How FAR is the FAR when Devastation is involved?

by Dannie E. James Sr.
Government Business CoachSultants LLC


Early part of March 2011, I realize just how far the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) traveled. I spend an enormous amount of time researching and understanding the Federal Acquisition Regulation and other government regulations to support the goals and objectives of government agencies contracting departments as well as contractors attempting to do business with the government. What got my attention during my research and training is that this regulation among others stretches beyond the United States. Places located in the Asian Pacific known as Yokosuka Japan, the home of the Commander Navy Installation Command (CNIC) is also required to comply with this regulation.

I was selected to provide a series of training to the U.S. Fleet & Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Contracting Office at Yokosuka Japan in February 2011 with a delivery date of March 9 thru 11 2011, very significant dates. The training consist of a three day training workshop that covered; File Documentation, Sources Sought Justification and Fair & Reasonable Price Determination. Once I received the notice to proceed, I immediately started researching regulations outside, the FAR requirements that supported training foreign US Commands Contracting Departments. For the Asia Pacific, outside of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS) and the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), I had to brush up on the Navy Marine Corps Acquisition Regulations Supplement (NMCARS) and the U.S. Fleet & Industrial Supply Center Acquisition Supplement.

After conducting such a detailed assessment of other regulations requirements, I decided to research things to do in Japan and what the weather would possibly be like. I wanted to ensure I got some site seeing in and I wanted to dress appropriately while in Japan. The forecast weather was determined to be high 40 degrees for that area during my visit and there were plenty of sites to see. I was more than ready to complete my workshop before even getting started.

Fast forward after my workshop; on March 11th I was walking back to the Yokosuka Navy Lodge located on the base. I walked through a tunnel which was nearly 40 meters long. Mid way in the tunnel I was jolt with a force that nearly through me into oncoming traffic in the tunnel. Not familiar with the earth moving such as this I wasn’t sure what had happen. My view was limited due to the fact that I was in the tunnel and I could only see the opening and the rear of the tunnel. After I made it to through the end of the tunnel I received another jolt that nearly knocked me to my knees. I immediate realize that this was not normal.

After observing everyone outside their buildings and finally making it to Navy Lodge, I realize that I had experienced an earthquake. From the initial jolt in the tunnel, and routine evacuations of our hotel, until my arrival back to the United States March 13th , I had never experienced anything of this magnitude and devastation. Yokosuka Japan Navy Base is located on the water; we experience high water rushing land but never experience a true Tsunami. With the thought of water rushing on land at 400 miles an hour and 40 feet high surely put fear in ones thoughts.

So you ask me how FAR is the FAR when Devastation is involved? I say it is as FAR as Yokosuka Japan where contracting regulations remain the same. Let’s continue to pray for those who were effective by the earthquake and the Tsunami in Japan.




Stay in touch with BIE Media Group: http://biemediagroup.com

Sphere: Related Content