---
kind: "section"
citation: "30 C.F.R. § 556.511"
title: "30"
number: "556.511"
heading: "Are there restrictions on bidding with others and do those restrictions affect my ability to bid?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/30/556.511"
---

# §556.511. Are there restrictions on bidding with others and do those restrictions affect my ability to bid?


The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, [42 U.S.C. 6213](/usc/42/6213.md), prohibits joint bidding by major oil and gas producers under certain circumstances. BOEM implements [42 U.S.C. 6213](/usc/42/6213.md) as follows:

- (a) **BOEM publishes twice yearly in the <I>Federal Register</I> a restricted joint bidders list.** A person appearing on this list is limited in its ability to submit a joint bid. The list:
  - (1) Consists of the persons chargeable with an average worldwide daily production in excess of 1.6 million barrels of crude oil and/or its equivalent in natural gas liquids and natural gas for the prior production period; and
  - (2) Is based upon the statement of production that filed as required by [§ 556.513](/cfr/30/556.513.md).
- (b) If BOEM places you on the restricted joint bidders list, BOEM will send you a copy of the order placing you on the list. You may appeal this order to the Interior Board of Land Appeals under [30 CFR part 590](/cfr/30/part590.md), subpart A.
- (c) If you are listed in the Federal Register in any group of restricted bidders, you may not bid:
  - (1) Jointly with another person in any other group of restricted bidders for the applicable 6-month bidding period; or
  - (2) Separately during the 6-month bidding period if you have an agreement with another restricted bidder that will result in joint ownership in an OCS lease.
- (d) If you are listed in the Federal Register in any group of restricted bidders, you may not make any pre-bidding agreement for the conveyance of any potential lease interest, whether by assignment, sale, transfer, or other means, to any person on the list of restricted joint bidders.
- (e) Even if you are not listed in the Federal Register in any group of restricted bidders, you are prohibited from making any pre-bidding agreement for the assignment, sale, transfer, or other conveyance of any potential lease interest to two or more persons in different groups on the list of restricted joint bidders.
- (f) As a bidder, you are prohibited from unlawful combination with, or intimidation of, bidders under [18 U.S.C. 1860](/usc/18/1860.md).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 6213; 43 U.S.C. 1334.

### Source

Source: 81 FR 18152, Mar. 30, 2016, unless otherwise noted.