DFARS Changes The following changes to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement were published in the June 25 Federal Register: A final rule addresses requirements for information assurance in the acquisition of information technology. The rule implements policy issued by the National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee. DFARS Case 2002-D020] An interim rule implements Section 331 of the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act. Section 331 provides authority for contractor performance of firefighting functions at military installations or facilities for periods of one year or less, if the functions would otherwise have to be performed by members of the armed forces who are not readily available by reason of a deployment. DFARS Case 2003-D107 A final rule adds 10 new European Union member states to the list of designated countries whose products DOD may acquire under the Trade Agreements Act. Suppliers of eligible products of these member states may participate in U.S. Government procurements without discriminatory treatment. DFARS Case 2004-D006 A final rule removes obsolete text pertaining to the use of FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) procedures for performance-based contracting for services. The statutory authority upon which this text was based has expired. DFARS Case 2003-D111 Proposed Rules Comments on the following proposed rules are due by August 24: To update text pertaining to selection of firms for architect-engineer contracts. This proposed rule is a result of DOD’s transformation initiative. To improve payment and billing instructions in DOD contracts. This is a result of the transformation initiative. DFARS Case 2003-D009 To extend the ending date for phasing out domestic source restrictions on the acquisition of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fiber. DFARS Case 2004-D002 To revise text regarding identification of contract awards under the Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program. This proposed rule is a result of the transformation initiative. DFARS Case 2003-D063