(a) Shipments of donated commodities are subject to the requirements of 46 U.S.C. 55305 and 55314, regarding carriage on U.S.-flag vessels.
(b) Transportation of donated commodities and other goods such as bags that may be provided by FAS under the McGovern-Dole Program will be acquired under a specific agreement in the manner determined by FAS. Such transportation will be acquired by:
(1) FAS in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), the Department's procurement regulations set forth in chapter 4 of title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the AGAR) and directives issued by the Director, Office of Procurement and Property Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture; or
(2) The participant, with reimbursement by FAS, in the manner specified in the agreement.
(c) A participant that acquires transportation in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section may only use the services of a freight forwarder that is licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and that would not have a conflict of interest in carrying out the freight forwarder duties. To assist FAS in determining whether there is a potential conflict of interest, the participant must submit to FAS a certification indicating that the freight forwarder:
(1) Is not engaged, and will not engage, in supplying commodities or furnishing ocean transportation or ocean transportation-related services for commodities provided under any McGovern-Dole Program agreement to which the participant is a party; and
(2) Is not affiliated with the participant and has not made arrangements to give or receive any payment, kickback, or illegal benefit in connection with its selection as an agent of the participant.
(d) A participant that is responsible for transportation under paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall declare in the transportation contract the point at which the ocean carrier will take custody of commodities to be transported.