General
FAR 13.201 streamlines micro-purchases but enforces strict prohibitions and compliance requirements, making it essential to verify authority, training, and product eligibility for every transaction.
Overview
FAR 13.201 outlines the general rules and requirements for government purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold. It encourages agency heads to delegate micro-purchase authority, establishes the Governmentwide commercial purchase card as the preferred payment method, and clarifies that micro-purchases can be made using various authorized methods. The section also specifies that most FAR provisions and clauses do not apply to micro-purchases, with certain exceptions. It addresses special thresholds for contingency operations and emergencies, and highlights prohibitions on purchases involving Kaspersky Lab products, covered telecommunications equipment, TikTok, certain supply chain sources, and unmanned aircraft systems. Additionally, it exempts micro-purchases made with the purchase card from certain debt verification requirements and reinforces compliance with other applicable FAR parts, such as those related to supply schedules and environmental requirements.
Key Rules
- Delegation of Authority
- Agency heads are encouraged to delegate micro-purchase authority to appropriate personnel.
- Preferred Payment Method
- The Governmentwide commercial purchase card should be used for micro-purchases whenever possible.
- Authorized Purchasing Methods
- Purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold may use any authorized method if the purchaser is trained and authorized.
- Clauses and Provisions
- Micro-purchases generally do not require FAR provisions or clauses, except as specified in 13.202 and 32.1110.
- Applicability of Other FAR Parts
- Requirements in FAR Part 8 (supply schedules) and Part 23.1 (environmental requirements) still apply.
- Special Thresholds for Emergencies
- Higher micro-purchase thresholds apply for certain contingency, disaster, or emergency operations ($20,000 domestic, $35,000 overseas).
- Prohibited Purchases
- Restrictions apply to Kaspersky Lab products, covered telecom equipment, TikTok, certain supply chain sources, and drones.
- SAM Exemption
- Micro-purchases with the purchase card are exempt from TOP debt verification in SAM.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure micro-purchases comply with all applicable prohibitions, thresholds, and authorized methods; verify training and authority of purchasers; apply relevant FAR parts and prohibitions.
- Contractors: Avoid offering or providing prohibited products or services; comply with all applicable restrictions and requirements for micro-purchases.
- Agencies: Delegate authority appropriately, provide training, and oversee compliance with all micro-purchase requirements and prohibitions.
Practical Implications
- This section streamlines small purchases while maintaining key compliance safeguards and prohibitions.
- It allows flexibility in purchasing methods but requires vigilance regarding prohibited sources and products.
- Common pitfalls include overlooking new or updated prohibitions (e.g., telecom, TikTok, drones) and failing to ensure purchaser authorization and training.