1. (c) For acquisitions of supplies covered by the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement, acquire only U.S.-made, qualifying country, or designated country end products unless—

2. (i) The contracting officer determines that offers of U.S.-made, qualifying country, or designated country end products from responsive, responsible offerors are either—

   1. (A) Not received; or
   2. (B) Insufficient to fill the Government's requirements. In this case, accept all responsive, responsible offers of U.S.-made, qualifying country, and eligible products before accepting any other offers;

3. (ii) A national interest waiver under 19 U.S.C. 2512(b)(2) is granted on a case-by-case basis. Except as delegated in paragraphs (c)(i)(A) and (B) of this section, submit any request for a national interest waiver to the Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy in accordance with department or agency procedures. Include supporting rationale with the request.

   1. (A) The head of the contracting activity may approve a national interest waiver for a purchase by an overseas purchasing activity, if the waiver is supported by a written statement from the requiring activity that the products being acquired are critical for the support of U.S. forces stationed abroad.
   2. (B) The Commander or Director, Defense Energy Support Center, may approve national interest waivers for purchases of fuel for use by U.S. forces overseas; or
4. (iii) The acquisition is in support of operations in Afghanistan (see 225.7704-1).

[68 FR 15619, Mar. 31, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 2363, Jan. 13, 2005; 75 FR 81916, Dec. 29, 2010; 76 FR 76320, Dec. 7, 2011; 88 FR 73236, Oct. 25, 2023; 89 FR 60831, July 29, 2024]