8.401 Definitions
Source: FAR 8.401 on acquisition.gov
Understanding these definitions is critical for proper participation and compliance in the Federal Supply Schedules (MAS) procurement process.
Overview
FAR 8.401 provides definitions for key terms used throughout Subpart 8.4, which governs the use of Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), also known as the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. These definitions clarify the roles and terminology relevant to ordering activities, MAS contracts, requiring agencies, Schedules e-Library, and Special Item Numbers (SINs). Understanding these terms is essential for proper compliance and navigation of the FSS procurement process, as they establish the foundational language for placing orders, establishing BPAs, and identifying eligible participants and contract structures.
Key Rules
- Ordering Activity
- Defines which entities are authorized to place orders or establish BPAs under GSA MAS contracts.
- Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
- Explains the nature of MAS contracts, awarded to multiple suppliers for similar goods or services at varying prices.
- Requiring Agency
- Identifies the agency with the need for supplies or services.
- Schedules e-Library
- Establishes the official online source for MAS contract award information.
- Special Item Number (SIN)
- Defines how supplies or services are grouped under MAS contracts.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must use these definitions to ensure proper application of Subpart 8.4 procedures.
- Contractors: Should understand these terms to accurately interpret solicitation and contract requirements.
- Agencies: Must identify their status as ordering or requiring agencies and use the correct resources for MAS procurement.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures all parties use consistent terminology, reducing confusion and errors in the MAS procurement process.
- Misunderstanding these definitions can lead to improper ordering, eligibility issues, or non-compliance with FSS procedures.
As used in this subpart-
Ordering activity means an activity that is authorized to place orders, or establish blanket purchase agreements (BPA), against the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule contracts. A list of eligible ordering activities is available at http://www.gsa.gov/schedules" target="_blank">http://www.gsa.gov/schedules (click "For Customers Ordering from Schedules" and then "Eligibility to Use GSA Sources").
Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) means contracts awarded by GSA or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for similar or comparable supplies, or services, established with more than one supplier, at varying prices. The primary statutory authorities for the MAS program are http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section152(3)&num=0&edition=prelim" target="_blank">41 U.S.C. 152(3), Competitive Procedures, and http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title40-section501&num=0&edition=prelim" target="_blank">40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies.
Requiring agency means the agency needing the supplies or services.
Schedules e-Library means the on-line source for GSA and VA Federal Supply Schedule contract award information. Schedules e-Library may be accessed at http://www.gsa.gov/elibrary" target="_blank">http://www.gsa.gov/elibrary.
Special Item Number (SIN) means a group of generically similar (but not identical) supplies or services that are intended to serve the same general purpose or function.