38 -- ONLINE REPRESENTATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS (ORCA)

ORCA NOTICE TO ALL CIVIL ENGINEERING UNIT OAKLAND CONTRACTORS: The use of Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) will soon become mandatory, based on upcoming Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) language (FAR Case 2002-024), with the start of the new fiscal year on 1 October 2004. ORCA was developed as part of the Business Partner Network (BPN), which is a component of the Integrated Acquisition Environment E-Gov initiative. It is a web-based system that centralizes, standardizes, and moves the collection and storing of FAR level representations and certifications online. The change to the FAR, effective 1 October 2004, will require representations and certifications to be completed and updated at least annually by vendors on-line through the ORCA. Contractors are required to have an active registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and a Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN) prior to registering in ORCA. ORCA is pre-populated with information found in CCR and the remaining reps and certs information is collected in the form of a questionnaire. Solicitation and agency specific representations and certifications may still be used and collected in Section K of the solicitations. Further Information on this initiative may be obtained from the ORCA website at http://www.bpn.gov/orca. This help menu includes ORCA background information, frequently asked questions (FAQ), and the ORCA Handbook and contact information for questions. Furthermore, a copy of the proposed final rule is attached. The Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy Electronic Business (OSD/DPAP-EB) and the Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE) will be conducting outreach and notification to vendors by bulk email to active registrants in CCR, by FedBizOpps notice, and through a posting on the CCR website. However, we request you engage in outreach and notification actions within the contracting community, and assist in disseminating this information to current and potential vendors.