8.706 Purchase exceptions.
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(a) Ordering offices may acquire supplies or services on the Procurement List from commercial sources only if the acquisition is specifically authorized in a purchase exception granted by the designated central nonprofit agency.
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(b) The central nonprofit agency shall promptly grant purchase exceptions when-
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(1) The AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies cannot provide the supplies or services within the time required, and commercial sources can provide them significantly sooner in the quantities required; or
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(2) The quantity required cannot be produced or provided economically by the AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies.
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(c) The central nonprofit agency granting the exception shall specify the quantity and delivery or performance period covered by the exception.
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(d) When a purchase exception is granted, the contracting officer shall-
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(1) Initiate purchase action within 15 days following the date of the exception or any extension granted by the central nonprofit agency; and
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(2) Provide a copy of the solicitation to the central nonprofit agency when it is issued.
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(e) The Committee may also grant a purchase exception, under any circumstances it considers appropriate.