The restriction in section 225.7023-2 does not apply to acquisitions—

1. (a) Of covered items for use outside of the United States;
2. (b) At or below $200,000; or

3. (c)

   1. (1) If the head of the contracting activity determines that a covered item of satisfactory quality and quantity, in the required form, cannot be procured as and when needed from nations other than a covered country to meet requirements at a reasonable price.
   2. (2) The contracting officer shall include a copy of any such determination in the contract file.

[88 FR 6603, Jan. 31, 2023, as amended at 90 FR 41486, Aug. 25, 2025]