthorized personal use should be marked “U.S. Government property” and numbered for control purposes.
(b)
Personal property which by its nature cannot be marked, such as stores items, metal stock, etc., is exempted from this requirement.
(c)
To the extent practicable and economical, markings shall be removed prior to disposal outside of DOE, or, if removal is impractical, additional permanent markings must be added to indicate such disposal.
Ordinarily, contractor-owned personal property shall be segregated from Government personal property. Commingling of Government and contractor-owned personal property may be allowed only when:
(a)
The segregation of the property would materially hinder the progress of the work (i.e., segregation is not feasible for reasons such as small quantities, lack of space, or increased costs); and
(b)
Control procedures are adequate (i.e., the Government property is specifically marked or otherwise identified as Government property).
Controls such as property pass systems, memorandum records, regular or intermittent gate checks, and/or perimeter fencing shall be established as appropriate to prevent loss, theft, or unauthorized removal of property from the premises on which such personal property is located.
The contractor's property control records shall provide the following basic information for every accountable item of Government personal property in the contractor's possession and any other data elements required by specific contract provisions:
(e)
Unit acquisition cost (including delivery and installation cost, when appropriate, and unit of measure).
(a)
A list of types of personal property considered to be sensitive shall be developed and maintained by each DOE activity/site, taking into consideration value, costs of administration, need for control, and other factors that management determines should apply.
(b)
Items of equipment which are also designated as sensitive items will be controlled as sensitive items and as equipment.
(2)
Establishment of controls in the central receiving and warehousing department, such as extraordinary physical protection, handling, and maintenance of a current listing of sensitive items;
(ii)
Requirement for efficient physical and administrative control of sensitive items assigned for general use within an organizational unit as appropriate to the type of property and the circumstances;
(8)
Requirement for an employee transfer or termination check-out procedure and examination and adjustment of records;
(10)
A clear statement of the extent of responsibility for financial accountability depending upon contractor policy; and
(11)
Other procedures which have demonstrated efficient physical and administrative control over sensitive items.