The General Services Administration Nov 8 published official notification of the creation of a new consolidated board of contract appeals, which takes effect Jan. 6, 2007 that will hear contract appeals for all federal government civilian agencies.  The new board consolidates existing boards of contract appeals for the GSA and departments of Agriculture, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.  Board judges and other personnel will transfer to the new Civilian Board.  Supporter say the consolidation will make procedures easier by providing a single set of rules of all Contract Disputes Act appeals involving civilian agencies while some critics warn it may result in the erosion of existing subject matter expertise (Fed. Reg. 65825).

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