North Rim Restoration Act
What changed between versions
Removed the requirement for a Presidential emergency or disaster declaration before the Secretary can use emergency acquisition flexibilities under FAR Part 18. The authority now applies regardless of whether a presidential declaration has been made.
Added explicit safeguards stating that sole-source contracts under Section 4 do not modify, amend, or extend any existing concession contract, do not provide leasehold surrender interests, and do not authorize the award of any concession contract without full compliance with applicable concession contracting law.
Added explicit language listing 'increased micro-purchase thresholds, simplified acquisition thresholds, and other higher-level emergency flexibilities' to clarify the scope of available contracting flexibilities.
Added paragraph (5) to the emergency contracting authority covering 'any activity listed in section 4(a),' tying the new sole-source procurement activities into the emergency contracting framework.
Added an entirely new Section 4 granting limited sole-source (noncompetitive) procurement authority for planning, design, repair, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, stabilization, replacement, or operation of assets supporting North Rim recovery and reopening. Covered categories include employee housing, utility systems (water, wastewater, power, communications), visitor-facing facilities (lodging, food service, retail, transportation), and back-of-house assets.
Extended the expiration of emergency contracting authority from 5 years after enactment to 7 years after enactment.
Changed the second expiration condition from a simple statement that 'recovery efforts are complete' to 'the date on which projects and recovery efforts are completed, as determined by the Secretary,' giving the Secretary sole discretion to declare completion.
The sole-source authority requires the Secretary to determine in writing that the current North Rim concessioner is 'uniquely positioned' due to operational responsibilities, site access, integration with existing infrastructure, or continuity needs, AND that noncompetitive procedures are necessary for public health and safety, protection of park resources, or continuity of essential services.
