(a) Contract forms.

(1) The borrower shall use RUS Form 198, Equipment Contract, for purchases of equipment where the total cost of the contract is more than $1,000,000.

(2) The borrower may, in its discretion, use RUS Form 198, Equipment Contract, or a written purchase order equal to $1,000,000 or less for purchases of equipment, and for all materials.

(b) Standards and specifications. Distribution line materials and equipment must meet the minimum requirements of RUS standards as determined in accordance with the provisions of part 1728 of this chapter, Electric Standards and Specifications for Materials and Construction. The borrower must obtain RUS approval prior to purchasing any unlisted distribution line material or equipment of the types listed in accordance with the provisions of part 1728 of this chapter.

(c) Procurement procedures. It is the responsibility of each borrower to determine the procurement method that best meets its needs for the purchase of material and equipment to be used in distribution line construction.

(d) Contract approval. Contracts for purchases of distribution line materials and equipment are not subject to RUS approval and need not be submitted to RUS unless specifically requested by RUS on a case by case basis.

[60 FR 10155, Feb. 23, 1995, as amended at 69 FR 7109, Feb. 13, 2004; 77 FR 3072, Jan. 23, 2012]