Subpart 13.5
Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services
FAR Subpart 13.5 enables streamlined, less burdensome acquisition procedures for certain commercial products and services above the simplified acquisition threshold, but requires careful documentation and adherence to competition requirements.
Overview
FAR Subpart 13.5 establishes simplified acquisition procedures for the procurement of certain commercial products and commercial services that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold but do not exceed $7.5 million (or $15 million for acquisitions supporting contingency operations or certain other exceptions). This subpart allows agencies to use streamlined procedures, reducing administrative burden and accelerating the acquisition process for eligible commercial items. It also outlines special documentation requirements to ensure transparency and accountability when using these simplified procedures.
Key Rules
- Applicability and Thresholds
- Simplified procedures apply to commercial product and service acquisitions above the simplified acquisition threshold and up to $7.5 million ($15 million for contingency or specific exceptions).
- Streamlined Procedures
- Agencies may use less formal, more flexible procedures for solicitation, evaluation, and award, provided the acquisition is for eligible commercial items.
- Special Documentation
- Contracting officers must document the basis for award decisions and compliance with competition requirements, even when using simplified procedures.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine eligibility, apply appropriate procedures, and ensure required documentation is completed.
- Contractors: Must comply with solicitation requirements and provide necessary information for evaluation.
- Agencies: Must oversee proper use of these procedures and maintain records for audit and review.
Practical Implications
- This subpart exists to speed up and simplify the acquisition of commercial products and services within specified dollar limits.
- It reduces paperwork and process time, but still requires careful documentation and compliance with competition rules.
- Common pitfalls include misapplying thresholds, failing to document decisions, or overlooking competition requirements.