1.603-3 Appointment
Source: FAR 1.603-3 on acquisition.gov
Contracting officers must be formally appointed in writing using SF 1402, while micro-purchase authority can be delegated in writing without SF 1402, following agency procedures.
Overview
FAR 1.603-3 outlines the formal process for appointing contracting officers and delegating micro-purchase authority within federal agencies. It specifies that contracting officers must be appointed in writing using the SF 1402, Certificate of Appointment, which must clearly state any limitations on their authority. The regulation also requires appointing officials to maintain records of all active appointments. For micro-purchase authority, agency heads are encouraged to delegate this authority to qualified individuals, such as agency employees or Armed Forces members, who will use the supplies or services. These individuals do not require an SF 1402 but must receive written appointment per agency procedures.
Key Rules
- Contracting Officer Appointment
- Must be in writing on SF 1402, stating any authority limitations.
- Recordkeeping
- Appointing officials must keep files of all current (non-terminated) appointments.
- Micro-Purchase Authority Delegation
- Agency heads may delegate micro-purchase authority in writing to eligible individuals without using SF 1402, following agency-specific procedures.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure they have a valid SF 1402 with any limitations clearly stated.
- Contractors: Should verify the authority of contracting officers they interact with.
- Agencies: Must maintain appointment records and follow proper procedures for delegating micro-purchase authority.
Practical Implications
- Ensures only properly appointed individuals can obligate the government.
- Reduces risk of unauthorized commitments.
- Agencies must have robust recordkeeping and clear delegation procedures to remain compliant.
(a) Contracting officers shall be appointed in writing on an https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/certificate-appointment" target="_blank">SF 1402, Certificate of Appointment, which shall state any limitations on the scope of authority to be exercised, other than limitations contained in applicable law or regulation. Appointing officials shall maintain files containing copies of all appointments that have not been terminated.
(b) Agency heads are encouraged to delegate micro-purchase authority to individuals who are employees of an executive agency or members of the Armed Forces of the United States who will be using the supplies or services being purchased. Individuals delegated this authority are not required to be appointed on an https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/certificate-appointment" target="_blank">SF 1402, but shall be appointed in writing in accordance with agency procedures.