(a) It is the policy of the Federal Government to award appropriate contracts to eligible labor surplus area concerns, to place production facilities in labor surplus areas, and to make the best use of our natural, industrial and labor resources in order to achieve the following objectives:

(1) To preserve management and employee skills necessary to the fulfillment of Government contracts and purchases;

(2) To maintain productive facilities;

(3) To improve utilization of the Nation's total economic potential by making use of the labor force resources of each area; and

(4) To help ensure timely delivery of required goods and services and to promote readiness for mobilization by locating procurement where the needed labor force and facilities are fully available.

(b) This policy is consonant with the intent of Public Law 95-89 and Public Law 95-507 as implemented by E.O. 12073. In carrying out this policy, Federal departments and agencies shall be guided by E.O. 12073, the policy direction of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and implementing regulations.