Capping decades of lobbying by contractors, the FAR Councils have issued an interim rule ending Federal Prison Industries’ mandatory source status in federal procurement, as required by the 2005 Appropriations Act.

Under the rule, contracting officers must do market research to determine whether a comparable product is available at a comparable price from private contractors before buying from FPI.

The interim rule was effective April 11. Comments are due by June 10. Comments must be identified by FAC 2005-03, FAR case 2003-023.

The Office of Federal Procurement Policy plans to remind government buyers that they must provide a written justification for any procurement that specifies a brand-name product.

OFPP’s deputy administrator, Robert Burton, said the office will send a memo to agencies reminding them of the FAR provisions, Government Computer News reported. Burton said RFQs for specific products are often found in IT procurements and office supply purchases.

The FAR Councils have issued a final rule requiring that all IT products must comply with the Section 508 accessibility requirements, effective April 1. Previously products costing less $2,500 were exempt from those requirements.