13.303-5
Purchases under BPAs
Purchases under BPAs must comply with competition, threshold, and documentation requirements to ensure proper use and oversight.
Overview
FAR 13.303-5 outlines the procedures and requirements for making purchases under Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs). It establishes the conditions under which BPAs may be used, sets purchase thresholds, and details documentation and competition requirements. The section ensures that purchases under BPAs comply with applicable laws and regulations, maintain competition, and are properly documented.
Key Rules
- Authorized Use of BPAs
- BPAs can only be used for purchases that are otherwise authorized by law or regulation.
- Purchase Thresholds
- Individual purchases under BPAs generally cannot exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, with exceptions for certain commercial acquisitions and specific authorities.
- Competition and Set-Asides
- The existence of a BPA does not justify sole-source purchases or avoidance of small business set-asides; competition and set-aside requirements still apply.
- Ensuring Competition
- If there are not enough BPAs to ensure competition for purchases above the micro-purchase threshold, contracting officers must solicit additional sources and consider establishing more BPAs.
- Documentation Requirements
- Documentation should be limited to essential information, with electronic or oral purchases preferred unless a paper document is necessary. Essential elements must be recorded, and proper receipt and acceptance must be documented.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure purchases comply with thresholds, competition, and documentation requirements; solicit additional sources if needed; establish more BPAs when appropriate.
- Contractors: Provide required documentation and comply with competition and set-aside requirements.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with BPA procedures and maintain proper records.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures BPAs are used appropriately, purchases remain competitive, and documentation is efficient but sufficient. Contractors and contracting officers must be vigilant about thresholds, competition, and record-keeping to avoid compliance issues.