Section 401.371 - USDA Contracting Desk Book(a) The SPE may issue and update the USDA Contracting Desk Book, consistent with the policies of the FAR and the AGAR, for the following purposes: (1) To communicate Department-wide policy and/or procedural guidance to contracting activities;(2) To delegate to procurement officials the authority to make determinations or to take action to implement the policies of the FAR or the AGAR; and,(3) To establish internal policy and procedures on an interim basis, prior to incorporation in the AGAR or in a Departmental Directive.(b) The USDA Contracting Desk Book is only available in electronic format on the USDA procurement website.61 FR 53646, Oct. 15, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 44 , Jan. 3, 2005