13.002
Purpose
FAR 13.002 establishes that simplified acquisition procedures are designed to streamline procurement, reduce costs, and expand opportunities for small businesses.
Overview
FAR 13.002 outlines the purpose of the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), emphasizing the need to streamline government procurement processes for lower-value contracts. The section aims to reduce administrative costs, enhance contracting opportunities for various small business categories, promote efficiency and economy, and minimize unnecessary burdens for both agencies and contractors. This foundational guidance sets the tone for all procedures and requirements under Part 13, focusing on making government acquisitions faster, less complex, and more accessible, especially for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Key Rules
- Reduce Administrative Costs
- SAP is designed to lower the time and expense associated with government contracting.
- Improve Small Business Opportunities
- The procedures prioritize fair access for small, disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
- Promote Efficiency and Economy
- The rules encourage streamlined processes to achieve better value and faster results.
- Avoid Unnecessary Burdens
- Both agencies and contractors should benefit from simplified, less onerous requirements.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Apply SAP to eligible acquisitions, ensuring reduced administrative effort and increased small business participation.
- Contractors: Understand that SAP is intended to make participation easier, especially for small businesses.
- Agencies: Oversee implementation to ensure efficiency, fairness, and compliance with small business goals.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to justify and guide the use of SAP, making government contracting more accessible and less costly.
- It impacts daily contracting by allowing for faster, less formal procurement methods, particularly benefiting small businesses.
- Common pitfalls include failing to maximize small business participation or overcomplicating procedures meant to be simple.