General
FAR 13.201 streamlines micro-purchases but enforces strict prohibitions and compliance requirements, making it essential for contracting professionals to stay updated on thresholds and restricted products or services.
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 and establishes the Governmentwide commercial purchase card as the preferred payment method. Purchases at or below the threshold can use any authorized method, provided the purchaser is trained and authorized. Most FAR provisions and clauses are not required for micro-purchases, except as specified in 13.202 and 32.1110. However, requirements from FAR Part 8 (Required Sources of Supplies and Services) and 23.1 (Sustainable Acquisition Policy) still apply. The section also details increased micro-purchase thresholds for certain emergency, contingency, or disaster-related acquisitions, and outlines specific prohibitions on purchases involving Kaspersky Lab products, covered telecommunications equipment, TikTok, certain supply chain sources, and unmanned aircraft systems. Exemptions from System for Award Management (SAM) debt checks for micro-purchases made with the purchase card are also provided.
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 Methods and Training
- Purchases must be made by authorized and trained personnel using approved methods.
- Clauses and Provisions
- Micro-purchases generally do not require FAR clauses, except as specified.
- Applicability of Other FAR Parts
- Requirements from FAR Parts 8 and 23.1 still apply to micro-purchases.
- Increased Thresholds for Emergencies
- Higher micro-purchase thresholds apply for certain contingency, disaster, or emergency operations.
- Prohibitions
- Restrictions apply to purchases involving Kaspersky Lab, covered telecom equipment, TikTok, certain supply chain sources, and drones.
- SAM Exemption
- Purchase card micro-purchases are exempt from SAM debt checks under the Treasury Offset Program.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure micro-purchases comply with all applicable prohibitions, thresholds, and required procedures; delegate authority appropriately; verify training and authorization of purchasers.
- Contractors: Avoid offering prohibited products or services; comply with all relevant restrictions and requirements for micro-purchases.
- Agencies: Oversee delegation, training, and compliance with prohibitions and reporting as required.
Practical Implications
This section streamlines small-dollar purchases, reducing administrative burden while maintaining key compliance safeguards. Contractors must be vigilant about prohibited products and services, even for micro-purchases. Agencies and contracting officers must ensure proper delegation, training, and adherence to evolving prohibitions and thresholds. Common pitfalls include overlooking new prohibitions or failing to use the preferred payment method.