a Bey 
"From the description and photographs of the vehicles, models 
625-A and 627-A (Roadster with either open slip-on body or closed 
slip-on body) it is clear that they are designed and constructed: 
for use primarily as passenger-carrying vehicles within the meaning — 
of that term as used in the act of July 16, 1914, supra. The fact 
that the vehicles are so constructed that they may be used for the 
transportation of repair material, tools, testing equipment, etc., 
by attaching a slip-on body does not authorize considering them 
as other than passenger-carrying. vehicles, the slip-on body poet: 
an accessory and not an integral part of the vehicle. 
"Answering your question specifically you are advised thee the 
proposed purchase of the models 625-A and 627-A, as outlined in ~ 
your letter, would be in direct contravention of the provisions of 
the act of July 16, 1914, supra. 
"With reference to the de luxe delivery car, it appears from the 
description and photograph that while it is designed to resemble 
a passenger-—carrying vehicle and to carry at least one passenger 
in addition to the driver, it is not designed and constructed 
for use primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle within the term 
as used in the said act of July 16, 1914, supra. See Comp. Sec. 
58; 26 id. 904; 27 id. 1016; 3 Comp. Gen. 900. Therefore iim 
can be shown that such a vehicle is necessary to meet the re- 
quirements for which its purchase is proposed — that is, that no 
Cheaper vehicle will meet the actual needs of the service — its 
purchase would be authorized. 
A-26841, page 647: Contracts — Damages — Contracting Officer's 
Authority. 
"No officer of the Government is authorized to enter into a con-— 
tract whereby the United States is made to assume all liability 
in an indefinite amount for all damage or injury to persons or 
property that may result during the progress of the work, and such 
provision made in a contract is null and void, the contracting offi- 
cer having exceeded his authority in entering into such agreement. 
Vol. 9, A-280035, page 23: Debarment of Bidders 
"There is no authority under sec. 3709, Revised Statutes, for the 
permanent debarment of bidders for furnishing supplies to the War 
Department, but where past performances have been unsatisfactory 
through attempt to defraud the Government, instructions may be is-— 
sued to reject all bids of such contractor until such time as the 
contractor is able to submit satisfactory assurances of the dis— 
continuance of such practices. 
A-27950, page 24: Bidders — Proposals — Modification. 
"Under section 3709, Revised Statutes, there is no authority to 
permit a bidder to modify its proposal which failed to comply with 
the specifications after the bids have been opened when other bids 
received do comply with the specifications and are reasonable in 
price. 
