Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Source: FAR 13 on acquisition.gov
FAR Part 13 streamlines federal acquisitions below certain thresholds, reducing administrative burden and promoting competition for small-dollar contracts.
Overview
FAR Part 13 establishes the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which are streamlined methods for acquiring goods and services by the federal government. The purpose of these procedures is to reduce administrative costs, improve efficiency, and promote competition for acquisitions that fall below certain dollar thresholds, including the micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds. The part is organized into subparts covering general procedures, micro-purchases, simplified acquisition methods (such as purchase orders and blanket purchase agreements), fast payment procedures, and special procedures for certain commercial products and services. FAR Part 13 also identifies laws and clauses that do not apply to contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, further simplifying the process for both agencies and contractors.
Key Rules
- Scope and Definitions
- Outlines the applicability of SAP and defines key terms used throughout the part.
- Purpose and Policy
- Explains the intent to streamline procurement and promote competition for smaller acquisitions.
- Procedures and Methods
- Details the steps for soliciting, evaluating, and awarding simplified acquisitions, including use of purchase cards, purchase orders, and BPAs.
- Micro-Purchase Guidelines
- Provides special rules for purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold, including reduced requirements and increased flexibility.
- Fast Payment and Commercial Item Procedures
- Allows for expedited payment and simplified processes for certain commercial acquisitions.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must follow SAP rules, ensure competition, document decisions, and use appropriate methods for each threshold.
- Contractors: Must comply with simplified procedures, respond to solicitations, and fulfill contract requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance, maintain source lists, and ensure proper use of SAP.
Practical Implications
- FAR Part 13 exists to make small-dollar federal acquisitions faster and less burdensome.
- It impacts daily contracting by reducing paperwork, speeding up awards, and encouraging small business participation.
- Common pitfalls include misunderstanding thresholds, failing to promote competition, or misapplying SAP to ineligible acquisitions.
13.004 Legal effect of quotations.
13.006 Inapplicable provisions and clauses.
13.103 Use of standing price quotations.
13.105 Synopsis and posting requirements.
13.106 Soliciting competition, evaluation of quotations or offers, award and documentation.
13.106-1 Soliciting competition.
13.106-2 Evaluation of quotations or offers.
13.106-3 Award and documentation.
Subpart 13.2 - Actions At or Below the Micro-Purchase Threshold
13.202 Unenforceability of unauthorized obligations in micro-purchases.
Subpart 13.3 - Simplified Acquisition Methods
13.301 Governmentwide commercial purchase card.
13.302-2 Unpriced purchase orders.
13.302-3 Obtaining contractor acceptance and modifying purchase orders.
13.302-4 Termination or cancellation of purchase orders.
13.303 Blanket purchase agreements (BPAs).
13.303-2 Establishment of BPAs.
13.303-5 Purchases under BPAs.
13.305 Imprest funds and third party drafts.
13.305-2 Agency responsibilities.
13.306 SF 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher.
Subpart 13.4 - Fast Payment Procedure
13.403 Preparation and execution of orders.
Subpart 13.5 - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services